Recommendation to County Commissioners and CEO Vernon Jones

The Airport Advisory Board (AAB) approved the following at its July 10, 2002, meeting. Citizens are strongly encouraged to let their commissioners know they want this adopted.

Background Information

The use of airport property around the West Hardee Avenue area became a very contentious issue related to contents of the Airport Master Plan, use of land outside the existing airport fence, use of County property without compensation to the County, speculation on a lease with all value accruing to the lessee rather than the County, major differences in interpretation of County zoning ordinances, etc. It can be contained by the Board of Commissioners adopting a policy similar to the one recommended.

This policy requires strict adherence to the Airport Master Plan (and Airport Layout Plan) which is adopted after public discussion, restates the County policy (presumed or actual) of no airport activity outside the existing fence, minimizes speculation using County owned land as the basis for speculation, recognizes the importance of following all zoning codes, denies use of property outside the fence for direct aviation activity, and generally provides a base for improved relationships between the community, business interests and the County owned airport.


Recommended Policy From the AAB

Our Airport seeks a balance between aviation, commercial and residential interests.  Increased growth inside the existing airport fence is anticipated but this growth will be managed in accordance with the following:

1. The Airport Master Plan, Airport Layout Plan and related planning documents will be prepared and discussed in public prior to approval by the Board of Commissioners.  The approved items in these documents will not be changed without additional public discussion and input.

2. Airport related activity or any type or activity to support existing airport uses would not be permitted on County owned property that is outside the existing fence without approval of Board of Commissioners.

3. Airport property will not be made available for leasing except by public notification with all interested parties being allowed an opportunity to bid on the leased property. 

4. All uses of Airport property will follow the existing zoning and construction codes without any changes or variances allowed.  This recognizes the uniqueness of airport land use and keeps it as compatible with existing businesses and communities as possible.

5. No privately owned property outside the exiting fence will be allowed use of the airport and its infrastructure as part of its business operations.  This is designed to prohibit what is generally referred to as a "through the fence operation."