Aurora council approves initial zoning of 242-acre site to Airport District

The Aurora City Council on Aug. 25 voted unanimously to adopt Ordinance 2025-83, granting initial Airport District (AD) zoning to an approximately 242-acre parcel north of E. 56th Avenue. The zoning change was requested by applicant Airport Logistics LLC and applies as part of an annexation process.

Staff said the site, currently zoned A-3 in Adams County, is largely vacant and bordered by unincorporated land to the north and west and Aurora-owned parcels to the south and east. "The applicant is Airport Logistics LLC, and they are requesting a zoning map amendment for the initial zoning to Airport District AD of approximately 242 acres," Planning Department staffer Ariana Mooka told council during the public hearing.

The planning and zoning commission recommended approval on July 23, and staff said the proposal complies with code section 1-46-5.4.1.c of Aurora's Unified Development Ordinance and with the city's Aurora Places policy for the industrial hub place type. The presentation noted the parcel’s current vacancy and said there would be no displacement of tenants.

No members of the public spoke on the item. Council member Jim Sundberg moved to approve the ordinance; Council member Jarenski seconded. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.

The zoning change establishes Airport District standards for future development of the site and enables subsequent planning, permitting and infrastructure steps under Aurora's land-use code. Staff and the applicant will follow the city’s standard annexation and development-review processes before project-level permits are issued.