HomeMy WebLinkAboutBUTTE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMUNITY POLICY PLAN OCT 1996 DRAFT 100:01ui�
BUTTE COUNTY
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
POLICY PLAN
OCTOBER 19%
BUTTE COUNTY AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION, 7 COUNTY CENTER DRIVE; OROVILLE, CA 95965
0 AIRPORT LAND :USE�COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION STAFF
Stephen Lucas, Associate Planner
Paula Leasure, Principal Planner
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
Fred Gerst, Chairman
Nina Lambert
Tom Lando
Bob Hennigan
John Franklin
Allen Campbell
Jim Causey
SUPPORT STAFF
Larry Painter,, Planning Technician
Paula Atterberry, Clerical and Contributing Editor
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION
POLICY PLAN
'TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION ....................... . ............... 1
A. BACKGROUND , .... ....... 1
B. USE OF POLICY PLAN ....... ... ............................... 3
FINDINGS, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION ............................ .4
A. GENERAL POLICIES ............ 5
B. AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTION AREA ..........................:.... 7
C. AIRPORT NOISE RESTRICTION. AREA ............................... 14
D. AIRPORT SAFETY RESTRICTION AREA 25
E. AIRPORT OVERFLIGHT CONSIDERATIONS 37
F. AIRPORT SURFACE TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS 40
111. APPENDICES
A. SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR OVERRIDE PROCEDURE .................. 43
B. PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE ......................... 45
C. EDUCATION CODE ............... ................................... 48
D. PLANNING AND ZONING LAW ..................................... 51
LIST OF FIGURES
1. OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCES PROVIDED BY FAR PART 77
IMAGINARY SURFACES . ............................................. 7
2. EXAMPLE OF PART 77 CIVIL AIRPORT IMAGINARY SURFACES ............ 11
3. COMMON SOUND LEVELS ..............................:........... 15
4. COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO TRANSPORTATION NOISE 15
5. MAJOR GENERAL AVIATION ACCIDENTS ON OR NEAR AIRPORT BY TYPE
OF OPERATION (1974-1989) ....................................... 27
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN
I. INTRODUCTION
A. BACKGROUND
This Policy Plan was prepared by the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) under the authority
of the Airport Land Use Commission Law, Chapter 4, Article 3.5, California Public Utilities Code
to serve as a guideline for the adoption or the revision of all airport compatible land use plans.
The purpose of the Airport Land Use Commission 'Law is to:
❑ Protect public health, safety, and welfare through the adoption of land use
standards that minimize the public's exposure to safety hazards and excessive
levels of noise.
0 Prevent the encroachment of incompatible land uses around public -use airports,
thereby preserving the utility of these airports into the future.
These purposes are implemented through Airport Land Use Commissions, which are required
in every county with a public use airport or with an airport served by a scheduled airline. The
Butte County Airport Land Use Commission was created in 1984 in accordance with Public
Utilities Code Section 21670. - Under the provisions of the Law, the ALUC has certain
responsibilities conferred upon it and specific duties to perform. While ALUCs work closely with
cities, counties, and airport operators, they are autonomous agencies.
It should be noted that ALUC law does not give the Airport Land Use Commission jurisdiction
over the operation of any airport. The ALUC, therefore, has no power over such things as the
number of aircraft which can be based at an airport, the number of operations which can occur,
the flight patterns which aircraft use, or the hours during which aircraft can use an airport.
The Airport Land Use Commission fulfills its responsibilities in four basic ways:
❑ The adoption of a standardized Airport Land Use Commission Policy Plan which
serves as a guideline for the revision or creation of a CLUP.
0 The adoption of land use plans for individual airports called "Comprehensive Land
Use Plans" (CLUPs) which contain land use compatibility guidelines for height,
noise, safety, overflight and surface transportation restrictions and considerations.
❑ The incorporation of the land use compatibility guidelines contained in the CLUP
into the general plan and land use regulations by cities and counties with
jurisdiction over any geographic area subject to the CLUP.
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0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
0 ALUC review and determination of compatibility of all discretionary projects,
individual development proposals, general plan amendments, and other land use
plans and regulations around airports.
The Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLOP) is the key to implementation of the ALUC Policy
Plan. It provides the land use compatibility guidelines on which compatibility of land uses are
determined. It also establishes the planning boundaries around the airport referred to as the
Airport Area of Influence (AAI). Planning boundaries are established for height, noise, safety,
overflight and surface transportationrestrictions and considerations.
Following adoption by the ALUC, a Comprehensive Land Use Plan is transmitted to all
jurisdictions affected by the plan. State Law (Government Code, Section 65302.3) requires that
the local jurisdiction take action within 180 days to assure that its land use regulations are
consistent with the provisions of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). The law provides
for two methods by which to achieve this consistency:
0 To amend pertinent portions of general plans, .specific plans, zoning ordinances,
or other land use regulations as necessary to achieve consistency with the CLUP.
Once this is done, the local jurisdiction, through enforcement of its land use
controls and regulations, effectively becomes the agency that actually implements
the standards contained within a CLUP.
0 In the event a Board of Supervisors or City Council does not agree with specific
provisions of a CLUP, it can satisfy the consistency requirement by overruling
specific provisions of the ALUC plan by a two-thirds vote. The overruling must,
however, be made after a public hearing and must be based on specific
findings that the proposed action is consistent with the purposes of the
Airport Land Use Commission Law.
If the ALUC finds that a city or county has not revised its general plan or specific plan, or
overruled the ALUC, the ALUC may require that city or county to submit all subsequent actions,
regulations or permits in the affected airport area to the ALUC for consistency determination.
If the ALUC finds the proposed action inconsistent, the city or county must hold a public hearing
to reconsider its proposal. If, after the public hearing, the city or county still wishes to pursue
the action, it may overrule the ALUC on a two-thirds vote, based on specific findings.
Following adoption of a CLUP by the ALUC, and its incorporation into local land use regulations,
certain types of projects must be referred to the ALUC by local jurisdictions for a review of
project consistency with CLUP standards. Such projects include those requiring amendments
to general plans or specific plans, amendments to or adoption of new zoning ordinances, and
building regulations which affect land within a plan area. Generally, projects referred to ALUC
consist of specific development proposals which are seeking a discretionary approval or permit
from the local jurisdiction.
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❑ AIRPORT LAND USE, COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
When ALUC receives a project for a consistency review, the appropriate CLOP is consulted and
a determination is made. concern i ng which planning boundary, or boundaries, apply. ALUC
then determines the land use compatibility standards. which apply to the, project, and whether
the project is consistent with these standards, consistent subject to specific conditions, or
inconsistent. A formal consistency finding is subsequently transmitted to the referring agency.
If a project is .determined to. 'be inconsistent with a CLUP, it cannot Abe. approved by the
jurisdiction unless action is taken by the jurisdiction to overrule the ALUC determination. The
overrule action is subject to the requirement for making specific findings as outlined in Appendix
A. ,
B. USE OF POLICY PLAN
1.' The Butte County Airport Land Use Commission Policy Plan was initiated and adopted by
the Commission as an effective method to serve two primary. purposes: .
❑ To provide the Commission, local agencies and the public with -baseline
document that clearly establishes the responsibilities of the ALUC and the
land use compatibility guidelines that are recognized by.ALUC; and
❑ To guide the Commission in the development of present and future
comprehensive land use plans (CLUP) for each public use and,special use
airport in Butte County by providing the minimum standards for land use
compatibility based on noise, height,. safety, overflight and surface
transportation restrictions and considerations..
In accepted planning terminology, the Policy Plan is essentially the "General Plan" of the ALUC.
and the individual CLUP's are similar to 'a "Zoning Ordinance" for each airport. The Commission
is required .by law to prepare individual CLUP's and all CLUP's shall be consistent or
conditionally consistent with the Policy Plan as determined by the ALUC.
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b AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
II. FINDINGS, POLICIES AND IMPLEMENTATION
The concerns of airport land use planning ;fall into five categories:
Height Restrictions - protecting the navigable airspace around airports for aircraft
safety;
M
Noise Compatibility - minimizing the number of people exposed to noise from aircraft
operations;
Safety of Persons on the Ground - minimizing the number of people exposed to
hazards related to aircraft operations and accidents.
Overflight Considerations - minimizing the exposure of people to perceptual impacts
such as annoyance and fear related, to the overflight of aircraft with emphasis on
impacts associated with single event noise levels and low flying aircraft.
Surface Transportation Considerations - ensuring that access to or from an airport for
commercial flight activity, freight movement or emergency services is not unduly
impacted or impaired as to reduce the operational character of an airport.
Thoughtful planning in these five areas, reflected in land use policies and regulations, will
minimize the exposure of the public to noise and safety hazards, will provide safer aircraft
operations, and will help protect an airport and the public resources it represents from
encroachment by incompatible, land development.
The findings, policies, and guidelines contained in this plan have three major functions:
❑ To protect an airport from encroachment by incompatible land uses;
❑ To safeguard the general welfare of the inhabitants within the vicinity of an airport
and the public in general by protecting them from the adverse effects of aircraft
noise and reducing the number of people exposed to airport related hazards; and
❑ To ensure that no structures affect navigable airspace.
This plan defines compatible types and patterns of future land use. It should be clearly
understood that this plan provides a basis for determining compatible land uses within all zoning
districts and is not a specific development plan. This plan neither sets forth specific land uses
for any particular parcel or parcels of land, nor is it retroactive with respect to any existing
incompatible land uses as they are currently operating.
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0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
It should also be understood that this plan governs the relationship between the airports and the
land uses that surround them and contains no recommendations concerning operations of the
airport.
State law provides no authority to the ALUC to review on -airport development and airport
operations, however, it is unclear as to the authority of ALUC when on -airport development
involves nonaviation related facilities or development that conflicts with existing CLUP's.
While this plan provides a guide to compatible land uses around the airport, some development
may already exist in the area surrounding the airport that is inconsistent with the compatibility
guidelines. This document is primarily directed at preventing new problems of land use
incompatibility, not at removing existing incompatible uses. Incompatible development that
currently exists is recognized as an existing incompatible land use.
It should be noted that although the ALUC recognizes the existence of these incompatible land
uses, neither this plan, or the ALUC, finds these uses to be consistent with this plan.
Airport planning boundaries define areas where height, noise, safety, overflight and surface
transportation restrictions and considerations are reviewed. Height standards for defining
obstructions to air navigation are established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and
are defined in Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77, Obiects Affecting Navigable Airspace.
Noise restrictions are governed by California Administrative Code, Title 21, Subchapter 6.
Airport safety zones are based on the Caltrans Aeronautics Program Airport Land Use Planning
Handbook and determined by the Airport Land Use Commission. Overflight and surface
transportation restrictions and considerations are determined by the Airport Land Use
Commission based on specific airport characteristics. All of these boundaries and factors are
encompassed in a total area referred to as the "Airport Area of Influence".
A. GENERAL POLICIES
It is the policy of the ALUC to prepare and adopt a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for
each public use airport within its jurisdiction. Each CLUP shall reflect the anticipated twenty
year growth of the airport land shall consist of:
❑ A map or maps showing the airport area of influence for the airport, divided into
areas of major concern, including height restriction areas, noise restriction areas,
safety, overflight and surface transportation restrictions and consideration areas.
0 Compatibility guidelines for the height, noise, safety, overflight and surface
transportation restrictions and consideration areas to be used in determining land
use compatibility.
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AIRPORT LAND USECOMMISSION POLICY PLAN a
Until such time as a Comprehensive Land Use Plan is prepared and adopted for an individual
public use airport or heliport within the jurisdiction of the ALUC,-this plan shall constitute the
basis for review and action'by'the ALUC 'and its staff in fulfilling its statutory charge. s
The California Public Utilities Code gives,the ALUC authority to review any General Plan or
specific plan amendment, :or the approval or amendment of a zoning ordinance, building
standard, or project-proposal within the.planning boundaries established by the ALUC.
The ALUC has authorized the ALUC staff to work closely with affected jurisdictions-and airport
management to review proposed plans and land use changes.
In the event that an affected city or county does not concur with the provisions of a CLUP, -an
amendment; or a finding of incompatibility with a plan or action of the local jurisdiction by the
ALUC, it may, after a'public hearing, overrule the ALUC by a two-thirds vote of its governing
body. In doing so, it must make specific findings that its action is consistent with the purpose
of the law as stated in Public Utilities Code Section 21670 found in Appendix B.
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 'O
B. AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTION AREA
Height -restrictions are necessary to ensure that objects will not impair flight,:Wety or decrease
the operational capability of the airport. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part'77 defines 'a
series of imaginary surfaces surrounding airports. Any object or structure which would penetrate
any of these imaginary surfaces is considered. by the FAA to be an obstruction to. air navigation.
While an obstruction to air navigation may not necessarily be a hazard -to ak navigation, the
FAA presumes it to be and treats it as such,until an FAA aeronautical study ,has determined that
it does not have a substantial adverse effect upon the safe and efficient use of navigable
airspace by aircraft. Figure 1 provides an example of obstruction clearances..
Proponents of projects penetratng'certain imaginary surfaces are required:to notify the FAA of
their intent. Upon notification, the FAA initiates an aeronautical study to :analyze whether or not
the proposed project would be a hazard to air navigation, makes a determination, and sends
copies to all known interested `parties.
It should be noted that even if the FAA makes a determination that a :project would constitute
a hazard to air navigation, they cannot prohibit its construction. California law goes further,
however, and prohibits the construction of any structure that wouldconstitute a hazard to air
navigation, as defined in FAR Part 77, unless the State Department of Transportation, Division
of Aeronautics issues a permit. The permit is not required if the FAA determines that the
proposed project does not constitute a hazard to air navigation.
FIGURE 1
OBSTRUCTION CLEARANCES. PROVIDED BY
FAR PART 77'IMAGINARY SURFACES .
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LJ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
1. Findings
Height guidelines for determining if an. object is an obstruction to air navigation are set forth
in Federal Aviation Regulation Part77, Obiects Affecting Navigable Airspace. Objects that
would be of greater height than the imaginary horizontal and sloping surfaces contained
in this regulation are deemed to be an obstruction to air navigation.
Penetration of these imaginary surfaces by permanent structures would interfere with the
operating capability of the airport, would endanger pilots and passengers of aircraft
operating at ,the airport, and would pose a, hazard to persons occupying those structure.
2. Policies
,
The Airport Land Use Commission adopts Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77
imaginary surfaces to determine height restrictions for natural and man-made objects as
follows..
i
'Primary Surface: A surface longitudinally centered on a runway..When the runway
is paved, the primary surface extends 200 feet beyond each end of that runway. When
the runway is not paved, and there are no plans to pave it, the primary surface ends
at each end of that runway. The width of the primary surface is:
250 feet for utility runways having only visual approaches
500 feet for utility runways having nonprecision instrumentapproaches
For other than utility runways the width is:
500 feet. for visual runways having .only visual approaches;
500 feet for nonprecision instrument runways having visibility minimums
greater than three-fourths statute mile; and
1,000 feet for a nonprecision instrument runway having a nonprecision
instrument approach with visibility minimums as low as three-fourths of a
statute mile, and for precision instrument runways.
The width of the primary surface of a runway will be that width prescribed in
this section for the most precise approach existing or planned for either end
of that runway.
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Li AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN. ;❑ f
Horizontal Surface: A horizontal .plane 150 feet above .the -established airport
elevation, the perimeter of which;is constructed by scribing an arc {d`specified radii
from the center of each, end of the primary surface, of each runway ofeech airport and
connecting the arcs with tangents. The radius of each arc is 5,000.feetfor all runways
designated as utility or visual, and"! 0,000 feet for all other runways.
Conical Surface: A surface extending outward and upwardfrom the;periphery of the
horizontal; surface at a slope of 20 to 1 for a horizontal distance of 4,,000 feet.
Approach Surface: A surface longitudinally centered on the .exiended runway
centerline and extending outward and upward from each end of the primary surface.
An approach surface is applied to each end of .each runway based upon the type of
approach available or:planned for that runway end. The inner edge of the approach
surface is the same width as the primary surface and it expands unft.mly to a width
of:
1,250 feet for that end of -a utility runway with only visual approaches
1,500 feet for that fiend of a runway other than a utility runway with only visual
approaches;
2,000 feet for that end of a utility runway with a nonprecision. instrument
approach;
3,500 feet for that end of a nonprecision instrument runway other than utility, -
.having a nonprecision instrument approach with visibility minimums greater
than three fourths statute mile; and
4,000 feet for that end of a nonprecision instrument runway, other than utility,
having a nonprecision instrument approach with visibility minimums as low
as three fourths statute mile;, and
16,000 feet for precision instrument runways.
The approach surface extends for a horizontal distance of:
5,000, feet at a slope of 20 to 1 for, all utility and visual runways.
10,000 feet at a slope•of 34 to 1 for all nonprecision instrument runways
other than utility; 'and
10,000 feet at a slope of 50 to.,1 with an additional 40,000 feet at a slope of
40 to 1 for all precision instrument runways. i
F
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0AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
Transitional Surface: A surface extending outward and upward from the sides of the
primary surface and from the sides of the approach surfaces at a slope of 7 to 1.
These surfaces are depicted in Figure 2.
Note: Where imaginary surfaces, overlap, such as in the case where the approach
to air navigation.
Any proposed new construction or expansion of existing .structures that would
penetrate any of the imaginary surfaces as adopted by the ALUC, is deemed to
be an incompatible land use, unless either the FAA has determined that the
proposed structure does not constitute a hazard to air navigation or the State
Division of Aeronautics -has issued a permit allowing construction of the proposed
structure.
Any project thatmay penetrate the height notification limits of Federal .Aviation
Regulation (FAR)- Part 77 is deemed to be an -incompatible land use until all
notification requirements are fulfilled.
Caution: Land use compatibility is determined by comparing proposed
land use against height, noise, and safety guidelines. Proposed
-land uses must be compatible with each.
3. Implementation
ALUC adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans sets in motion a 180 day period
within which each city or: county with jurisdiction overs geographic area subject to�this
plan must take one of two possible actions:
❑ The first option is ,to amend its general plan and other land use controls and
regulations, where necessary, to be consistent with the CLUP. y
0 The second option, if the city or county does not concur with provisions of the CLUP,
is .to override any portion of the plan with which it does not agree, with respect to an
individual, project.
,.
ALUC-10
AIRPORT.LAND USE:COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
4
FIGURE 2
EXAMPLE OF PART 77 CIVIL AIRPORT IMAGINARY .SUfFACES
Isometric View
E I uUNWAY
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❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
The override must, however, be by a two-thirds vote of the governing body and must
be based on written and adopted findings that the action to override is consistent
with Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code.
Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code makes it clear that the purpose
of the California Airport Land Use Commission Law is to protect the public health,
safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports and the adoption
of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive noise and
safety hazards.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, existing incompatible land uses
may continue; however, no incompatible land use may be changed to another
incompatible land use.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, no incompatible land use,
building, or structure may be expanded, except the following:
❑ Single family detached residences
❑ Schools that would increase in capacity by less than one-third (1/3)
If any incompatible land use, building,. or structure is damaged and the damage exceeds
50 percent of the current market value of the use, building, or structure, any subsequent
land use must be in conformity with this plan, except the following:
❑ Single family detached residences
❑ Schools
It is the responsibility of affected cities and counties to ensure that project proponents fulfill
the notification requirements of FAR Part 77 and California Public Code sections 21658
and 21659. Until these requirements are fulfilled, any project that may penetrate the
height notification surfaces is deemed to be an incompatible land use. No person is
required to notify FAA for any object that would be shielded by existing structures of a
permanent and substantial character or by natural terrain or topographic features of equal
or greater heights, and would be located in the congested area of city, town, or settlement
where it is evident beyond a reasonable doubt that the proposed structure so shielded will
not adversely affect safety of air navigation.
In order to conduct an aeronautical study of the effect of a proposal upon navigable
airspace, and to make a determination whether the proposal constitutes a hazard to air
navigation, Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 require each person proposing
any kind of construction or alteration to give notice to the Federal Aviation Administration
on form 7460-1,
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❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
' Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, if such construction or alteration is:
❑ More than 200 feet in height above the ground level at its site, or
o Of -a greater height than an imaginary. surface extending outward and upward
at a slope of 100 to 1 fora horizontal distance of 20,000 feet from all edges of
the runway surface, if the runway is more than 3,200 feet -in length.
California State law, Public Utilities Code sections 21.658 and 21659, prohibits the
construction of any structure that would constitute a hazard to air navigation, as defined
in FAR Part 77, unless:
❑ The State Department of Transportation, Division`of. Aeronautics, issues a
permit; however,,
❑ The permit shall' not be required -if FAA has determined that the . proposed
construction does not constitute a hazard to air navigation.
Prior to the approval of a., project that may penetrate the adopted height restriction
surfaces, the proposal must be submitted to the .ALUC for review and determination of
compatibility. Affected cities and counties are responsible for submitting the proposal to
the ALUC.
Before a proposed project deemed incompatible because it would exceed ALUC adopted
standards can be approved, the city or county must take -action to override the ALUC. The
action to override, including the -required findings, is governed by the ALUC law, Chapter
4, Article 3.5 of the California Public Utilities Code.
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AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
C. AIRPORT NOISE RESTRICTION AREA
Most complaints concerning airports are related to noises generated by aircraft operations.
At low levels, noise in the area around an airport is normally tolerated; however, as
exposure to noise increases, it .begins 'to interfere with sleep, conversation, school,
business, and recreational activities. The effect of noise interference on normal activities
is.most often described in terms of annoyance.
Annoyance is a measure of the general adverse reaction people have to noise that causes
interference to their normal lives. Currently the best measure ofthis _response to noise is
thepercentage of the affected population. that can be characterized as "highly annoyed"
by long term. exposure to noise at a specified level.. Community response is a term used
to describe annoyance of groups of people exposed to noise sources in.residential settings.
The variability in the way individuals react to noise makes it impossible to accurately predict
how 'an individual will react to a given noise. When, a community or impacted area is
considered as a whole; however, trends emerge that relate noise to annoyance.
The studies .of community reaction 'to noise have shown that the community response to
aircraft noise is .affected not only by how loud the noise is, but also how often the noise ;
occurs. A study in 1970 (Schultz) analyzed the findings of a number of surveys and
developed a curve that relates transportation noise exposure .to annoyance in communities.
This relationship has become the generally accepted model for assessing the effects of
longterm noise exposure on communities. In 1992, another study (U.S. Air Force Finegold)
came to similar conclusions. Thus, the "Schultz Curve" remains the best source of
empirical noise exposure effect information to predict community response to transportation
noise. Annoyance is thus the recommended measure of community impact.
It should, be noted that complaints are not an accurate measure of impact. A study in 1985
(Luz, Raspt and Schomer) supports use of annoyance, not complaints. Annoyance can
exist without complaints and complaints can occur without annoyance. The current body
of information indicates that complaints are an inadequate indicator of the full extent of
noise effects on a community or group of people.
Figure 3 illustrates common, sound levels and Figure 4 depicts community response to
transportation noise.
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.0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN G
FIGURES 3 & 4
COMMON -SOUND LEVELS
'COMMON OUTDOOR
NOISE LEVEL
COMMON INDOOR
SOUND LEVELS
dS (A)
SOUND LEVELS
Cdncwda landing at 370 R
110
Rock sand
707 larking at 370 Ft
707 Takaoll at 1000 Ft
100
Inside Subwoy Train (Now Vats)
Lawn m wr at 3 Ft
90
Food Blender at 3 Ft
pests Truck at 50 Ft
Noisy Urban Daytime
80
Garbage Disposal at 3 Ft
Shouting at 3 Ft
747 Taksolf at 1000 Ft
70
Vacuum Cleaner at 10 Ft
Normal Speech ata Ft
Commercial Area
80
Large Business Office
Guist Urban Daytime `
so
Dishwasher not room
Quiet Urban Nighttime
40
Small Theater, Large Conference Room (Background)
------ —., Nphltime
Library
30
Bedroom at night
Quist Rural Nighttime
Concert Hall (Background)
20
Broadcast b Recording Studio
10
'
Threshold of hearing
0
l
COMMUNITY
RESPONSE
TO NOISE
100
80
USAF Study (Solid Line)
SCMULTZ Study (Dasned Unci
i
80
PEOPLE
HIGHLY
ANNOYED
40
e,
20
-
Oav • NrQnt Average
+0 45 SO 55
60 65 70
75 80
Sound Levet rn
68
r
,
Sow(ce- F}Cerai
Apencs Mew -ow or Sei*ved Auoort Norse Anarvsrs Issues
=agronai interagency Commrnea on Noose, August
1"2
ALUC - 15
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0. AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
1. Findin s
There is adequate data to indicate that noise can be annoying to people, particularly those
exposed to higher sound levels, and that annoyance to noise can be predicted by the
Schultz Curve. f
Based on studies of noise; the State of California has established noise standards in the
California Code of Regulations, Title 21, Subchapter 6. These standards designate the
Community Noise Equivalency Level, (CNEL)-as the noise -rating method to be used at
airports in California. The criteria established by the code for airports with four engine
turbojet or turbofan aircraft and 25,000 annual operations is 65 dB CNEL.
For land uses within the noise contour of the state mandated criteria, 65 dB CNEL, the
State has deemed the following land uses to be incompatible:
0 Single-family dwellings
❑ Multi -family dwellings
0 - Trailer parks
Schools of standard construction
However, the ALUC has determined that residential and public educational uses shall
not be located in area's that the exceed the 55 dB CNEL contour. Private educational
uses are incompatible in areas exceeding the 55 dB CNEL contour unless construction
methods are incorporated that reduce interior noise levels to this standard. ; f
The State has established noise reduction requirements for new hotels, motels, apartment
houses, and. other dwelling units, .except single family dwellings, in the California
Administrative Code, Title 25, Section 28. The code establishes a standard that limits noise
to 45 dB CNEL, with windows closed, in any habitable room in affected dwellings. For
residential dwellings, other than single family detached, in areas having an airport caused
CNEL greater -than 60 dB„the code requires an acoustical study showing that the structure
has been designed to meet the interior standard of 45 dB CNEL.
Based on studies of building materials and construction types, the following noise_ reduction
estimates for common building construction have been calculated:
ALUC -16
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O. AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0 }
Noise Reduction from Common Building Construction*
Range of Noise
_Construction Twe
Reduction (dB)**
Wood frame, stucco or wood 15-20
sheathing exterior. Interior
drywall or plaster. Sliding
`glass windows, with windows
partially open.
Same as above, but with 25-30
windows closed.
Same as 1 above, but with 30-35
fixed 1/4 inch plate glass
windows.
Steel or concrete frame, 3040
curtain wall, or masonry
exterior wall. fixed 1/4
inch plate glass windows.
Range depends on the amount windows are open, degree of window seal, and
glass area of windows.
** dB is used to express the relative loudness of sound according to the frequency
range to which the human ear is .most sensitive.,
Source: Noise Insulation Problems in Buildings, Paul S. Veneklasen, and
Associates, 1973.
Practical noise control techniques are available to improve the noise reduction of common. .
building construction by an additional' 10 to 20 dB. The techniques include:
0 Heavy weatherstipping of exterior doors. .
❑ Fixed, sealed, double pane windows with forced ventilation or air conditioning.
❑ Elimination of baffling or openings through exterior walls, including wall air
conditioning units, mail slots, and attic and crawl space vents.
:Adding materials to ceiling surfaces where no attics exist. `
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION: POLICY PLAN. D
2. Policies
.Based on noise studies and analysis that show'that transportation noise. can be annoying,
and that increases in transportation noise cause increased numbers of -people to be
annoyed, the number of people exposed to noise from the airport should be :reduced to the
lowest level- possible.
As development is proposed in the area between the.55 and 65 Db CNEL noise contours,
affected cities and counties should evaluate the impact of aircraft noise on proposed
development and if impacts are identified, require noise reduction measures, aviation noise
easements and buyer renter notification.
The Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Noise .are adopted for the determination of
compatible land uses in the Airport'Area of Influence.
Caution: Land use compatibility is determined by comparing
proposed land use .against height, noise, safety,
overflight and surface transportation restrictions and
considerations guidelines. Proposed land uses must
be compatible with each.
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AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION. POLICY PLAN 0
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN LAND USE
COMPATIBILITY. GUIDELINES FOR NOISE
LAND -USE CATEGORY
COMPATIBILITY WITH
and
(Standard Industrial Classification Code)
55-60 60.65
65.70
70-75
76-80
8085
CNEL CNEL
CNEL
CNEL
CNEL
CNEL
AGRICULTURE ANDWINING
Row 8 field crops
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
Tree crops
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
Intensive livestock
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
No
No
Nursery products
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
Poultry
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
No
No
Pasture & grazing
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
Agricultural services
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
Mining 8 quarryingYes
Yes
Yes
Yes''
Yes'
Yes'
Oil & gas extraction
Yes Yes
Yes
Yes'
Yes'
Yes'
FOOTNOTES:
' Caretaker residences are a compatible use within all CNEL ranges; provided that they are ancillary to the primary use of a property,
intended for the purpose of property protection or maintenance, and subject to the condition that all residential units be designed to limit
intruding noise such that interior noise levels do not exceed;45 CNEL, with windows closed, in any habitable room.
' Second residential units are a compatible use subject to the same criteria established for the primary use and subject to the condition that
the proposed second unit be consistent with the provisions of Sections 65852.1 and 65852.2 of the California Government Code. '
' Measures to achieve an interior noise level of 50 CNEL must be incorporated into the design and construction of portions of buildings
where the public is received, office areas, and other areas where people work or congregate.
' Measures to achieve an interior noise level of 45 CNEL must be incorporated. into the design and construction of all noise sensitive areas
including, but not limited to, rooms designed for the purpose of sleep, libraries, churches, and areas intended for indoor entertainment
events.
Only indoor uses permitted.
ALUC - 22
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
3. Implementation
ALUC adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans sets in motion a 180 day period,
within which each city or county with jurisdiction over a .geographic area subject to this, plan
must take one of two following possible,actions:
0 The first option is to amend its General .Plan and other land use controls and
regulations, where necessary, to be consistent with the CLUP.
0 The second option, if the city or county does not concur with provisions of this
plan, is to overrule any portion of the plan with which it does not agree. The
overruling must, however, be by a two-thirds vote of the governing body and must
be based on written and adopted findings that the action to overrule is consistent
with Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code.
Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities code makes it.clear that the
purpose of the California Airport Land Use Commission Law is to protect the
public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports
and the adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to
excessive noise and safety hazards.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, existing incompatible land uses
may continue; however, no incompatible land use may be changed to another incompatible
land use:
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, no incompatible land use,
building, or structure may be expanded, except the following:
0 Single family detached residences
0 Schools that would increase in capacity by less than one-third (1/3)
If any incompatible land use, building, or structure is damaged and the damage exceeds
50 percent of the current market value of the use, building, or structure, any subsequent
land use must be conformity with this plan, except the following:
0 Single family detached residences
r
0 Schools
ALUC 23
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION, POLICY PLAN ❑
Prior to the amendment of the generalplan or specific -plan, or the adoption or approval of
a zoning ordinance or building regulation that would affect land that lies within the airport
area of influence, the proposal must submitted to the ALUC for review and determination
of compatibility. Affected cities and counties are responsible for.submitting the proposal
to the ALUC.
Before a proposed project deemed incompatible because it would exceed ALUC adopted
noise guidelines can be approved, the city or county must take action to override the ALUC.
The action to override, including the required findings, is governed by the Airport Land Use
Commission Law, Chapter 4, Article 3.5 of the California Public Utilities Code. `
Cities and counties are responsible for ensuring that an acoustical study is completed for
residential projects, other than single family detached, having an airport caused noise
impact greater than 60 dB CNEL that shows the structures are designed to' -meet the interior
noise level standard of 45"dB CNEL.
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
D. AIRPORT SAFETY RESTRICTION AREA
Areas around airports are exposed to the possibility of aircraft accidents even with well
maintained aircraft and highly trained pilots. Despite stringent maintenance requirements
and countless hours of training, history makes it clear that accidents are going to occur.
Airport safety areas are established to minimize the number of people exposed to aircraft
crash hazards. This is accomplished by placing restrictions on land uses in various safety
areas.
This plan designates three safety areas: the clear zone, the approach departure zone, and
the overflight zone. The clear zone is near the end of the runway and is the most
restrictive. The approach departure zone is located under the takeoff and landing slopes
and is less restrictive. The overflight zone is the area under the traffic pattern and is even
less restrictive.
The dimensions of the safety areas were determined by evaluating FAA safety zone
dimensions, by analyzing historical aircraft accident data and by evaluating safety zone
dimensions that encompass significant hazard areas.
The risk of people on the ground being. killed or injured by a falling plane is small; however,
an aircraft crash is a high consequence event and when a crash does occur, the result is
often catastrophic. Because of this, most attempts at setting safety standards on the
ground have not attempted to estimate accident probabilities. They have, instead,
approached safety standards by determining compatible land uses assuming a crash would
occur. This plan is based on that approach.
Within the identified safety areas there is the potential to have uses that may be
appropriate land uses, but present safety concerns with respect to the concentration of
persons associated with the use. Within the Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Safety
there are many uses identified as acceptable within the three safety areas if they do not
result in large concentrations of people as indicated in footnote #2 of the Land Use
Compatibility Guidelines. The ALUC has determined that large concentrations of people
is defined by more than 25 persons per acre at any one time. The ALUC has also
determined that mitigating circumstances may exist or .design standards could be
incorporated that would allow the ALUC to accept a larger concentration following a public
hearing on the proposed use. If substantial mitigations can be implemented and
demonstrated to address the safety concerns of the ALUC, the Commission can find the
use to be acceptable with the appropriate findings being made. Such mitigations may
include the use of reinforced building materials, the inclusion of additional emergency
access exits in the building design, the use of the buildings during periods of reduced
airport use, or any other means proven to mitigate the safety concerns for persons on the
ground.
ALUC - 25
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY:PLAN ❑
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) maintains extensive data on aviation
accidents and their causes. ' Although the NTSB collects data on all accidents, it is primarily
the characteristics of accidents near airports, usually within one mile of the airport that are
of greatest concern in land use planning. This NTSB data can be found in the Caltrans
Airport Land Use Commission Handbook in Chapter 8, Aircraft Accident Characteristics.
Accident data indicates that for general aviation aircraft, landing is the general phase of
operation with the most accidents. In a 1974-89 study, 57% of all major accidents were
related to landing, while only 24% were. related to takeoff. For those. accidents near a major
airport, defined as off airport property but within one mile, the accidents were almost evenly
divided between accidents irelated to takeoff and those related..to landing. Of near airport
accidents, initial climb is the most dangerous specific phase of operations. A compilation
of the NTSB accident proximity data for the years 1974 through 1981 reveals that 66% of
aircraft accidents take place within 2 miles of the airport.
ALUC -'26
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION. POLICY PLAN 0
FIGURE 5
MAJOR GENERAL AVIATION ACCIDENTS ON OR NEAR
AIRPORT .BY TYPE.OF OPERATION (1974-89)
- PHASE OF OPERATION
% OF ACCIDENTS
TAKEOFF
Standing
0.9
Taxi
3:2
Run
Initial Climb
13.1
Other
2.2
Takeoff Total
24.0
1N FLIGHT .
Climb
2.5
Cruise
14.4
Descent
4.0
Maneuver
13.9
In flight total
34.8
LANDING
'
Pattern
2.9
r.
VFR Final
6.0
IFR Initial/Final
1.0
Touchdown
13.5
Roll
12.2
Go -Around
2.5
Other
1.8
Landing Total;
40.0
Other/Unknowns,
1.2
All Accidents,
100.0 .
ALUC - 27
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
1. Findings
For all accidents, both on and off an airport; landing is the most dangerous phase of
operation of general aviation aircraft.
For accidents off the airport but within one mile of the airport, landing and takeoff accidents
are evenly divided.
Initial climbout after takeoff, final approach when landing, and traffic pattern circling and go
arounds.by general aviation aircraft all have high rates' of accidents in the area off the
airport but within one mile.
The hazard to people and buildings in the overflight.zone is less than in areas near the
ends of the runways. There is, however, a significant potential for accidents in this area
under airport traffic patterns.
Designation of safety zones around the airport and restriction of incompatible land'uses can
reduce the public's exposure to safety hazards from aircraft operation.
Certain types of land uses have. been recognized as hazards to air navigation. They are:
0 Land uses that attract large concentrations of birds within approach climbout
areas.
❑ Land uses that produce visible emissions.
11 Land uses with flashing lights.
0 Land uses that reflect light.
❑ Land uses that generate electronic interference.
❑ Land uses related to flammable materials.
2. Policies
The ALUC designates airport safety zones identified as: Clear Zone, Approach/Departure
Zone, and Overflight Zone.. Until such time as a CLUP is prepared for an airport, these
safety areas shall be based on the imaginary surfaces and clear zones defined by Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations as.follows:
-ALUC - 28
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
Clear Zone. This is the most restrictive safety area. Its dimensions coincide with the
runway clear zone as defined by FAA in FAR Part 152. Generally, the runway clear
zone is an area at ground level underlying a portion of the approach surface beginning
200 feet beyond the physical end of each paved runway and extending with the width
of the approach surface to a point directly below where the approach surface reaches
a height of 50 feet above the runway elevation.
Approach/Departure Zone. This is the area beneath the horizontal projection of the
approach surface defined by FAR Part 77. As in the case of the clear zone, the actual
dimensions are based on the type of approach (visual, nonprecision, or precision)
planned for the runway end. The approach zone begins where the clear zone ends
and extends outward at ground level to the point under which the approach surface
defined by FAR Part 77 intersects the horizontal surface, 150 feet above the runway
elevation.
Overflight Zone. This is the area beneath the horizontal surface as defined in FAR
Part 77. This is the least restrictive of the three safety areas and generally coincides
with that overflown by local traffic patterns. It is constructed by swinging arcs of
specified radii from the center of each end of the primary surface of each runway and
connecting the adjacent arcs by lines tangent to those arcs. The radius of each arc
is 5,000 feet for all runways designated as utility or visual, or 10,000 feet for all other
runways.
The following land uses are incompatible in the Clear Zone and the Approach/Departure
Zone:
0 Any use that would direct a steady or flashing light of white, red, green, or amber
color toward an aircraft engaged in an initial straight climb following takeoff or
toward an aircraft engaged in a straight final approach toward a landing, other
than an FAA approved navigational signal light or visual approach slope indicator.
❑ Any use that would -cause sunlight to be reflected toward an aircraft engaged in
an initial straight climb following take -off or toward an aircraft engaged in a
straight final approach toward a- landing.
❑ Any use that would generate visible emissions, attract large concentrations of
birds, or otherwise affect safe air navigation.
❑ Any use that would generate electrical interference that could be detrimental to
the operation of aircraft or airport instrumentation.
ALUC - 29
t
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o AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN o
11 Any hazardous installations such as: above ground oil, gas or chemical storage
'facilities, but excludingfacilities for noncommercial, private domestic, or private
agricultural use.
The Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for Safety are adopted for the determination of
compatible land uses in the Airport- Area of Influence. a.
Caution: -Land use compatibility is determined by comparing
proposed land use against height, noise, safety, overflight
and'surface transportation restrictions and considerations
guidelines. Proposed land uses must be compatible with
each. ,
' J
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION .POLICY PLAN ❑
AIRPORT LAND USE POLICY `PLAN LAND USE
COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR.SAFETY"
LAND USE CATEGORY
COMPATIBILITY WITH
and
(Standard Industrial Classification'Code)
CLEAR ZONE
APPROACH
TOVERFLIGHT
ZONE
ZONE
RESIDENTIAL
Single-family detached
No
Yes'
YeS:
Two-family dwelling
No
No
Yes'
Multi -family dwelling (3* families)
No
No
. Yes'
Group quarters & rooming houses '
No
No
Yes'
Mobile home parks or courts
No
No
Yes'
MANUFACTURING
Food & kindred products i
No
Yes'
Yes .
Textiles & apparel
No
Yes'
Yes
Transportation equipment
No
Yes'
Yes'
Lumber & wood products
No
Yes'
Yes
Furniture & fixtures
No
Yes'
Yes
Paper & allied products
No
Yes'
Yes
Printing & publishing
No
Yes'
Yes
Chemicals & allied products
No
No
No"
Petroleum refining & related industries
No
No
No"
Rubber & plastics
No
No
No"
Stone, clay, glass & concrete products
No
Yes'
Yes
Primary & fabricated metals
No.
Yes'
Yes
Electrical, electronics, & computers
No
Yes'
Yes
Leather products
No
Yes'
Yes
Industrial, commercial & computer equipment
No
Yes'
Yes
Photo, optical & medical equipment
No
Yes'
Yes
TRANSPORTATION. COMMUNICATIONS & UTILITIES
Streets, roads, & highways
No",
Yes
Yes
Heavy rail lines: freight & passenger
No
�. Yes
Yes
Light rail lines: passenger
'No
Yes
Yes
Trucking & rail freight terminals
No
Yes'
Yes
Warehousing & storage'
No
Yes' -
Yes
Passenger. terminals & stations
No
No
Yes
Water transportation: freight & passenger
No
Yes
Yes
Parking lots
No
Yes'
Yes
Transportation services
No
' Yes 3.6
Yes
Travel agencies
No
No
Yes
Radio, TV & telephone
No
No
Yes
Courier service
No
Yes'
Yes
Electrical & natural gas generation & switching
No
No
Yes
Natural gas & petroleum pipelines & storage) ,
No
No
Yes
Water treatment plants
No
No
Yes'
Sewer treatment plants
No
No
Yes'
Sanitary landfills
'No
No
Yes'
Recycling & transfer facilities'
No
Yes"
Yes'
Hazardous material facilities
No
No
Yes'
. a
ALUC - 31
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❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
AIRPORT LAND USE POLICY PLAN LAND USE
COMPATIBILITY_ GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY"
LAND USE CATEGORY
COMPATIBILITY WITH
and
(Standard Industrial Classification Code)
CLEAR ZONE
APPROACH
OVERFLIGHT
ZONE.
ZONE
'WHOLESALE TRADE
Paints, varnishes & supplies
No
No
Yes
Chemicals & allied products
No
No
Yes
Petroleum truck terminals
No
No
Yes
RETAIL TRADE
Department & variety stores
No
No
Yes
Lumber, building materials & nurseries
No
Yes'
Yes
Grocery stores & drug stores
No
No
Yes
Paint, glass, wallpaper & hardware
No
No
Yes
Auto, truck, boat & RV dealers .
No
Yes'
Yes
Mobile home dealers
No
Yes' •
Yes
Auto & truck service stations
No
No
Yes
Fuel dealers
No
• No
Yes
Apparel & shoes
No
No
Yes
Home furnishings
No
No
Yes
Eating & drinking _
No
No
Yes
BUSINESS & PERSONAL SERVICES
Auto, truck, boat, RV & miscellaneous repair
No
Yes'
Yes
Mobile home repair
No
Yes'
Yes
Commercial laundries & cleaning
No
Yes'
Yes
Coin-operated laundries
No
Yes'
Yes
Photographers, beauty & barber, shoe repair
No
Yes'
Yes
Funeral services ,
INo
No
Yes
Business services
No
Yes'
Yes
Computer programming & data processing
No
Yes'
Yes
Legal & engineering
No
Yes'
Yes
Banks, credit unions & financial
No
Yes'
Yes
Hotels, motels, inns, bed & breakfast
No
No
Yes
Business parks & industrial clusters
No
Yes'•°
Yes
Office buildings (offices for rent or lease)
No
Yes'
Yes
Business & vocational schools
No
No
Yes
Construction businesses
No
Yes'
Yes
SHOPPING DISTRICTS
Neighborhood shopping centers
No
No
Yes
Community shopping centers
No
No
Yes
Regional shopping centers
No
No
No
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
AIRPORT LAND USE POLICY PLAN LAND USE
COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY"
LAND USE CATEGORY
COMPATIBILITY MTH
and
(Standard Industrial Classification Code)
CLEAR ZONE
APPROACH
OVERFLIGHT
ZONE
ZONE
PUBLIC AND QUASI -PUBLIC SERVICES
Post offices
No .
No
Yes
Government offices
No
No
Yes .
Government social services
No
No
Yes
Elementary & secondary schools
No
No
No"
Colleges 8 universities
No
No
No"
Hospitals
No
No
No
Medical & dental laboratories
No
Yes'
Yes
Doctor & dentist offices
No
No
Yes
Museums & art galleries r
No
No
Yes
Libraries
No
No
Yes
Churches
No
No
Yes
Cemeteries
No
Yes'•10
Yes
Jails & detention centers
No -
No
No"
Child care programs (12 or more children)
No
No
No"
Nursing care facilities
No
No
No"
RECREATION
Neighborhood parks
No
No
Yes
Community -wide 8 regional parks
No
No
Yes
Riding stables
No
Yes'
Yes
Golf courses
No
Yes'•''t1•1'
Yes
Open space & natural areas
Yes'''
Yes'•'•"''=
Yes'
Natural water areas
Yes'''
Yes''''"
Yes'
Recreation & amusement centers
No
No
Yes'
Physical fitness & gyms
No
No
Yes
Camps, campgrounds & RV parks
No
No
Yes
Dance halls, studios & schools
No
No
Yes
Theaters - live performance
No
No
Yes
Motion picture theater - single or double
No
No
Yes
Motion picture theater complex - 3 or more
No
No
No
Professional sports
No
No
No
Stadiums and arenas
No
No
No
Auditoriums, concert halls, amphitheaters
No
No
'No
Fairgrounds and expositions
No
No
No
Racetracks
No
No
No
Theme parks
No
No
No
I
s
ALUC - 33
AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
AIRPORT LAND USE POLICY PLAN LAND USE
COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY"
LAND USE CATEGORY
COMPATIBILITY WITH
and
(Standard industrial Classification Code)
CLEAR ZONE
APPROACH
OVERFLIGHT
ZONE
ZONE
AGRICULTURE AND MINING
Row & field crops
Yes'•'
Yes'.'
Yes'
Tree crops
No
Yes''
Yes'
-Intensive livestock
No
Yes"
Yes'
Nursery products
No
Yes'•'
Yes'
Poultry
No
Yes''
Yes'
Pasture & grazing
Yes'•'
Yes'-'
Yes'
Agricultural services
No
Yes'
Yes
Mining & quarrying
No
Yes"
Yes'
Oil & gas extraction
No
No
Yes
FOOTNOTES:
1. Single family residential land divisions in the Approach Zone are compatible land uses only if the density is five acres or more per
single family residence.
2. All ministerial and discretionary residential uses shall be reviewed by ALUC and findings must be made that no adverse impacts will be
created pursuant to Section II of the Policy Plan.
3. Uses compatible only if they do not result in a large concentration of people. A large concentration of people is defined as a gathering
of individuals that would result in more than 25 persons per acre at any one time.
4. No building, structures, above -ground. transmission lines, or storage of flammable or explosive material above ground, and no uses
resulting in a gathering of more than 10 persons per acre at any time.
5. No bulk petroleum products or chemical storage.
6. Tour operator passenger facilities not allowed.
7. Uses compatible only if they do not result in a possibility that a water area may cause ground fog or result in a bird hazard.
8. Household Hazardous waste facilities operated*as part of an integrated waste management program and resulting in only temporary
storage of materials is allowed.
9. Uses in buildings must be compatible as determined by ALUC.
10. No chapels or funeral homes.
11. No club houses, bars, restaurants or banquet facilities. Ancillary uses such as•pro shops, snack bars, and specialty food and
beverage services are allowed.
12.. No high intensity uses or facilities, such as structured, playgrounds, ballfields, or picnic pavilions.
13. Use not permitted unless the Airport Land Use Commission can make findings that no adverse impacts will be created pursuant to.
Section li of the Policy Plan.
14. Avigation Easements shall be signed by.property owners for all uses located within the planning boundaries of each public or special
use airport.
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
3. Implementation
ALUC adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans sets in motion a 180 day period,
Within which each city -or county with jurisdiction over a geographic area subject to this plan
must take one of the two following actions:
0 The first option is ,to amend its General Plan and other land use controls and
regulations, where necessary, to be consistent with this plan.' ;
0 The second option, if the city or county does not concur with -provisions of this
plan, `is to overrule any portion. of the plan with which it does not agree. The
overruling must, however, be by a two=thirds vote of the governing body and must
be. based on written and adopted findings that the action to overrule is consistent
with Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code.
Section 21670 of, the California Public Utilities Code makes it clear that the
purpose of the California Airport Land Use Commission Law is to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the .orderly expansion of airports and the
adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive
noise and safety hazards.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, existing incompatible land uses
may continue; however, no incompatible land -use may be changed to another incompatible
land use.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, no incompatible land use,
building, or structure may expanded, except: ?
0 Single family detached residences
❑ Schools -that would increase in capacity by less than one-third (1/3).
If any incompatible land use, building, or structure is damaged and the damage exceeds
50 percent of the current market value of the use, building, or structure, any subsequent '
land use must be in conformity with this plan, except the following:
o Single family detached residences.
0 Schools
ALUC - 35 I
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AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
Prior to the amendment of the general plan or specific plan, or the adoption or approval of
a zoning ordinance or building regulation that would affect land that lies within the airport
area of influence, the proposal must be submitted to the ALUC for review and determination
of compatibility. Affected cities and counties are responsible for submitting the proposal to
the ALUC.
Before a proposed project deemed incompatible because it would.exceed ALUC adopted
land use guidelines can be approved,:the city'or county must take.action to override the
ALUC. The action to override, including the required findings, is governed by the Airport
Land Use Commission Law, Chapter 4, Article 3.5, of the California Public Utilities Code. '
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
E. AIRPORT OVERFLIGHT CONSIDERATIONS
The ALUC recognizes .that airport related impacts are .not only restricted to the actual, safety
hazards of aircraft accidents, but include the perceptual impacts such as annoyance and fear,
related to the overflight of aircraft. The emphasis of this category of consideration is on the
affects of single event noise levels,- low flying aircraft and ,unusual or special circumstances that
are not reflected in the day to day patterns} associated with the operation of an airport.
1. Findings
Development within the Overflight Zone can be adversely affected by the perceptual, non -
quantifiable impacts of:
0 Single event noise levels.
0 Low flying aircraft: '
0 Unusual or special>circumstances not -reflected in the daily operational patterns
associated with an airport.
2. Policies
The ALUC will review all development within the Overflight Zone with consideration given
to the perceptual impacts of noise, low flying aircraft and unusual or special circumstances
not reflected in the daily operational patterns associated with an airport.
Residential land uses and other highly annoyance sensitive land uses are not appropriate
in areas where single event noise levels in excess of 55 dB and low flying aircraft have
been identified.
3. Implementation
ALUC adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans.sets in, motion a 180 day period,
within which each city or county with jurisdiction over a geographic area subject to this plan
must take one of the two following actions:
0 The first option is to amend its General Plan and other land use controls and
regulations, where necessary, to be consistent with this plan.
❑, AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
❑ The second option, if the city or county does not,concur with provisions of this
plan, is to overrule any portion of the plan with which it does not agree. The
overruling must, however, be by a two-thirds vote of the governing body and must
be based on written and adopts. &findings that the action to overrule is consistent
with Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code.
Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code makes it clear that the
purpose of the California Airport Land Use Commission.Law is to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports and the
Adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive
noise and safety hazards.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, existing incompatible land uses
may continue; however, no incompatible land use may be changed to another incompatible
land use.
Upon adoption of revised- comprehensive land use plans, no incompatible land use,
building, or structure may be expanded, except:
❑ Single family detached residences.
❑ Schools that would increase incapacity by less than one-third (1/3).
If any incompatible land use, building, or structure is. damaged and the damage exceeds
50 percent of the current market value of the use, building, or structure, any subsequent
land use must be in conformity with this plan, except the following:
❑ Single family detached residences.
❑ Schools
Prior to -the amendment of the general plan or specific plan, or the adoption or approval of
a zoning ordinance or building regulation that would affect land that lies within the airport
area of influence, the proposal must be submitted to the ALUC for review and determination
of compatibility. Affected cities and counties are responsible for submitting the proposal to
the ALUC.
Before a proposed project deemed incompatible because it would exceed ALUC adopted
land use guidelines can be approved, the city or county must take action to override the
ALUC.
ALUC - 38
• r I
I
,
1 i
❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑ '
The action to override, including the, requited findings, is governed by the Airport Land
Use Commission Law, Chapter 4, Article 3.5, of the California Public Utilities Code.
r
❑ AIRPORT LAND USE'COMMISSION POLICY PLAN .❑
F. AIRPORT ACCESS AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION CONSIDERATIONS
The ALUC recognizes that airport related impacts are not only restricted to the actual safety
hazards of aircraft accidents and noise compatibility issues,"but include surface transportation .
considerations so as to ensure that access to or.from an airport for commercial flight activity,
freight movement or emergency access is not unduly impacted or impaired as to reduce the.
operational character and capacity of an airport.
1. Findings
Development within the airport area of influence can adversely affect the effective operation
of an airport by creating traffic congestion and other'surface transportation restrictions that
will reduce the level of access to and from an airport for:
0 Commercial flight activity.
0 Passenger flight activity.
1
❑ Freight movement.
❑ Emergency services including fire protection, law enforcement and medical needs. '
Large. development projects that occuroutside of the Airport Area of Influence can have the
potential to affect airport operations with respect to surface transportation impacts as
identified in 1(a)(1-4) above. !
2. Policies
The ALUC will review all development within the airport Area of Influence with consideration
given to the continued viable surface transportation access to the airport.
Land uses that create congestion and other significant surface transportation restrictions
in an airport Area of Influence are not compatible with the effective, unimpaired operation
of an airport.
The ALUC requires that all roadways and intersections providing access to an airport not
exceed a Level of Service "C° (LOS C) at any time.
The ALUC encourages all local agencies,to solicit comments from the Commission for all
projects that have the potential to create substantial traffic impacts.
ALUC - 40
0 AIRPORT LAND USE :COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
3. Implementation
ALUC adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans sets in motion a 180 day period,
within which each city or county with jurisdiction over a geographic area subject to this plan
must take one of the two.following actions:
0 The first option is to amend "its General Plan and other land use controls and
regulations, where nece ssary, I to be consistent with this plan.
❑ The second option, if the city or county does not concur with provisions of this
plan, is .to overrule any portion of the plan with which it does not agree. The
overruling must, however; be by a two-thirds vote of the governing body and must
be based on written and adopted findings that the action to overrule is consistent
with Section 21670 of the California Public Utilities Code.
Section 21670 of, the California Public Utilities. Code makes it clear that the
purpose of the California Airport Land Use Commission Law is to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare by ensuring the orderly expansion of airports and the
adoption of land use measures that minimize the public's exposure to excessive
noise and .safety hazards.
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, existing incompatible land uses
may continue; however, no incompatible land use may be changed to another incompatible
land use. ;
Upon adoption of revised comprehensive land use plans, no incompatible land use,
building, or structure may be expanded, except:
' 0 . Single family detached residences.
❑ Schools that would increase in capacity by less than one-third (1/3).
If any incompatible land use, building, *or structure is damaged and the damage exceeds
50 percent of the current market value of the use, building, or structure, any subsequent
land ,use must be in conformity with this plan, except the following:
0 Single family detached residences.
❑ Schools `
r
ALUC - 41
s
S
❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
Prior to the amendment of the general plan or specific plan, or the adoption or approval of
a zoning ordinance or building regulation that would affect land that lies within the airport
area of influence, the proposal must be submitted to the-ALUC for review and determination
of compatibility. Affected cities and counties are responsible for submitting the proposal to
the ALUC.
Before a proposed project -deemed incompatible because it would exceed ALUC adopted
land use guidelines can be approved, the city or county must take action to override the
ALUC.
The action to override, including the required findings, is governed by the Airport Land Use
Commission Law, Chapter 4, Article 3.5, of the California Public Utilities Code.
ALUC - 42
❑ AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
APPENDIX A
SPECIFIC FINDINGS FOR OVERRIDE PROCEDURES
Various sections of the airport land use commission statutes provide for local agencies to
override ALUC decisions on land use matters and airport master plans. As stated in the ALUC
statutes Section 21675.1(d), `If the commission disapproves an action, regulation, or permit, the
commission shall notify the city or county. The city or county may overrule the commission, by
a two-thirds vote of its governing body, if it makes specific findings that the proposed action,
regulation, or permit is consistent with the purposes of this article, as stated in Section 21670."
The override process involves three mandatory steps:
❑ The holding of a public hearing; and
❑ The making of specific findings; and
❑ Approval of the proposed action by a two-thirds vote of a quorum of the agency's governing body.
The most critical aspect of these three steps and the one most often ignored is the requirement
for specific findings. These findings are discussed in six separate sections of the ALUC
statutes. A city or county cannot simply override an ALUC decision without first documenting
the basis for the override action and relating the basis directly to the purpose for which the
ALUC statutes were adopted. An override CANNOT legally be approved on the basis of
economic, social or political considerations.
The preparation of findings of fact have been scrutinized by both the legislature and the courts
and with respect to overriding findings of ALUC decisions, two court cases have addressed this
issue, Topanga Association for a Scenic Community v. County of Los Angeles ([1974] 11 Cal. 3d
506) and California Aviation Council v. City of Ceres (1992).
In the Topanga case the court outlined five purposes for making findings. Findings should:
❑ Provide a framework for making principled decisions, enhancing the integrity of the administrative process;
and
0 Help make analysis orderly and reduce the likelihood that the agency will randomly leap from evidence to
the conclusions; and
❑ Enable the parties to determine whether and on what basis they may seek judicial review and remedy; and
0 Apprise a reviewing court of the basis for the agency's action; and
0 Serve a. public relations function by helping to persuade the parties that administrative decision making is
careful, reasoned, and equitable.
ALUC - 43
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION 'POLICY PLAN n
In the Ceres case the court found that the Ceres city council had merely referred to the ALUC
statutes and then concluded that the proposed land uses minimized public exposure to
excessive noise and safety hazards, in the airport area. The findings did not document the
critical links between the proposal, the finding; and the facts. Supporting this court decision, the
Governors Office of Planning and Research (OPR) guidelines states that "Generally, findings
are not sufficient if they merely recite the vary language of the local ordinance or state statute
that requires them" in other words, "findings must bridge the analytical gap between raw data
and ultimate decision."
The Butte County ALUC will actively pursue the requirement for adequate findings of fact and
will condition all projects to include the prompt notification of ALUC of any planned override of
its recommended actions. This will ensure that all overriding findings will address the intent of
Government Code Section 21670(a) andpotentially avoid some of the resulting' incompatibilities
and would further the objectives of the ALUC. statutes.
ALUC 44
0 AIRPORT LAND. USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN 0
APPENDIX B
PUBLIC UTILITIES CODE
Section 21655: :Notification to, and investigation by department before acquiring site for
state building.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, .if the proposed site of any state building is
within two miles, measured by air line, of that point on an.airport boundary which is nearest
the site, the state agency or office which proposes to construct the building shall, before
acquiring.title to property for;the new state building or for an addition.to a present site, notify
the Department of Transportation, in writing, of the proposed acquisition. The Department
shall investigate the proposed site and, within 25 days after receipt of the notice, shall
submit to. the state agency or office which proposes to construct the building, a .written
report of the investigation and its recommendations concerning acquisition of the site.
Section 21656: Permit for structures having height in excess of prescribed maximum:
Exception where approval by federal agency required.
No person shall erect or add to the height of any structure within the boundaries of this state
which will result in a structure that extends more than 500 feet above the ground on which
such structure rests until, a permit therefor has been issued for such purpose by the
Department of Transportation. This section is not applicable. to -the construction of any
structure if the Federal Communications .Commission is. required to approve the height of
the structure or if the height of the structure is required to be approved under the Federal
Aviation Act of 1,958 (Public Law 85-726;72 State 731).
Section 2.1658: Prohibition, against public utility construction constituting obstruction to air
navigation.
No public utility shall construct any pole, pole line, distribution or transmission tower, or
tower line, or substation structure in the vicinity of the exterior boundary of an aircraft
landing area of any airport, in a location with respect to the airport and at a height so as to
constitute an obstruction to air navigation, as an obstruction is defined in accordance with
Part 77 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, Federal Aviation Administration, or any
corresponding rules or regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration, unless the F
Federal Aviation Administration has determined that. the pole, line, tower, or structure does
not constitute a hazard to air navigation.
-ALUC - 45
0 AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN ❑
Section 21659: Permit for structure or -growth constituting hazard to air navigation'under
federal re-gulation: Exceptions
No person shall construct any structure or permit any natural growth to grow at a height so
as to constitute a hazard to air navigation, as a hazard to air navigation is defined in
accordance with theregulations of the Federal Aviation Administration relating to objects
affecting navigable airspace contained in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part
77, unless a permit allowing the construction or growth is issued .by the Department of
Transportation.
The permit shall not be required if the Federal Aviation Administration has determined that
the construction or growth does not constitute a hazard to air navigation or would not create
an unsafe condition for air navigation. The' previous paragraph does not apply to a pole,
pole line, distribution or transmission tower, or tower line or substation of a public utility.
Section 21661.5: Approval of plan for new airport
No political subdivision, any of its officers or employees, or any person may submit any
application for the construction of a new airport to any local, regional, state, or federal
agency unless the plan for such construction is first approved by the board of supervisors
of the county, or the city council of the city, in which the airport is to be located and unless
the plan is submitted to the appropriate com-mission exercising powers pursuant to Article
3.5 (commencing with Section 21670) of chapter of Part 1 of Division 9, and acted upon by
such commission in accordance with the provisions of such article.
Section 21661.6: Submission and approval of plan for expanding publicly owned airport:
Conformity to approved plan, and approval of variance
Prior to the acquisition of land by any political subdivision for the purpose of expanding or
enlarging an existing publicly owned airport, the acquiring entity shall submit a plan of such
expansion or enlargement to the board of supervisors of the county, or the city council of
the city, in which property proposed to be acquired is located. .
The plan shall show in detail the airport related uses and other uses proposed for the
property to be acquired. The board. of supervisors or the city council, as the case may be,
shall, upon notice, conduct a public hearing on such plan, and shall thereafter approve or
disapprove the plan.
Upon approval the plan, the proposed acquisition of property may begin.
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AIRPORT LAND USE COMMISSION POLICY PLAN o
The use of property so acquired shall thereafter conform to .the .approved plan, and any
variance from such plan, or changes' proposed therein, shall first be approved by the
appropriate board of supervisors or city council after a public hearing on the subject of the
variance or plan change.
The requirements of .this section are in addition to any other requirements of law relating
to construction or expansion of airports.
Section 21662: Approval of airport sites and issuance of airport permits
The Department of Transportation shall have the authority to issue airport site approval
Permits, amended airport; site approval permits, airport permits, and amended airport
permits. No charge shall be made for the issuance of any permit. a
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APPENDIX C
EDUCATION CODE
These sections reflect .provisions of the Education Code related to proposed sites near
airports.
Section 39005: Investigation of school sites near airports
To promote the safety of pupils, comprehensive community planning, and greater
educational usefulness of school sites, the governing board of each school district, if a
proposed school site is within two miles, measured by air line, of that point on an airport
boundary which is nearest the site, before acquiring title to property for a new school site
or for an addition to a present site, shall give the Department of Education notice in writing
of the proposed acquisition and shall submit any information required by the Department
of Education.
Immediately after receiving notice of the proposed acquisition, the Department of Education
shall notify the Department of Transportation, in writing, of the proposed acquisition. The
Department of Transportation shall make an investigation and report to the Department of
Education within 25 days after receipt of the notice. If the Department of Transportation is
no longer in operation, the Department of Education shall, in lieu of notifying the
Department of Transportation, notify the Civil Aeronautics Board or any other appropriate
agency, in writing, of the proposed acquisition for the purpose of obtaining from the board
or other agency any information or assistance that it may desire to give.
The Department of Education shall investigate the proposed site and, within 30 days after
receipt of the notice, shall submit to the governing 'board a written reports and its
recommendations concerning acquisition of the site.
Section 39006: Notice and public hearing
Notwithstanding Section 39005, immediately after receiving notice of a proposed acquisition
of property which is within two miles, measured by air line, of that point on an airport
boundary which is nearest the site, the Department of Education shall notify the Department
of Transportation, in writing, of the proposed,acquisition. The Department of Transportation
shall make an investigation and report to the Department of Education within 25 days after
receipt of the notice. As part of the investigation, the Department of Transportation shall
give notice thereof to the owner and operator of the airport who shall be granted the
opportunity to comment upon the proposed school site.
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If the report of the Department of Education required by Section 39005 does not favor the
acquisition of the property for a school site, or an addition to a present school site, the
governing body shall not acquire title to the property until 30 days after the department's
report is received and until the department's report has been read at a public hearing duly
called after 10 days notice by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the
school district or, if there is no such newspaper, in a newspaper of general circulation within
the county in which the property is located.
Section 39007: Proposed school site within two miles of airport runway
If, with respect to a proposed site located within two miles of an operative airport runway,
the report of the Department of Education submitted to a school district governing board
under Section 39005 or 39006 does not favor the acquisition of the site on the sole or
partial basis of the unfavorable recommendation of the Department of Transportation, no
state agency or officer shall grant, apportion, or allow to the school district for expenditure,
in connection with that site, any state funds otherwise made available under any state law
whatever for school site acquisition or school building construction, or for expansion of
existing sites and buildings, and no funds of the school district or of the county in which the
district lies shall be expended for those purposes, except that the provisions of this section
shall not apply to sites acquired prior to January 1, 1966, nor to any additions to extensions
to those sites.
If the recommendation of the Department of Transportation is unfavorable, the
recommendation shall not be overruled without the express approval of the Department of
Education and the State Allocation Board.
In addition to the land use consistency requirements, the Public Utilities Code contains the
following provisions related to land use around airports.
Section 81036: Investigation of community college site near airport
To promote the safety of students, comprehensive community planning, and greater
educational usefulness of community college sites, the governing board of each community
college district, if the proposed site is within two miles, measured by air line, of that point
on an airport boundary which is nearest the site, before acquiring title to property for a new
community college site or for an addition to a present site, shall give the board of governors
notice in writing of the proposed acquisition and shall submit any information required by
the board of governors.
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Immediately after receiving notice of the proposed acquisition, the board of governors shall
notify the Division of Aeronautics of the. Department of Transportation, in writing, of the
proposed acquisition. The Division of Aeronautics shall make an investigation report .to the
board of governors within.25 days after receipt of the notice. If the Division of Aeronautics
is no longer in operation, the board of governors shall, in lieu of notifying the Division of
Aeronautics, notify the Federal Aviation Administration or any other appropriate agency, in
writing of the proposed acquisition for the purpose of obtaining from the authority or other
agency such information or assistance as it may desire to give.
The board of governors shall investigate the proposed site and within 30 days after receipt
of the notice shall submit to the governing board a written report and its recommendations
concerning acquisition of the site. The governing board shall not acquire title to the
property until the report of the board of governors has been received. If the report does not
favor the acquisition of the property for a community college site or an addition to a present
community college site the governing board shall not acquire title to the property until 30
days after the department's report is received and until the board of governors' report has
been read at a public hearing duly called after 10 days notice published once in a
newspaper of general circulation within the community college district, or if there is no such
newspaper, then in a newspaper of general circulation within the county in which the
property is located.
Section 81038: Effect of disfavor of acquisition of community college site near airport
If, with respect to a proposed site located within two miles of an operative airport runway,
the report of the board of governors submitted to a community college district governing
board under Section 81036 does not favor the acquisition of the site on the sole or partial
basis of the unfavorable recommendation of the Division of Aeronautics of the Department
of Transportation, no state agency or officer shall grant, apportion, or allow to such
community college district for expenditure in connection with that site, any state funds
otherwise made available under any state law whatever for community college site
acquisition or college building construction, or for expansion of existing sites and buildings,
and no funds of the community college district or the county in which the district lies shall
be expended for such purposes; provided that the provisions of this section shall be
applicable to sites acquired prior to January 1, 1966 nor to any additions to extensions to
such sites.
If the recommendation of the Division of Aeronautics is unfavorable, such recommendation
shall not be overruled without the express approval of the Board of Governors and the State
Allocation Board.
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APPENDIX D
THE PLANNING AND ZONING LAW
(California::Government Code)
TITLE 7. PLANNING AND LAND USE
DIVISION 1. PLANNING AND ZONING
Article 5. Authority for and Scope of General Plans
SECTION 1. Section 65302.3 'of the .Government Code is amended to read: �
65302.3. (a) The general plan, and any applicable specific plan prepared pursuant to
Article 8, (commencing with Section 65450), shall be consistent with the .plan adopted or
amended pursuant to Section 21675 of the Public'Utilities Code.
(b). 'The. general plan, and any applicable specific'.plan, shall be amended, as necessary, '
within 180 days of any amendment to the plan required under Section 21675 of the Public
Utilities Code.
(c) If the legislative body does not concur with any provision of the plan required under
Section 21675 of the Public Utilities Code, it may satisfy the provisions of this section by
adopting findings pursuant to Section 21676 of the Public Utilities Code.