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Commission directs review of airport event rules after requests for car shows and demonstrations
Summary
County staff told commissioners that current airport code requires commission approval and 60-day notice for events; the commission asked staff to draft a text amendment to allow short-term event permits while preserving FAA and safety compliance.
Morgan County staff briefed commissioners on the county airport code and three recent event requests, including a proposed car/plane show and a test‑driving demonstration. Staff said the code requires 60 days' prior written notice to airport management and county commission approval for outside events and currently prohibits runway use and any activity that interferes with normal airport operations. Planning and airport staff described other approvals event organizers must obtain, including liability insurance, a mass-gathering permit (sheriff involvement), and conditional use permits for businesses selling goods on airport property. Staff recommended not rushing code changes that touch on FAA rules and said they would consult the Federal Aviation Administration and other state requirements before proposing amendments. Why it matters: The commission has received multiple requests to allow more public events at the airport as a community access and outreach tool. Commissioners asked staff to draft a focused text amendment so short events (fly-ins, car/plane displays, food trucks) can operate under an event permit instead of a full conditional use permit, provided aviation safety, insurance, and public‑safety conditions are met. Details: Staff highlighted provisions in the airport chapter that allow the commission to charge fees and require conditional use or special-event permits. Commissioners discussed limiting events to aeronautical-related activities or approved public events that do not use taxiways or runways. Josh (planning) said a text amendment could carve out a temporary-use or special-event permit for the airport so vendors can operate under the event umbrella without full CUP requirements. Next steps: Staff will prepare a draft text amendment, consult with the airport advisory board and the sheriff (public safety), and present recommended language for the commission to review. Staff also recommended adding event fees and cleanup/maintenance expectations in the permit so taxpayers are not subsidizing events.
