Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Heliport Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission begins drafting heliport/helipad guidance for private operators on private property
Summary
Commissioners reviewed example regulations and asked staff to compile additional models to allow private heliports on private property in appropriate zones; discussion distinguished private use from commercial/public helipads regulated by the FAA.
The commission discussed drafting local regulations to govern private heliports or helipads on privately owned property and asked staff to collect sample regulations and return with recommendations.
Staff presented model language from other Connecticut municipalities and noted the primary distinction: a private helipad used by the property owner or a private operator is different from a commercial helipad or heliport that is open to the public and is regulated more directly by the Federal Aviation Administration. The commission discussed siting criteria such as distance to the nearest house, setbacks, paved pad construction, lighting and wind indicators, frequency of flights, and whether storage or buildings would be permitted at the site.
Commissioners asked staff to gather additional model regulations (staff noted West Hartford and other examples) and to consider zone‑based restrictions (for example, permitting private helipads in commercial zones with conditions). Staff will bring back draft language for the commission to review and refine.
Ending: Staff will compile municipal examples and draft proposed regulatory text for future discussion; no vote or formal regulatory change occurred at the March 24 meeting.
