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Richmond Heights City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1174

Heliports and Helistops

1174.01 PROHIBITION OF LANDING HELICOPTER OTHER THAN AT HELIPORT OR HELISTOP; DEFINITIONS.

   (a)    No person shall land, discharge, load or takeoff in a helicopter or by other steep gradient aircraft at any place within the City except at a heliport or helistop, the location and construction of which has been approved by the Director of Public Safety and which conforms to the specifications and requirements of this chapter.
   (b)    For the purposes of this chapter, the following words shall mean:
      (1)    "Helicopter" means an air-borne vehicle used for the transportation of persons or material whose support in the air is normally derived from the vertical lift or force produced by airfoils or wings mechanically rotated about an approximately vertical axis.
      (2)    "Heliport" means an area used by helicopters or by other steep gradient aircraft which may include passenger and cargo facilities, maintenance, overhaul and fueling services, storage and tie-down space, hangars and other accessory facilities.
      (3)    "Helistop" means an area on the ground or on a roof, used by helicopters or steep gradient aircraft for the purpose of picking up or discharging passengers or cargo, but not including fueling service, maintenance or overhaul.
(Ord. 52-87. Passed 7-14-87.)

1174.02 MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS.

   In addition to aviation and structural requirements which may be imposed by proper authority, heliports and helistops, where permitted, shall comply with the following requirements:
   (a)   Hard-Surfaced Areas. Every location approved or used as a heliport or helistop shall consist of a hard-surfaced area, free of dust and gravel, not less than 125 feet by 125 feet in size when located on the ground, or not less than sixty feet by sixty feet when located on a level rooftop or elevated platform, which area shall be set aside for exclusive use for such purposes, free of trees, wires and other obstructions, and enclosed by a fence at least three feet in height, and so located as not to obstruct the glide angle of aircraft using such hard-surfaced areas.
   (b)    Approach Paths. At least two approach paths free and clear of obstructions shall be available to such heliport and helistop, having a width of at least 1,000 feet at a distance of 1,000 feet from the heliport or helistop, and at 500 feet of elevation, and tapering down to the width of the heliport or helistop. No approach path shall be used and no helicopter or other steep gradient aircraft shall be flown at an elevation of less than 500 feet over a residence building, school or other public building, or closer than 200 feet to any other building, structure, tree or public highway.
   (c)    Helistops. No fueling, repairing or maintenance of helicopters or other steep gradient aircraft shall be performed at a helistop, except in case of emergency, and no fuel shall be stored.
(Ord. 52-87. Passed 7-14-87.)

1174.03 ROOFTOP OR ELEVATED HELIPORT OR HELISTOP.

   In addition to aviation and structural requirements which may be imposed by proper authority, and to other regulations contained in this chapter, every rooftop or platform heliport and helistop shall be constructed in accordance with the following minimum specifications:
   (a)    Material used for a rooftop or elevated heliport or helistop shall be of noncombustible material with a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours.
   (b)   No opening or openings in the roof or platform shall be permitted in the immediate landing area.
   (c)    At least two approved means of egress, remote from each other, shall be provided from each rooftop landing area. Such egress shall be protected by doors having a Class B rating. All means of ingress and egress shall be identified and illuminated.
   (d)    The landing area and all openings shall be diked or curbed to a height of at least four inches so as to confine fuel spillage to its confines.
   (e)    Fire extinguishing systems consisting of chemical portable extinguishers, building standpipe systems, or another source of water supply, and at least two hose stations remote from each other, shall be provided subject to detailed specifications and approval of the Fire Chief.
   (f)    An auxiliary pole station at or in close proximity to the landing pad, or a master or street box fire alarm directed to the Fire Division of the City shall be installed and maintained in good working order.
   (g)    Separate drains for the heliport or helistop shall be provided so that no gasoline or flammable liquids will be permitted to drain into a sewage system. Flammable liquid separators shall be provided.
   (h)    "No Smoking" signs shall be installed on the roof or platform.
      (Ord. 52-87. Passed 7-14-87.)

1174.04 SUBMISSION OF PLANS.

   Every person, firm or corporation intending to establish and use a heliport or helistop within the City shall first submit plans for approval to the Director of Public Safety, consisting of the following:
   (a)    A statement as to the intended use of the heliport or helistop, whether public or private, commercial or otherwise, the identity and financial responsibility of the management, frequency of flights and size and manufacture of equipment intended to be used.
   (b)    A plan of the proposed site showing dimensions of the entire usable area, dimensions of actual landing and take-off areas, all obstructions within 1,000 feet of the heliport or helistop, indicating their heights, and drawings of flight and approach paths within 1,000 feet of the heliport or helistop.
   (c)    A report by a professional engineer approved by the Building Commissioner showing that the roof structure or platform is designed to support concentrated loads on any one square foot equivalent to three-fourths gross weight of the largest helicopter or steep gradient aircraft to be accommodated.
      (Ord. 52-87. Passed 7-14-87.)

1174.05 APPROVAL OF HELIPORT OR HELISTOP.

   No approval of plans and operations shall be given for such proposed heliport or helistop unless the Director of Public Safety is satisfied that all provisions of this chapter and other provisions of the Codified Ordinances and other pertinent ordinances and regulations will be complied with, that the public safety will be protected, and that the use and enjoyment of neighboring property will not be adversely affected. Every such approval shall be subject to:
   (a)    Continuing compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with applicable Federal Aviation Agency regulations;
   (b)    The prohibition of smoking within the heliport or helistop area; and
   (c)    The right and authority of the Director of Public Safety to cancel such approval and prohibit the use of such heliport or helistop for noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter, or F.A.A. regulations, or for any other reasonable cause or ground, based upon the protection of the public safety, health or welfare.
(Ord. 52-87. Passed 7-14-87.)