Land use around airports
One of the main challenges facing aviation today is the encroachment of incompatible land use development near and around airports. To meet this challenge, we developed the Airport Land Use Compatibility Program.
In 1996, Washington State passed land-use legislation (RCW 36.70A.510, RCW 36.70.547). Under this provision of the Growth Management Act (GMA), all towns, cities, and counties are required to discourage encroachment of incompatible development adjacent to public use airports through the adoption of comprehensive plan policies and development regulations. GMA also identifies airports as essential public facilities. WSDOT Aviation provides a technical assistance program to help communities meet the requirements of the law. The objectives of the program are to:
- Ensure the functions and values of airports are protected and enhanced statewide.
- Assist towns, cities, and counties in meeting update deadlines for comprehensive plans and development regulations.
- Provide education, workshops, and training on best practices to protect airports from adjacent incompatible development and enhance airport operations to meet transportation demand.
- Showcase the good work of local governments in implementing GMA requirements.
Airport and Compatible Land-Use Program Guidebook
WSDOT Aviation has an Airport and Compatible Land-Use Program Guidebook to better assist airports, local jurisdictions, elected officials, and aviation advocates in meeting planning requirements outlined in state law.
The guidebook does not change land-use requirements for towns, cities, and counties. Instead, the new version will use graphics and visuals to present land-use planning concepts in an engaging, reader-friendly way.
Vertiports Land Use
To help communities plan for Advanced Air Mobility, WSDOT Aviation recently released its Vertiports Land Use Compatibility Supplement. which follows the same premises as the airport guidebook and can be requested by emailing aviationlanduse@wsdot.wa.gov.
Drone Hub Land Use Guidance
WSDOT Aviation created a Drone Hub Land Use Guidance document to helps cities, counties and other local land-use agencies prepare for the growth of commercial drone operations. The guidance provides a framework for making informed, community-specific decisions about where drone hubs may be located and how they can be addressed through local planning and zoning.
The document covers land-use compatibility, noise, visual and privacy considerations, public safety, emergency response and federal regulatory authority. It also includes a tier-based system for classifying drone hubs, site-evaluation considerations, suggested zoning language, implementation strategies and examples of how other jurisdictions are approaching drone hub planning.
The guidance is advisory and does not replace existing federal, state or local requirements.
To request a copy or receive assistance evaluating a drone hub proposal or developing local regulations, email david.ison@wsdot.wa.gov.
For aviation land use application submittals and inquiries please email aviationlanduse@wsdot.wa.gov.
Height hazards information:
- Height Hazard Video
- Civil Airport Imaginary Surfaces Diagram
- FAA Form 7460-1 – Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration
- FAA Form 7480-1 – Notice of Landing Area Proposal
- Overview of Height Obstruction/FAR Part 77 Basics (PDF 304KB)
- FAR Part 77 Obstructions to Navigation Paper, Virginia Tech (PDF 287KB)
- FAR Part 77 Obstruction Evaluation
- Paine Field Airport Interactive Map
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