Sahuarita City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 18
57 AIRPORT ENVIRONS AND FACILITIES
§ 18.57.010 Purpose and applicability.
A.
Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to:
1.
Protect persons and property within the environs of airports;
2.
Provide for aircraft safety in the use of airports; and
3.
Regulate land use to ensure compatibility with airports.
B.
Applicability. This chapter provides establishment standards and procedures for private airports, general aviation airstrips and ultralight facilities.
(Ord. 1995-06 § 2; Ord. 2011-048 § 1)
§ 18.57.020 Definitions.
A.
General. Certain terms used in this chapter shall be defined, for general purposes of this chapter, as follows:
"Airport"
means a land area used for the landing and departure of aircraft.
"FAA"
means Federal Aviation Administration.
"Noise-sensitive land use"
means:
1.
An activity or use of property which is acutely sensitive to aircraft noise generation. Examples include, but are not limited to: site-built residential uses; educational, cultural and religious facilities; health services; tourist lodging services; outdoor recreational or entertainment facilities; theaters; offices; research laboratories; and government designated wilderness areas or monuments; or
2.
Such unconstructed uses as listed above, having an approved subdivision plat, development plan or building permit.
B.
Private Airports, General Aviation Airstrips and Ultralight Facilities. Certain terms used in STC § 18.57.030 and § 18.57.040 shall be defined, for purposes of the sections, as follows:
"Airstrip"
means an airport, used solely by the owner of the property, accommodating general aviation aircraft and ultralight aircraft.
"General aviation aircraft"
means aircraft with a maximum 12,500 pounds gross weight, excluding ultralight aircraft.
"Private airport"
means an airport used by or available to commercial carriers, flight training or flying schools, and private pilots.
"Ultralight flightpark"
means an airport used by the general public or an ultralight flying club for ultralight aircraft operation.
(Ord. 1995-06 § 2; Ord. 2011-048 § 1)
§ 18.57.030 Requirements for private airport facilities.
A.
Purpose. This section provides establishment standards and procedures for the development of private airports to ensure their safe operation and compatibility with noise-sensitive land uses.
B.
Requirements.
1.
Permitted zones: RH, or an industrial zone.
2.
Minimum site area: Refer to FAA Advisory Circular for Utility Airports (AC 150/5300-4B).
3.
Conditional Use Permit.
a.
A Type 3 permit is required (refer to Chapter 18.97 STC, Conditional Use Procedures).
b.
Notification. The notification area shall additionally include the approach-departure corridors.
c.
In lieu of a preliminary development plan the following document shall be submitted:
(1)
A text including:
(a)
The type, weight and decibel levels of aircraft using the site;
(b)
The proposed hours of operation; and
(c)
An estimate of flight frequency.
(2)
A site plan, at one inch equals 400 feet scale, showing the:
(a)
Parcel boundaries and dimensions;
(b)
Runway and approach-departure corridors (as defined by the FAA); and
(c)
Zoning on property adjacent to the site and within the approach-departure corridors.
(3)
A site plan detail, at one inch equals 40 feet scale, showing the:
(a)
Runway, including markings and identification;
(b)
Aircraft parking, maintenance and fueling areas, and other peripheral area;
(c)
Fencing, screening and safety barriers; and
(d)
Accessory structures and equipment, including fire-fighting equipment.
d.
The application shall also include:
(1)
An FAA airspace letter of determination stating no objection, with or without conditions, to the proposed facility; and
(2)
A statement describing the impact of the airport on the regional aviation system plan.
e.
The town council may restrict the number of flights and hours of operation due to the proximity and intensity of noise-sensitive land uses.
4.
Heliports and helistops on private airports shall meet the requirements of Chapter 18.58 STC.
C.
Variance procedures: Refer to Chapter 18.93 STC (Board of Adjustment Variances, Temporary Use Permits and Interpretations).
(Formerly 18.57.040; Ord. 1995-06 § 2; Ord. 2011-048 § 1)
§ 18.57.040 Requirements for general aviation airstrips and ultralight facilities.
A.
General Aviation Airstrip.
1.
Permitted zones: SR, RH, or an industrial zone.
2.
Minimum site area:
a.
Length: The length required for safe operation as shown in the flight manual of the largest aircraft to use the site (also refer to FAR Part 23.1587, Airworthiness Standards), and an additional 240 feet at each end of the runway.
b.
Width: 240 feet centered on the runway.
3.
Conditional use permit: A Type 2 permit is required (refer to Chapter 18.97 STC, Conditional Use Procedures) including the requirements and restrictions of STC § 18.57.030(B)(3)(b), (c) and (e).
B.
Ultralight Flightpark.
1.
Permitted zones: RH, or an industrial zone.
2.
Minimum site area: 10 acres.
3.
Conditional use permit: A Type 2 permit is required (refer to Chapter 18.97 STC, Conditional Use Procedures) including the requirements and restrictions of STC § 18.57.030(B)(3)(c) and (e).
C.
Ultralight Airstrip.
1.
Permitted zones: SR, RH, or an industrial zone.
2.
Minimum site area:
a.
SR: 10 acres,
b.
Other zones: Five acres.
3.
Conditional use permit:
a.
SR: A Type 2 permit is required (refer to Chapter 18.97 STC, Conditional Use Procedures) including the requirements and restrictions of STC § 18.57.030(B)(3)(c).
b.
Other zones: A Type 1 permit is required (refer to Chapter 18.97 STC, Conditional Use Procedures) including the requirements and restrictions of STC § 18.57.030(B)(3)(c).
4.
Minimum runway setback:
a.
SR: 150 feet from all property lines.
D.
Variance procedures: Refer to Chapter 18.93 STC (Board of Adjustment Variances, Temporary Use Permits and Interpretations).
(Formerly 18.57.050; Ord. 1995-06 § 2; Ord. 2011-048 § 1)
