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Commission asks staff to protect Citrus County turf runway after Crystal River land-use application raised safety concerns
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to work with Crystal River and the applicant to review a pending land-use and zoning change near the county airport that could allow buildings up to 75 feet and impair operations of the county's turf runway. County attorney and aviation advisors said taller development could close or limit the airstrip.
The Board of County Commissioners directed county staff to work with Crystal River officials and an applicant after a proposed zoning change on property adjacent to the county airport raised concerns about the safety and utility of the county’s turf runway.
Background: County Attorney Denise Lynn explained the County learned of an application before the City of Crystal River to change about seven acres adjacent to the airport from conservation to a UC-1 commercial designation. Lynn said staff asked Crystal River to postpone consideration to allow the county to examine the application because of the property’s long history and proximity to the airport.
Aviation concerns: Retired commercial pilot and Aviation Advisory Board chair Heiko Columbach (as referenced by staff) and county staff noted that aircraft using the turf runway fly low over nearby roads during takeoff and landing. County staff said the city’s requested zoning could allow structures up to 75 feet, which the county’s aviation advisers said could interfere with the turf runway’s safe operation and potentially force its closure at its full length.
Board direction: The commission unanimously authorized the county attorney and staff to continue working with Crystal River staff and the applicant to obtain full historical records and seek a solution that preserves the airport asset. Commissioners emphasized protecting the turf runway — a local airfield asset that provides redundancy for the paved runway and supports storm and emergency operations.
Next steps: County staff will continue intergovernmental discussions and return with recommended actions and any proposed municipal coordination or conditions for the pending application. Commissioners asked staff to protect the airport asset, and the county attorney said the city agreed to continue further consideration to July 14 to allow the county time to review the matter.
Ending: The board provided clear direction to prioritize the airport’s operational integrity in ongoing conversations with Crystal River and the applicant.
