Tyler council adopts airport zoning ordinance after heated public comment, denies 30-day delay

The Tyler City Council on May 28 adopted an ordinance creating land‑use and height‑review rules to protect aircraft approaches at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, while preserving a process for property owners to seek FAA review and city variances.

The ordinance establishes runway protection zone (RPZ) restrictions that treat undeveloped agricultural uses and surface parking as allowed-by-right within the most restrictive hatched areas and creates an administrative height‑hazard permit process tied to an FAA airspace determination. Council member Curtis moved to approve the ordinance; the motion passed after council defeated a separate motion to table the item for 30 days.

City planning staff said the measure codifies existing FAA expectations and grant assurances rather than imposing wholly new federal obligations. “The FAA has 3 levels that they ask…own the property outright, purchase an easement, or, third, have some type of zoning ordinance,” Planning staff member Kyle said, summarizing why the city is adopting the…