What was the timeline of this new ordinance?
The airport ordinances were heard at public hearings in front of Planning Commission on May 2, 2007 and City Council on May 21, 2007 and June 4, 2007.
Is this a new ordinance?
In the zoning ordinance, there were three impact zones [transition zone, approach zones, conical zone]. As meetings and discussions proceeded forward on the Airport Master Plan, we amended the zoning ordinance in two sections, the Airport Zoning District and the Airport Overlay District.
What’s the Airport Zoning District?
Prior to summer 2007, there wasn't a zoning district "allowing" and airport use. The Sioux Falls Regional Airport was within the AG - Agricultural zoning district, and had numerous zoning issues, including signage, types of land uses, and setbacks. Plus there was a misrepresentation to the public on the official zoning map (showing the land as agricultural).
- CHAPTER 15.39 AP AIRPORT ZONING DISTRICT
It shall be the intent of this district to encourage and support the continued operation and vitality of Sioux Falls Regional Airport by allowing certain airport-related commercial/industrial and recreational uses in accordance with this ordinance, state law, and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The uses shall be developed within the area which is delineated within the latest version of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Master Plan.
(Ord. No. 76‑07, ' 9, 6‑4‑07)
What’s the Airport Overlay District?
The three impact zones (already in the zoning ordinance) were encompassed into the Airport Overlay District. With the previous ordinance, and the current ordinance, it is necessarily for property owners to communicate with the Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority [SFRAA], Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] and SD Department of Transportation {DOT]. This is for building and construction issues, since within airport and FAA codes, buildings are regulated differently within each of these areas. The new ordinance was adopted for administration to be with the airport authority.
- 15.39.005 Airport administration.
The Sioux Falls Regional Airport Authority shall have the power to adopt and enforce the airport zoning regulations within this section.
- 15.43.100 Airport influence overlay district.
The airport influence district is composed of lands located within an area affected by noise or safety hazards associated with aircraft operations at general aviation airports. The airport influence district includes the approach zone, transition zone, conical zone, and airport noise exposure zone. The airport influence overlay district is identified as an overly. The official map shall be on file at the city clerk's office and the city planning and building services office.
Are there regulations in place for how tall, and how close you can build to an airport?
Yes, based upon the three impact zones [transition zone, approach zones, conical zone], the FAA regulates what can be built.
Are the requirements for easements and notices being reviewed?
Yes, Mayor Munson has place a moratorium upon the requirement for avigation easements within the overlay district while a study group reviews the ordinance.
What’s the status of the Study Group review?
The agendas and notes from the meetings are attached to this site.
