Riverside County Bans Through The Fence Agreements at All Airports

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on August 26, 2025, where a significant resolution was proposed regarding airport access agreements. Angela Jamieson, the director of airports for Riverside County, presented a resolution to prohibit "through the fence" agreements at all county airports. These agreements would allow adjacent property owners direct access to the airport, bypassing the standard lease obligations that current tenants must adhere to.

Jamieson explained that through the fence agreements could undermine the financial stability of the county's airports. Currently, airport tenants invest heavily in improvements, which revert to county ownership at the end of their leases, ensuring long-term financial sustainability. In contrast, through the fence agreements would allow property owners to retain their improvements indefinitely, creating a two-tier system that could jeopardize the county's revenue model.

The discussion highlighted the growth and success of Thermal Airport, which has attracted interest from potential developers. However, Jamieson emphasized that allowing through the fence agreements could hinder the county's ability to develop its own airport property and comply with federal regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not support such agreements, as they can lead to unfair competition and financial risks for the county.

The resolution aims to affirm the county's commitment to supporting on-airport businesses and ensuring regulatory compliance. Jamieson noted that the resolution would not affect educational initiatives, such as partnerships with local schools for aeronautics programs, as these would not be considered commercial purposes.

The Board of Supervisors is expected to adopt the resolution, which reflects a proactive approach to maintaining the integrity and financial health of Riverside County's airports. The meeting also included public comments, with support expressed from various stakeholders in the aviation industry, reinforcing the importance of the resolution for the county's economic development and regulatory compliance.