Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-1

III. Affected Environment 

3.1 Introduction 

This chapter provides a description of the manmade and natural environments on and near the 

existing helicopter air tour facilities at McCarran International Airport and the proposed Heliport site. 

The “existing condition” year for this analysis is 2004 to be consistent with the LAS FAR Part 150 

Noise Compatibility Study Update [III-1]. When available, historical data for 2005 and/or 2006 are 

also provided in this chapter. 

This chapter also describes the existing conditions for environmental resource categories, as 

described in FAA Order 1050.1E, paragraph 403 and Order 5050.4B, paragraph 706, that are 

applicable to the study areas. These resource categories include: 

x Noise

x Compatible land use 

x Demographics and socioeconomic profile 

x Air quality 

x Department of Transportation, Section 4(f) lands, wilderness, and Areas of critical 

environmental concern1

x Historic, architectural, archaeological, and cultural resources and Native American religious 

concerns1

x Fish, wildlife, and plants and invasive, nonnative species1

x Federally listed threatened and endangered species 

x Floodplains and floodways 

x Water quality 

x Hazardous materials, pollution prevention, and solid waste

x Visual resources2

The following environmental resources are not present within the study areas (see Section 3.2) and 

therefore, would not be affected by the Proposed Action or the No Action alternative: wetlands, 

coastal resources, wild and scenic rivers, farmlands, and wild horses and burros. Chapter IV, 

Environmental Consequences, describes the potential and specific environmental effects of the 

alternatives selected for detailed evaluation, as set forth in Chapter II, Alternatives. 

3.2 Study Areas 

Three study areas were developed for this EA to describe the existing conditions in the Las Vegas 

region and to consider the potential direct and indirect impacts of the Proposed Action and the No 

Action alternative: Area of Disturbance, Overflight Area, and the Las Vegas region. 

3.2.1 Area of Disturbance 

The Area of Disturbance includes land within the Heliport site boundary (about 229 acres of land) 

and areas that would be affected by the extension of electrical power, water, and communication 

utilities to the site (see Exhibit III-1). 

1

 “Critical Elements of the Human Environment”, as listed in Appendix 5 of the BLM’s NEPA Handbook 

H-1790-1. 2

 Visual resources, as detailed in the BLM’s Visual Resource Management (VRM) 8400 series manuals. See 

Section 3.16. 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-2

The proposed utility corridor is located south of St Rose Parkway and north of Jean, Nevada, and 

generally parallels I-15 and Las Vegas Boulevard South. Utilities to be installed or improved within 

the corridor include above-ground and underground power lines, an underground communication 

line, and an underground water pipeline. (See Section 1.3 for a description of the Proposed Action.) 

For purposes of analysis in this EA, a 200-foot wide utility corridor was assumed as part of the Area 

of Disturbance, except for a portion adjacent to and west of the Heliport site for which a 400 foot 

wide corridor was assumed. The permanent right-of-way, which would be located within the 

assumed 200-foot wide corridor, would be a maximum of 50 feet in width for each utility line; an 

additional 50-foot wide temporary right-of-way for construction would also be required. 

3.2.2 Overflight Area 

The Overflight Area includes (1) a one-mile radius around the proposed Heliport site and the west 

side of McCarran International Airport where existing helicopter tour facilities are located; (2) the 

existing Grand Canyon helicopter air tour flight corridors; and (3) three potential flight corridors3

analyzed as part of the Proposed Action. 

The boundary of the Overflight Area, which is defined by the location of existing helicopter flight 

corridors and potential helicopter flight corridors, is depicted on Exhibit III-2. As shown on 

Exhibit III-2, the eastern boundary of the Overflight Area is the Rendezvous Point, beyond which the 

flight corridors to and from the Grand Canyon would remain unchanged. 

3.2.3 Las Vegas Region 

The Las Vegas region includes Clark County as a whole. The discussions on noise, air quality, 

demographics and socioeconomic profile include a discussion of the existing condition within Clark 

County. Department of Transportation, Section 4(f) lands include discussion of the existing 

condition in the Las Vegas region as a whole. 

3.3 Historical and Forecast Helicopter Air Tour Demand 

This section provides a summary of the historical and forecast helicopter air tour demand, as 

documented in the Heliport Forecasts [I-12]. 

3.3.1 Historical Helicopter Air Tour Demand 

The helicopter air tour industry in Southern Nevada has grown over the past several years. 

According to statistics produced using AirScene data, Grand Canyon helicopter air tour activity at 

McCarran increased an average of 20.7 percent per year between 2001 and 2004. In comparison, 

3

 The CCDOA consulted with the helicopter operators, the FAA, and other stakeholders to identify potential 

flight corridors associated with the Heliport site. In accordance with Public Law 109-115 the McCullough 

flight corridor represents the only route that can be used by Grand Canyon helicopter tour operators to cross the 

Sloan Canyon NCA if the flight is starting from or ending at the Heliport site. Because neither the CCDOA nor 

the FAA has the authority to mandate flight corridors or the use of those corridors in uncontrolled airspace, the 

flight corridors depicted in the Draft EA are intended to be illustrative of where Grand Canyon helicopters 

would fly under the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives and are the best available for analysis 

purposes. The Proposed Action does not include any proposal to establish or implement mandatory flight 

corridors. 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Area of Disturbance

Sources: Clark County Department of Aviation; AirPhotoUSA, February 2007 (aerial photograph); SWCA Environmental Consultants (area of disturbance).

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

Henderson Henderson

Jean

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

Lake Mead Dr.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Proposed utility

corridor

Proposed utility

corridor

Henderson Executive Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-1

Primary road

0 7,000 feet

Railroad

Secondary/State road

Jurisdictional boundary

Proposed heliport site area

Note: The area of disturbance includes areas that could be

affected by construction or the extension of utilities to the site.

National Conservation Area or Wilderness Area

Area of disturbance
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation

North Las Vegas

Airport

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Overflight Area

Sources: Clark County Department of Aviation; Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007.

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

^_

Henderson Henderson

Eldorado

Wilderness Area

Black Canyon

Wilderness Area

Pinto Valley

Wilderness Area

Lake Mead National

Recreation Area

Boulder City Boulder City

Las Vegas Las Vegas

Boulder City Boulder City

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

McCarran International

Airport

Rendezvous

Point

A

160

159

41

165

161

Lake Mead

§ ̈¦215

£¤95

£¤95

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

£¤95

L

Sunrise Mountain Natural Area

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

South McCullough

Wilderness Area

Henderson

Executive

Airport

Boulder City

Municipal Airport

Jean Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-2

^_ Proposed heliport site

Primary road

National Conservation Area, Wilderness Area,

Natural Area, or National Recreation Area

0 4 miles

Railroad

Secondary/State road

Jurisdictional boundary

Flight path allowed by Congressional legislation for helicopter

tours originating or concluding at the South of Sloan site and

crossing the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Overflight area

Boulder City conservation easement
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport III-5 December 2008 

Affected Environment 

total air carrier aircraft operations at McCarran increased an average of 4.3 percent per year over the 

same period. Helicopter air tour activity to the Grand Canyon has, therefore, increased at a higher 

rate than air carrier aircraft operations in the region in recent years. 

In 2004, annual helicopter departures totaled 33,190 Grand Canyon tours and 11,501 Las Vegas Strip 

tours. In 2005, annual helicopter departures totaled 37,595 Grand Canyon tours and 

12,775 Las Vegas Strip tours. In 2006, annual helicopter departures totaled 36,865 Grand Canyon 

tours and 12,045 Las Vegas Strip tours. Assuming a load of 5.5 enplaned passengers per helicopter 

departure based on the helicopter fleet mix, air tour helicopters carried about 182,550 passengers on 

tours of the Grand Canyon and about 63,260 passengers on tours of the Las Vegas Strip and in 2004. 

In 2005, air tour helicopters carried about 206,772 passengers on tours of the Grand Canyon and 

about 70,262 passengers on tours of the Las Vegas Strip. In 2006, air tour helicopters carried about 

202,757 passengers on tours of the Grand Canyon and about 66,247 passengers on tours of the 

Las Vegas Strip. The actual 2006 Grand Canyon annual tour departures are within about 

three percent of the number of departures forecasted in 2004 for 2006. 

3.3.2 Current Helicopter Tour Operators 

As of 2007, four commercial helicopter operators provided helicopter air tours from their base at 

McCarran. A fifth commercial helicopter operator, offering helicopter training and local tours, is 

partially based at North Las Vegas Airport. Helicopter tours are also conducted at the Boulder City 

Municipal Airport by an operator who is also based at McCarran. Multiple sites on the west side of 

McCarran are currently used as bases for the four helicopter tour operators operating at McCarran. 

These helicopter facilities are located about two miles south of Caesars Palace, a location that is 

considered the center of the helicopter air tour customer base. Additional helicopters used for 

television news gathering, fire fighting, and executive charter flights are also based at McCarran and 

at other airports and private heliports located throughout the Las Vegas region. 

3.3.3 Forecast Helicopter Air Tour Demand 

Unconstrained forecasts of helicopter air tour passengers and operations in the Las Vegas region 

were approved in 2007 and are described in the Heliport Forecasts [I-12]. Helicopter tour activity 

based at McCarran in 2004 was used as the existing condition in the forecasts. Table III-1 

summarizes the forecast of helicopter air tour departures as derived from the Heliport Forecasts. An 

unconstrained growth rate of 4.0 percent per year is forecast through the planning period. As shown 

in Table III-1, based on the forecast growth rate, the number of Grand Canyon air tour departures is 

forecast to increase from about 33,190 in 2004 to 43,700 in 2011 and 55,200 in 2017. Daily 

departures for Grand Canyon air tours are forecast to increase from an average of 91 in 2004 to 120 

in 2011 and 151 in 2017. The total number of helicopter air tour departures, including Las Vegas 

Strip tour departures, is forecast to increase from 44,692 in 2004 to 58,900 in 2011 and 74,400 in 

2017.
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-6

Table III-1 

Forecast of Helicopter Air Tour Departures 

Las Vegas Strip Tours Grand Canyon Tours Total Tour Departures 

Year Annual Daily Annual Daily Annual Daily 

Historical 

2004 11,501 32 33,190 91 44,692 122

2005 12,775 35 37,595 103 50,370 138

2006 12,045 33 36,865 101 48,910 134

Forecast 

2011 15,200 41 43,700 120 58,900 161

2017 19,200 53 55,200 151 74,400 204

Notes:

Columns may not add to totals shown because of rounding. 

Forecasts are intended to represent general trends; therefore, some air tour departures reported in this table shows 

faster historical growth while other years show slower growth. 

Sources: Clark County Department of Aviation, using data from AirScene (2004-2006 departures); Ricondo & Associates, Inc. 

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008 

3.4 Physical Setting and Resources 

The natural environment in the Las Vegas region, including the climate, topography and drainage, 

soils, and mineral resources and mining, is described below. 

3.4.1 Climate 

The Las Vegas region has a warm climate, with an average annual temperature of 75 degrees 

Fahrenheit. The four seasons are well defined. In summer, the region experiences daytime 

maximum temperatures usually averaging about 100 degrees Fahrenheit with extreme summertime 

temperatures reaching 115 degrees Fahrenheit and higher on some occasions. The proximity of the 

mountains contributes to relatively cool summer nights with average temperatures in the mid 70s. 

Winter temperatures are generally mild, with the temperature dropping below freezing about 12 days 

per year. Daytime winter temperatures average near 60 degrees Fahrenheit with mostly clear skies. 

The spring and fall seasons are generally considered the most ideal, with average daily temperatures 

about 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although rather extreme temperature changes can occur during these 

months.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains of California and the Spring Mountains immediately west of the 

Las Vegas Valley, the latter rising to elevations over 10,000 feet above the Valley floor, act as 

effective barriers to moisture moving eastward from the Pacific Ocean. These barriers primarily 

result in a minimum of overcast and rainy days. The numbers of rainy days during a given month in 

the region can vary from less than one rainy day in June to three days during the winter months. 

Humidity is normally low, averaging 30 percent, but moist tropical air from the southwest affects the 

region from mid- to late summer months. 

3.4.2 Topography and Drainage 

Clark County is within the Basin and Range Physiographic Province. The topography of this 

Province is one of marked relief, with low-lying valley floors surrounded by steeply rising mountain 

ranges. Topography divides Nevada into a number of generally closed drainage basins. Both the 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport III-7 December 2008 

Affected Environment 

Heliport site and McCarran lie in the Las Vegas Valley hydrographic area. (See Section 3.8.2 for a 

discussion of Hydrographic Area 212, the Las Vegas Valley hydrographic area.) 

Portions of the Heliport site and areas to the east are hilly. The elevation of the Heliport site ranges 

from a low of about 3,000 feet above mean sea level (MSL) on the western side of the site to a high 

of about 3,340 feet above MSL in the southeastern corner of the site. Drainage on the site flows 

northwesterly. Major washes cross the southern third of the site and the southwestern tip of the site. 

3.4.3 Mineral Resources and Mining 

According to a database of mining claims4 maintained by the BLM, there are 12 mill site claims 

(“Apple Rose 6” through “Apple Rose 17” inclusive) that are on or partially on the Heliport site. No 

development or work has occurred on any of these mill site claims and no plans of operations have 

been submitted to or approved by BLM for any of them. Each of the 12 mill site claims is partially 

or totally within the proposed Transportation and Utility Corridor that was withdrawn from location 

and entry under the mining laws by the action of the BLM dated July 2, 2007, pursuant to 

section 501(b) of P.L. 107-282, the Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural 

Resources Act of 2002 [III-2]. 

There are no active mining claims within the Heliport site. Two mining claims of approximately 

20 acres each (“QU #15” and “QU #29”) in the same section as the Heliport site have been closed. 

Just north of the Heliport site, the BLM database shows four active mining claims. Just south of the 

Heliport site, the BLM database shows two active mining claims. No other mining claims were 

found in the BLM database. The Clark County Assessor’s Office database of land ownership records 

does not show private holdings (or patented mining claims) near the Heliport site.

Gravel was once mined from small pits to the south of the Heliport site and just west of the southern 

half of the site in the small wash that drains west-northwest; however no potentially significant 

mining material was found near the site. 

Part of the southwest corner of Heliport site (less than 10 acres) is utilized by the Nevada Department 

of Transportation (NDOT) as a material site5

 to extract gravel for regional transportation projects. 

3.5 Noise 

In accordance with FAA Orders 5050.4B and 1050.1E, aircraft noise exposure in the vicinity of 

McCarran International Airport and the Heliport site was analyzed for existing (2004) and future 

(2011 and 2017) conditions. Total aircraft noise exposure contours and helicopter noise exposure 

contours for existing (2004) conditions at McCarran are discussed in Section 3.5.1 below. Existing 

noise levels at the Heliport site and at other locations of interest within the Overflight Area are 

described in Section 3.5.2. A discussion of the noise analysis techniques, methodology, and 

assumptions used for the existing and future year noise analysis is provided in Appendix D.

4

 The BLM maintains an online database of mining claims, listed by quarter section. The claims in the database 

are unpatented mining claims; that is, no private land ownership is associated with the claims. 5

 NDOT site NEV044285 is used to extract gravel for regional transportation projects. 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-8

The primary metric used in the noise analysis is the day-night average sound level (DNL), which is 

the average sound pressure level in A-weighted decibels (dBA) for an average day of the year.6

 (See 

Appendix D for further details.) DNL is calculated using the sound energy generated by individual 

aircraft operations (arrivals or departures), the number of operations occurring during a theoretical 

average 24-hour period, and the times of day the operations occur. A 10-decibel (dB) weighting 

penalty is added for aircraft operations occurring during nighttime hours (between 10:00 p.m. and 

6:59 a.m.). The 10-dB penalty represents the added intrusiveness of sounds that occur during 

sleeping hours, both because of the increased sensitivity to noise during sleep, and because ambient 

sound levels during nighttime hours are typically about 10 dB lower than during daytime hours. 

With the penalty, each operation during nighttime hours is considered to be equivalent to 

10 operations of the same aircraft type during daytime hours (between 7:00 a.m. and 9:59 p.m.). 

The FAA’s Integrated Noise Model (INM), Version 6.1, was used to evaluate total aircraft noise 

exposure at McCarran International Airport.7

 INM Version 7.0, the most current version of the INM 

at the time this EA was prepared, was used for the helicopter noise exposure analysis documented in 

this EA.

The INM produces noise exposure contours, which are computer-generated drawings that depict 

areas of equal noise exposure resulting from aircraft overflights. Four specific ranges of noise 

exposure were estimated in the total aircraft noise analysis: (1) DNL 75 and higher, (2) DNL 70 to 

75, (3) DNL 65 to 70, and (4) DNL 60 to 65. 

Two specific ranges of noise exposure were estimated in the helicopter noise analysis: (1) DNL 65 

and higher and (2) DNL 60 to 65. Clark County agencies use information regarding noise exposure 

between DNL 60 and DNL 65 for local planning purposes; therefore DNL 60 noise contours are 

depicted on exhibits in this EA. 

3.5.1 McCarran International Airport 

Noise exposure contours representing total aircraft operations, including helicopter operations, at 

McCarran in 2004 are presented on Exhibit III-3 and are reproduced from the Noise Exposure Map 

Report, FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update. As shown on Exhibit III-3, although 

noise-sensitive land uses throughout the vicinity of McCarran are exposed to aircraft noise of 

DNL 65 and higher, the highest levels of aircraft noise exposure occur in areas west/southwest of 

McCarran. The primary contributors to aircraft noise in these areas are overflights by aircraft 

departing McCarran on Runways 25L and 25R. In 2004, about 54 percent of daytime air carrier 

aircraft departures and 82 percent of nighttime air carrier aircraft departures from McCarran occurred 

on Runways 25L and 25R. Departures on Runways 19L and 19R (accounting for about 25 percent of 

daytime departures and 9 percent of nighttime departures from McCarran in 2004) also contribute to 

aircraft noise in areas south/southwest of McCarran. 

6

 A-weighted sound pressure level is a frequency-weighted sound level that correlates with the way sound is 

perceived by the human ear. 7

 The total aircraft noise exposure contours were derived from the Noise Exposure Map Report, FAR Part 150 

Noise Compatibility Study Update, which was completed in November 2006. The FAA accepted the 2004 and 

2011 noise exposure maps for McCarran International Airport in July 2007. 

This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-10

Exhibit III-4 depicts 2004 noise exposure contours associated solely with helicopter operations at 

McCarran International Airport superimposed on a map of generalized existing land uses. The 2004 

helicopter noise exposure contours were developed by Brown-Buntin Associates, Inc. (BBA), using 

INM Version 7.0. As shown on Exhibit III-4, noise exposure levels of DNL 65 generated by 

helicopter tour operations in 2004 did not extend beyond McCarran’s property boundary. As can be 

seen by comparing Exhibits III-3 and III-4, the relative contribution of helicopter operations to the 

2004 DNL 65 noise exposure contour at McCarran was very minimal. Noise generated by helicopter 

operations at McCarran in 2004 was, relatively, overwhelmed by noise generated by fixed-wing 

aircraft operations. 

3.5.2 2004 Ambient Noise Monitoring Program 

As part of the preparation for this EA, the existing (2004) ambient noise environment in the vicinity 

of the Heliport site, and at other locations near and beneath the Overflight Area, was evaluated using 

a noise-monitoring program. Continuous noise monitoring for a minimum of 24 hours was 

conducted at the 10 locations depicted on Exhibit III-5. Two of the noise-monitoring locations 

represent alternative heliport sites, noted as McCarran International Airport and South of Sloan 

(Proposed Action) and eight of the locations are beneath the Overflight Area, noted as sites R1 

through R8. 

Noise monitoring locations were selected by BBA with input from the CCDOA and the BLM. The 

noise monitoring locations were selected to provide reference locations for assessing project-related 

noise impacts, which are discussed in Section 4.1. Noise level measurements were recorded during 

July and October 2004. Noise monitoring equipment consisted of Larson-Davis Laboratories (LDL) 

Model 820 sound level analyzers equipped with Bruel & Kjaer (B&K) Type 4176 0.5-inch 

microphones (see Appendix D for more details). 

In addition to the 10 sites noted above, ambient noise monitoring data from two locations beneath the 

Overflight Area, from an unrelated project conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration8

, was 

also evaluated and incorporated into this EA for informational purposes. Ambient noise monitoring 

was conducted by the FAA for 16-17 days at those locations. The FAA noise monitoring sites are 

depicted as L05 and L07 on Exhibit III-5. 

As previously mentioned, DNL is the average sound pressure level in A-weighted decibels for an 

average day of the year. Other statistical descriptors that are useful in describing the ambient noise 

characteristics of a specific location include Lmax, Leq, and L90. Such descriptors are typically 

calculated for each one-hour interval of the overall sample period. Lmax represents the highest noise 

level measured during a sample period and Leq represents the energy average noise level during the 

sample period. L90 describes the noise level exceeded 90 percent of the time during the sample 

period. L90 is useful for describing the background (or residual) noise in the absence of any easily 

defined noise events, such as those caused by occasional traffic, barking dogs, or aircraft overflights. 

The ambient noise monitoring results are summarized in Table III-2, which shows the locations and 

dates of the noise measurements, along with the range of hourly Lmax, Leq, and L90 values for the 

sampling periods. The FAA did not report Lmax values for Sites L05 and L07. Table III-2 also shows 

8

 Federal Aviation Administration, Baseline Ambient Sound Levels in Lake Mead National Recreation Area

(DOT-VNTSC-FAA-06-13), April 2006 
This page intentionally left blank 

This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviatio

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 200

Ambient Noise Monitor Location

Sources: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007; Clark County Department of Aviation; Brown-Buntin Associates, Inc. (sites R1 through R8); Federal Aviation Administration, "Baseline Ambient Sound Levels in Lake Mead National Recreation Area," April 2006 (sites L05 and L07).

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2008.

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

!(

3±

3±

Henderson Henderson

Tropicana

Charleston

Eldorado

Wilderness Area

Black Canyon

Wilderness Area

Pinto Valley

Wilderness Area

Boulder City Boulder City

Las Vegas Las Vegas

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

McCarran International

Airport

Rendezvous

Point

A

160

159

41

165

161

Lake Mead

§ ̈¦215

£¤95

£¤95

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

£¤95

L

Sunrise Mountain Natural Area

Lake Mead National

Recreation Area

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

South McCullough

Wilderness Area

R8

R7

R6

R5

R4

R3

R2

R1

L05

L07

Boulder City Boulder City

Jean Airport

Henderson

Executive

Airport

Boulder City

Municipal Airport

North Las Vegas

Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-

!( At alternative heliport site

Primary road

0 4 miles

Railroad

Secondary/State road

Jurisdictional boundary

DNL 69.2

DNL 46.8

DNL 45.1

DNL 49.4

DNL 50.2

DNL 56.2

DNL 55.1

DNL 59.7

DNL 50.6

DNL 62.2

Ambient noise monitors

Underneath or near potential and !( existing flight corridors

R1

DNL 60.0 Measured ambient DNL (see Table III-2)

Other features

McCarran International Airport existing flight corridor

to or from the Grand Canyon

Direction of traffic

Flight Corridor Identification

Charleston

Tropicana

Existing arrival flight corridor along Charleston

Boulevard

Existing departure flight corridor along Tropicana

Avenue

Helicopter flight corridors

National Conservation Area, Wilderness Area,

Natural Area, or National Recreation Area

Flight path allowed by Congressional legislation for helico

tours originating or concluding at the South of Sloan site a

crossing the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Overflight area

Boulder City conservation easement

L053±

FAA noise monitoring site

DNL 41.8

DNL 55.1

n

8

s

5

pter

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This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-13

Table III-2 

Summary of Noise Level Measurements – All Ambient Sources 

Hourly Noise Levels (dBA) 1/

Location Name Date Lmax Leq L90 DNL Source of Noise 

South of Sloan 07/01/04 61-79 51-65 46-57 69.2 Roadway traffic, railroad, and wind 

McCarran International Airport 08/03/04 63-83 50-62 48-55 62.2 Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and roadway traffic 

R1 10/13/04 40-73 23-59 18-45 50.6 Fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters 

R2 10/13/04 52-83 35-67 28-52 59.7 Fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and roadway traffic 

R3 10/13/04 49-75 38-56 34-49 55.1 Fixed-wing aircraft and wind 

R4 10/28/04 58-75 43-54 31-45 56.2 Construction activities and wind 2/

R5 10/28/04 29-77 19-55 18-30 50.2 Fixed-wing aircraft and wind 

R6 10/28/04 41-75 26-54 19-34 49.4 Fixed-wing aircraft and wind 

R7 10/28/04 38-72 23-52 19-39 46.8 Fixed-wing aircraft and wind 

R8 10/28/04 42-77 31-53 22-37 45.1 3/ Commercial activities and wind 

L05 4/ 05/06/04 – 

05/22/04 ʊ 6/ 25-42 17-28 41.8 5/ Aircraft, vehicles, visitors, gunfire, and wind 

L07 4/ 05/05/04 – 

05/21/04 ʊ 6/ 30-61 21-31 55.1 5/ Aircraft, vehicles, watercraft, water, and wind 

Notes:

dBA = A-weighted decibel 

DNL = Day-night average sound level 

1/ The range of hourly noise levels measured over a 24-hour period. Noise levels were measured over a 16-17-day period at L05 and L07. 

2/ Construction-related noise is expected to be temporary. 

3/ Commercial activities include the Jean Sport Aviation Center and casino hotel. 

4/ FAA ambient noise monitoring site and data as described in Baseline Ambient Sound Levels in Lake Mead National Recreation Area 

(DOT-VNTSC-FAA-06-13), April 2006. 

5/ DNL values estimated based upon hourly Leq data measured by the FAA, as referenced in Note 4 above. 

6/ FAA did not report Lmax values for Sites L05 and L07. 

Source: Brown-Buntin Associates, Inc., January 2005 

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., December 2008 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport III-14 December 2008 

Affected Environment 

the measured DNL for the sample period at Sites R1-R8 and at the two alternative heliport sites and 

the sources of ambient noise that were noted while an observer was present. The DNL values 

reported in Table III-2 for FAA Sites L05 and L07 were estimated from average hourly Leq data since 

the FAA did not report measured DNL values for those sites. The measured or estimated DNLs for 

the sample periods at each location are also presented on Exhibit III-5. 

The ambient acoustical environment at each of the noise monitoring locations is described below. 

Appendix D provides exhibits summarizing the hourly noise levels measured at each location, along 

with the measured or estimated DNL for the noise-monitoring periods. A photograph of each noise 

monitoring location and the noise monitoring equipment setup is included with each exhibit. The 

exhibits demonstrate that ambient noise levels vary during the day and night, with the lowest noise 

levels generally occurring during the late night and early morning hours. 

3.5.2.1 Proposed Heliport Site 

The Heliport site is located in an undeveloped area on the east side of I-15 and the Union Pacific 

Railroad corridor. Primary noise sources affecting the environs around the Heliport site are freeway 

traffic and railroad operations, although small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters occasionally fly 

along the interstate corridor. Noise measurements were recorded on July 1, 2004. Measured hourly 

background noise levels, as defined by the L90, ranged from 46 to 57 dBA and the measured DNL for 

the 24-hour sample period was 69.2. This measurement primarily reflected roadway traffic and 

wind. Appendix D presents a summary of hourly noise levels at the Heliport site for the 

noise-monitoring period. 

3.5.2.2 McCarran International Airport 

The primary noise sources at McCarran International Airport are fixed-wing jet aircraft. As the site 

is located close to existing major roadways, roadway traffic is also a primary noise source affecting 

the area. Noise measurements were recorded on August 3, 2004, at a location near the University of 

Nevada, Las Vegas, just north of McCarran. This location is affected by noise from fixed-wing 

aircraft, roadway traffic, and existing helicopter air tour operations along the Tropicana flight 

corridor. Measured hourly background noise levels, as defined by the L90, ranged from 48 to 55 dBA 

and the measured DNL for the 24-hour sample period was 62.2. Maximum noise levels from 

individual aircraft operations ranged from 75 to 85 dBA. Appendix D provides an exhibit that 

summarizes hourly noise levels for the noise-monitoring period at McCarran. 

According to the LAS FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update, the number of households 

and people estimated to have been exposed to all sources of aircraft noise of DNL 65 and higher in 

2004 were 2,189 and 4,286, respectively. 

3.5.2.3 Ambient Noise Levels at Other Locations in the Overflight Area 

Noise monitoring locations R1 through R8 and FAA locations L05 and L07 as shown on 

Exhibit III-5, represent areas that currently experience helicopter overflights or that could experience 

helicopter overflights if a heliport were constructed at the Heliport site. Locations R1, R2, and L07 

are in areas that currently experience helicopter air tour flights originating at McCarran. Locations 

R3 through R8, and L05 are in areas not currently affected by such flights. Locations L05 and L07 

are located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LMNRA). Location R1 is just outside 

the western boundary of the LMNRA and locations R4 through R6 are within the Sloan Canyon 

National Conservation Area (NCA) and/or North McCullough Wilderness Area. Noise sources 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-15

affecting the noise monitoring locations included wind over the ground and in the sparse vegetation 

of the area and, in most cases, aircraft overflights. Most of the locations were affected by overflights 

of air carrier jet aircraft associated with operations at McCarran. Smaller fixed-wing aircraft 

operating at McCarran, the Henderson Executive Airport, and the Boulder City Municipal Airport 

were also observed to overfly locations R5, R6, and R7. Measured hourly background noise levels, 

as defined by the L90, ranged from a low of 17-18 dBA at locations R1, R5, and L05, to a high of 

52 dBA at location R2. The measured or estimated DNLs for the 24-hour sample periods ranged 

from 41.8 at location L05 to 59.7 at location R2. Exhibits in Appendix D summarize hourly noise 

levels during the noise monitoring periods for the representative noise monitoring locations. 

3.6 Compatible Land Use 

Federal agencies have adopted guidelines for compatible land uses and environmental noise levels. 

On the basis of extensive research on the effects of noise on people, it has been determined that noise 

levels that are incompatible with residential land uses may be compatible with commercial and 

industrial land uses, including stores and factories [III-3]. The FAA has developed land use 

compatibility guidelines relating types of land uses to aircraft noise levels. 14 CFR Part 150, Airport 

Noise Compatibility Planning [III-4], sets forth compatibility guidelines for residential, public, 

commercial, manufacturing, and recreational land uses, as presented in Table III-3.

3.6.1 Existing Land Uses 

Generalized existing land uses on and in the vicinity of the Heliport site and in the vicinity of the 

west side of McCarran are described below. The exhibits in this section depict existing land uses and 

not land ownership. The source of the existing land use data is the Clark County Tax Assessor’s 

Office; however the land use classifications have been simplified/generalized to be more consistent 

with land use classifications in 14 CFR Part 150. 

3.6.1.1 Proposed Heliport Site 

Exhibit III-6 presents generalized existing land uses on and in the vicinity of the Heliport site. The 

site is vacant and undeveloped. A vacant 20-acre NDOT materials site is located on the southwestern 

portion of the site. Vacant and undeveloped BLM-managed land surrounds the Heliport site. The 

nearest developments are more than one mile from the site and are public land uses. The boundary of 

the Sloan Canyon NCA is about 2.3 miles east of the Heliport site.

3.6.1.2 McCarran International Airport 

Exhibit III-7 depicts the generalized existing land uses in the vicinity of McCarran International 

Airport. As shown, McCarran is just south of an extensively developed area. The Las Vegas Strip, 

with a wide array of casinos and hotels, begins northwest of McCarran and extends southward to and 

along McCarran’s west side. Recent trends have included expansion of the Strip further south as the 

demand for new resorts and hotel facilities has increased. The areas north and east of McCarran are 

primarily occupied by high-density residential developments and some religious facilities, schools, 

and neighborhood shopping centers. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is less than one mile 

northeast of McCarran. The land south, southeast, and southwest of McCarran are developed with 

low-density single-family residential, high-density residential, and commercial and industrial 

developments have been constructed in those areas. Industrial developments are located southwest 

of McCarran near the interchange of I-15 and Blue Diamond Road. New industrial uses west of I-15 

extend almost to Valley View Boulevard. 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport III-16 December 2008 

Affected Environment 

Table III-3 

Suggested Land Use Compatibility Guidelines in Aircraft Noise Exposure Areas 

Land Use DNL 65 to 70 DNL 70 to 75 DNL 75+ 

Residential 

Residential other than mobile homes and transient NLR required 1/ NLR required 1/ Incompatible 

lodgings 

Mobile homes 

Transient lodgings 

Incompatible 

NLR required 1/ Incompatible  NLR required 1/ Incompatible  Incompatible 

Public Use 

NLR required 1/

NLR required 1/

 NLR required 1/

 NLR required 1/

 Incompatible 

 Incompatible 

Schools, hospitals, and nursing homes 

Churches, auditoriums, and concert halls 

Governmental services 

Transportation

Parking 

Compatible 

 Compatible 

Compatible 

NLR required 2/ Compatible 2/ CompatibleNLR required2/ Compatible 2/ Compatible 

Commercial Use 

NLR required 

Compatible 

NLR required 2/ Compatible 

NLR required 2/

2/ Compatible 

Offices, business, and professional 

Wholesale and retail—building materials, 

hardware, and farm equipment 

Retail trade—general 

Utilities 

NLR required 

Compatible 

NLR required 2/ Compatible

NLR required2/ Compatible 

Communication NLR required NLR required NLR required

Manufacturing and Production 

Compatible 2/ Compatible 2/ Manufacturing—general Compatible 

Photographic and optical Compatible NLR required NLR required

Agriculture (except livestock) and forestry Compatible Compatible Compatible 

Livestock farming and breeding Compatible Compatible Incompatible 

Mining and fishing resources production and Compatible Compatible Compatible 

extraction 

Recreational 3/ Compatible 

Incompatible 

3/ Compatible 

Incompatible 

 Incompatible 

Incompatible 

Outdoor sports arenas and spectator sports 

Outdoor music shells, amphitheaters 

Nature exhibits and zoos 

Amusements, parks, resorts, and camps 

Golf courses, riding stables, and water recreation 

Compatible 

Compatible 

Compatible 

Incompatible 

Compatible 

Compatible 

Incompatible 

Incompatible 

Incompatible 

DNL = Day-night average sound level, in A-weighted decibels. 

Compatible = Generally, no special noise attenuating materials are required to achieve an interior noise level of 

DNL 45 in habitable spaces, or the activity (whether indoors or outdoors) would not be subject to 

a significant adverse effect by the outdoor noise level. 

Incompatible = Generally, the land use, whether in a structure or an outdoor activity, is considered to be 

incompatible with the outdoor noise level even if special attenuating materials were to be used in 

the construction of the building. 

NLR = Noise Level Reduction. NLR is used to denote the total amount of noise transmission loss in 

decibels required to reduce an exterior noise level in habitable interior spaces to DNL 45. In most 

places, typical building construction automatically provides an NLR of 20 decibels. Therefore, if a 

structure is located in an area exposed to aircraft noise of DNL 65, the interior noise level would 

be about DNL 45. If the structure is located in an area exposed to aircraft noise of DNL 70, the 

interior noise level would be about DNL 50, so an additional NLR of 5 decibels would be required 

if not afforded by the normal construction. This NLR can be achieved through the use of noise 

attenuating materials in the construction of the structure. 

Notes:

1/ The land use is generally incompatible with aircraft noise and should only be permitted in areas of 

 infill in existing neighborhoods or where the community determines that the use must be allowed. 

2/ NLR required in offices or other areas with noise-sensitive activities. 

3/ Provided that special sound reinforcement systems are installed. 

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Aviation Regulations Part 150, Airport Noise 

Compatibility Planning, Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Chapter I, Subchapter I, Part 150, Table 1, January 18, 1985, 

as amended. 

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Generalized Existing Land Uses

in the Vicinity of the Area of Disturbance

Sources: SWCA Environmental Consultants (area of disturbance); Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007, based on existing land use data provided by the Clark County Department of Aviation, February 2005.

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

î

å

å

å

Unincorporated

Clark County

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

Jean

Unincorporated

Clark County

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

City of

Henderson

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

Lake Mead Dr.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Proposed utility

corridor

Proposed utility

corridor

Henderson Executive

Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-6

0 7,000 feet

* Recreation includes commercial and non-profit

recreational facilities

Street

Interstate highway

U.S. route

Jurisdictional boundary

Vacant / open space

Park / recreation*

Mobile home

Commercial

Industrial

Public

Proposed heliport site area

n School

î Religious facility

G Hospital

^ Structure listed in National Register of Historic Places

# Day care

Noise sensitive facilities

Other features

Generalized existing land uses

Residential multi-family

Residential single-family

§ ̈¦

£¤

Railroad

Note: The area of disturbance includes areas that could be

affected by construction or the extension of utilities to the site.

Area of disturbance
This page intentionally left blank 

This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-19

3.6.1.3 Existing Land uses beneath Overflight Area 

Generalized existing land uses beneath the Overflight Area are shown on Exhibit III-8. Much of the 

Overflight Area is undeveloped open space administered by the BLM. The Lake Mead National 

Recreation Area is administered by the National Park Service and is classified as park/recreation on 

Exhibit III-8. 

3.6.2 Planned Land Uses 

Clark County is divided into numerous planning areas covering incorporated jurisdictions and 

unincorporated areas. Exhibit III-9 depicts planning areas in the Las Vegas region, including Clark 

County and incorporated cities. Planned land use recommendations for incorporated cities 

(Henderson, Boulder City, and Las Vegas) are addressed in comprehensive plans/land use plans 

developed by various city departments. Planned land use recommendations for unincorporated 

portions of Clark County are addressed in land use plans developed by the Clark County Department 

of Comprehensive Planning and adopted by the Clark County Board of County Commissioners. The 

Clark County Board of County Commissioners has adopted development plans and guides for the 

unincorporated towns of Enterprise, Goodsprings (the South County Planning Area), Whitney, and 

Winchester and Paradise and for unincorporated areas south of the Las Vegas Valley (the South 

County Planning Area). 

The exhibits in this section depict planned land uses and not land ownership. The sources of the 

planned land use data are listed above; however the land use classifications used by Clark County 

and the incorporated cities have been simplified/generalized to be more consistent with land use 

classifications in 14 CFR Part 150. 

The following sections describe generalized existing land uses in the vicinity of the Heliport site and 

in the vicinity of the west side of McCarran. 

3.6.2.1 Proposed Heliport Site 

Generalized planned land uses in the vicinity of the Heliport site are depicted on Exhibit III-10. The 

site is located in unincorporated Clark County within the area covered by the South County Land Use 

and Development Guide [III-5]. Clark County is currently updating portions of this plan, which was 

adopted in 1994 and amended in 2005. In 2007, the City of Henderson annexed about 3,455 acres of 

land, which expanded the city boundary southwestward and created the West Henderson Planning 

Area. The southern boundary of the West Henderson Planning Area is located adjacent to the 

northern boundary of the Heliport site. Planned land use designations contained in Clark County’s 

South County Land Use and Development Guide apply to the portion of the West Henderson 

Planning Area south of Sloan Road. Land parcels in the immediate surroundings of the Heliport site 

are anticipated to remain vacant in the future based on adopted land use plans and current land 

ownership status. About one mile northeast of the Heliport site within the West Henderson Planning 

Area, there is a parcel that is planned for single-family residential land uses; however, no specific 

development projects have been proposed for the parcel. 
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Generalized Existing Land Uses

in the Overflight Area

Source: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007 based on existing land use data provided by the Clark County Department of Aviation, February 2005.

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

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^_

Sunrise Mountain Natural Area

South McCullough

Wilderness Area

Lake Mead National

Recreation Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

McCarran International

Airport

Rendezvous

Point

A

160

159

41

165

161

Lake Mead

§ ̈¦215

£¤95

£¤95

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

£¤95

Henderson

Executive

Airport

Jean Airport

Boulder City

Municipal Airport

North Las Vegas

Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-8

^_ Proposed heliport site

0 4 miles

City of Las Vegas

City of Henderson

Boulder City

Unincorporated

Clark County

Unincorporated

Clark County

Unincorporated

Clark County

* Recreation includes commercial and non-profit

recreational facilities

Street

Interstate highway

U.S. route

Jurisdictional boundary

Vacant / open space

Park / recreation*

Mobile home

Commercial

Industrial

Public

n School

î Religious facility

G Hospital

^ Structure listed in National Register of Historic Places

# Day care

Noise sensitive facilities

Other features

Generalized existing land uses

Residential multi-family

Residential single-family

§ ̈¦

£¤

Railroad

Overflight area

Boulder City

LAND USE DATA

NOT AVAILABLE
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Clark County Planning Area

Source: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007; Clark County Department of Aviation.

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

^_ South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

McCarran International

Airport

160

159

41

165

161

Lake Mead

§ ̈¦215

£¤95

£¤95

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

£¤95

Henderson

Executive

Airport

Jean Airport

Boulder City

Municipal Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-9

^_ Proposed heliport site

0 4 miles

Unincorporated

Clark County

Summerlin

South

City of Las Vegas

Sunrise

Manor

Spring Valley

Winchester

Whitney

City of Henderson

Enterprise

Paradise

Boulder City

South County

(Unincorporated Clark County)

Unincorporated

Clark County

Goodsprings

Red Rock

(Blue

Diamond)

South County

(Unincorporated

Clark County)

Primary road

Secondary/State road

Railroad

Nellis Air

Force Base

City of North Las Vegas

Boulder City

Jurisdictional boundary

s
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Generalized Planned Land Uses

in the Vicinity of the Area of Disturbance

Source: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007 based on data obtained from the Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning, February 2005; SWCA Environmental Consultants (area of disturbance).

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

î

å

å

å Unincorporated

Clark County

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

Jean

Unincorporated

Clark County

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

City of

Henderson

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

Lake Mead Dr.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas Blvd.

Proposed utility

corridor

Proposed utility

corridor

Henderson Executive

Airport

Legend

Exhibit III-10

0 7,000 feet

Street

Interstate highway

U.S. route

Jurisdictional boundary

Proposed heliport site area

n School

î Religious facility

G Hospital

^ Structure listed in National Register of Historic Places

# Day care

Noise sensitive facilities

Other features

§ ̈¦

£¤

Railroad

Note: The area of disturbance includes areas that could be

affected by construction or the extension of utilities to the site.

Area of disturbance

* Recreation includes commercial and non-profit

recreational facilities

Vacant / tax exempt

Park / recreation*

Commercial

Mixed use

Open space

Public

Generalized planned land uses

Residential multi-family

Residential single-family

Industrial Major development

project

Bureau of Land Management

Disposal Area
This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation 

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport December 2008 

Affected Environment 

III-23

As shown on Exhibit III-10, the Heliport site is located outside the BLM disposal boundary. 

Development outside the BLM disposal boundary is limited because the land is publicly managed. 

BLM policies on lands under BLM administration include a variety of public use, conservation, and 

resource management actions. Certain lands administered by the BLM fall under the classification of 

general management, while other areas are special designation management areas where specific 

policies apply. The BLM has developed resource management plans for the special designation 

management areas in Clark County, including the Sloan Canyon NCA. BLM lands immediately 

south of the Heliport site fall under the classification of general management. The boundary of the 

Sloan Canyon NCA is about 2.3 miles east of the site and no change is anticipated to the boundary of 

the Sloan Canyon NCA in the future. 

3.6.2.2 McCarran International Airport 

Exhibit III-11 depicts the generalized planned land uses in the vicinity of McCarran. McCarran is 

located in the Paradise Planning Area and is adjacent to the Enterprise (to the south and southwest), 

Spring Valley (to the west), and Winchester (to the north) planning areas. Planned land uses in the 

vicinity of McCarran generally represent a continuation of existing land use patterns with infill of 

mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and single- and multi-family residential uses in vacant areas to the 

west and southwest, with a shift in use from industrial to commercial adjacent to the airport to the 

south and east, and a focus on mixed use along the I-15 corridor. The University of Nevada, 

Las Vegas is located northeast of McCarran. On the west side of McCarran, land uses are planned to 

be predominantly mixed use, public, and industrial, with small pockets of recreational uses and 

residential uses. 

3.6.2.3 Planned Land Uses beneath Overflight Area 

Generalized planned land uses in the Overflight Area are shown on Exhibit III-12.

3.6.3 Zoning 

Zoning is the traditional mechanism used by local governments to control land use and implement 

the goals and policies of their general plans or community master plans. Zoning controls the 

location, type, and intensity of new land uses, and is an important tool for preventing incompatible 

land uses from being developed in the vicinity of airports. The legal basis for zoning powers is to 

protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Since the establishment of zoning powers in the 

early 1900s, the courts have been consistent in confirming broad discretion to local governments in 

carrying out their zoning powers, provided that zoning designations are based on a sound land use 

policy and plan. Zoning authority for unincorporated portions of Clark County, including public 

lands, rests with the Clark County Zoning Administrator. Each of the incorporated cities in Clark 

County has zoning authority within the limits of their jurisdiction. Summaries of the zoning 

ordinances and zoning designations applicable to the Overflight Area and Area of Disturbance, along 

with associated exhibits, are provided in Appendix E.
This page intentionally left blank 

This page intentionally left blank 
Clark County Department of Aviation

Final EA for a Southern Nevada Regional Heliport

Affected Environment

December 2008

Generalized Planned Land Uses

in the Overflight Area

Source: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., August 2007 based on data obtained from the Clark County Department of Comprehensive Planning, February 2005, and Boulder City Department of Community Development, March 2005.

Prepared by: Ricondo & Associates, Inc., April 2008.

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^_

North McCullough

Wilderness Area

Sloan Canyon National

Conservation Area

South McCullough

South of Sloan

(Proposed Action)

McCarran International

Airport Rendezvous

Point

A

160

159

41

165

161

Lake Mead

§ ̈¦215

£¤95

£¤95

§ ̈¦15

§ ̈¦15

£¤95

Jean Airport

Henderson

Executive

Airport

Boulder City

Municipal Airport

North Las Vegas

Airport

Legend

^_ Proposed

City of Las Vegas

City of Henderson

Boulder City

Unincorporated

Clark County

* Recreation include

recreational faciliti

Street

Interstate

U.S. rout

Jurisdicti

Commer

Mixed us

n School

î Religious

G Hospital

^ Structure

# Day care

Noise sensitive fac

Other features

Generalized plann

Residenti

Residenti

§ ̈¦

£¤

Railroad

Industrial

Bureau of

Disposal

Unincorporated

Clark County

Unincorporated

Clark County

Overflight

Sunrise Mountain Natural Area

Lake Mead National

Recreation Area

LAND USE DATA

NOT AVAILABLE

Wilderness Area

Exhibit III-12

heliport site

0 4 miles

s commercial and non-profit

es

highway

e

onal boundary

Vacant / tax exempt

Park / recreation*

cial

e

Open space

Public

facility

listed in National Register of Historic Places

ilities

ed land uses

al multi-family

al single-family

Major development

project

Land Management

Area

area