Council gives first reading to UDC changes to define and regulate vertiports; amendments made to require conditional review

On first reading the Alpharetta City Council approved amendments to the Unified Development Code to add definitions for advanced air mobility uses, including “eVTOL” (electric vertical takeoff and landing) and “vertiport,” and to place vertiports in the land‑use table with conditional‑use review where appropriate.

Director Georgia Cook told council staff drafted definitions to separate vertiports and heliports because helicopters generate substantially greater noise. “A vertiport shall not be used by helicopters,” Cook said during the presentation. The proposed ordinance initially allowed vertiports by right in light‑industrial zones; several council members asked to make vertiports conditional uses in all zoning districts so the city can review site‑specific impacts.

Councilman Hipes asked why heliports and vertiports would be treated differently; staff said heliports exist in the code and are typically permitted by right in light‑industrial zones but the council can change that. A friendly amendment was offered and accepted to make vertiports conditional across the zoning categories rather than allowed by right in any. Planning Commission considered the changes on Aug. 7 and recommended unanimous approval; council approved the first reading with the amendment and directed staff to return for second reading.

Council discussion touched on noise, safety, likely future use cases (air taxis and cargo/delivery), FAA and state regulation and the early stage of the technology. Council members requested staff continue research on operational and regulatory options, including parcel delivery and potential FAA oversight, before formal permitting.