Residents press Lancaster County to clarify helicopter rules after repeated landings at 244 My Farm Road

A group of neighbors told the Lancaster County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 28 that repeated helicopter takeoffs and landings at 244 My Farm Road have caused noise, environmental and safety concerns and exposed gaps in local and state rules governing helicopter operations.

The neighbors urged supervisors to tighten local regulations after multiple witnesses recorded a commercial helicopter landing and taking off on Aug. 11, and said noise and lingering fuel odors followed the flights. "It's beyond the pale that one would risk the environmental impacts, disturbing neighbors across the county," one nearby resident told the board, adding the flights would avoid an 11-mile drive to Hummel Field.

Why it matters: The episode exposed legal ambiguity between state aviation rules and Lancaster County's zoning ordinance. County staff and the board said the county currently lacks a clear numeric definition of "repetitive" operations and has limited tools to police commercial flights that are not originating at a licensed airport. Supervisors directed staff to investigate whether the flights violated existing county rules and to ask the Planning Commission to review the ordinance definitions and possible changes.

At the hearing, presenter Okun, who spoke for more than 30 nearby residents, described both environmental and community impacts. Okun said the property owner had sought a special-exception permit earlier in the year to build a 35-by-35-foot helipad but withdrew that permit after the intended frequency of flights was presented as "occasional." Okun said neighbors then witnessed the Aug. 11 activity and provided video and written complaints to the county. "This is not a small dot on a map — it will impact property owners, sensitive wetland areas, wildlife and marine life in and around Dimer Creek," Okun said.

County staff briefed the board on the state registration process. Under state law, properties farther than five nautical miles from a licensed public-use airport generally register rather than obtain a license; Lancaster staff confirmed the site is about 6.34 nautical miles from Hummel Field. Okun cited portions of state law that say a locality may not impose a total ban on noncommercial helicopter landings for personal use, but noted the state language also allows localities to impose reasonable conditions to protect neighboring properties.

Supervisor Bill Smith and other board members cited safety and siting concerns, saying Hummel Field is a safer alternative for routine landings because it is prepared for emergency response and has established safety infrastructure. The county attorney and staff described two separate tracks: (1) send draft ordinance language and questions to the Planning Commission for review and possible amendment; and (2) have county staff investigate the current operations and, if appropriate, issue a cease-and-desist or zoning enforcement action.

The board voted unanimously to send the county's current helicopter/heliport rules to the Planning Commission for review and asked county staff to investigate whether the Aug. 11 flights — and any subsequent flights — violate the Lancaster County ordinance and to pursue enforcement if warranted. The board also discussed the possibility of requiring registration, written documentation of zoning approvals when owners register with the Department of Aviation, and clearer local definitions (for example: a numeric threshold for "repetitive" operations and a measurable noise standard).

Board direction and next steps: The board's vote instructs staff to report back and gives the Planning Commission authority to consider ordinance changes. Staff said an investigation could lead to an immediate cease-and-desist letter if they determine a current landing operation is not in conformity with county requirements.

The board did not adopt new regulations at the meeting and made no ruling on property values, licensing or possible civil litigation among private parties. Residents and the county will await the Planning Commission's review and any administrative findings from staff.

Ending: The county's next formal step is the Planning Commission review; staff investigators will also determine whether to issue enforcement notices based on their ongoing review and any new evidence of repeated activity.