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Planning commission reviews Hansen Group airport overlay ordinance; asks questions on energy development and height limits
Summary
The commission reviewed a draft airport overlay ordinance prepared by Hansen Group, noted its recommendation for a 5,000-foot buffer and federal reference to 14 CFR Part 77, and asked staff to seek written clarification on building-height scaling and energy-development guidance.
The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed a draft airport overlay ordinance prepared by Hansen Group and discussed whether the draft needs additional language addressing building heights and energy development (solar and wind) near the airport.
Chair Amanda Podmore summarized the Hansen Group materials and said the consultant’s recommendation includes a 5,000-foot buffer around the airport and an abrogation easement aligned with local height restrictions. Marsha Haydenfeld asked whether the ordinance should create graduated height limits — lower heights closer to the airport and taller limits further away — but commissioners noted the Hansen Group document references federal standards.
Commissioner Brian (staff member) pointed the group to 14 CFR Part 77 (FAA obstruction standards) and said that the document includes “tons of standards” for building height and obstruction evaluation. Commissioners asked whether the overlay should explicitly address energy infrastructure; Marsha Haydenfeld specifically asked whether the overlay should require that “energy development must…be safe for aviation” (for example, wind turbines with lighting or solar installations that could cause glare).
The commission agreed to send two questions to Hansen Group by email — clarity on whether the ordinance should adopt a graduated height scale in addition to a 35-foot local standard, and whether the overlay should explicitly address energy development such as solar farms and wind turbines. Podmore said Hansen Group may present to the commission or to town council if the consultants determine oral presentation is needed; otherwise the commission will request written clarification by email.
No formal recommendation or vote occurred at the Aug. 21 work session; commissioners signaled the ordinance could be placed on the Sept. 4 commission agenda for further discussion if answers are complex or on the Oct. 28 public hearing agenda if ready.
