Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Zoning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Airport director urges $30,000 study to create airport‑compatible zoning; commission signals support
Summary
Mike Shahan, Galveston Airport director, told the Planning Commission a compatible land‑use zoning study (estimated at about $30,000) would identify FAA‑compatible buffers and restrictions around runways; commissioners gave consensus to include the item on the Jan. 15 joint agenda and asked staff for visuals and next steps.
Galveston’s airport director briefed the Planning Commission on Dec. 2 about a proposal to commission a study to draft compatible land‑use zoning around the airport. Mike Shahan said Kaufman Associates (the airport master‑plan consultant) estimated the work at about $30,000 and that airport reserves and land‑sale proceeds could contribute to funding.
"It's about $30,000 We've got some airport funding I think we can use for that," Shahan said, adding that a study would compile FAA guidance and produce recommendations for zones around runway ends, approach corridors and adjacent parcels. He described typical restrictions used elsewhere — for example, limiting dwelling units per acre and preserving open space near approaches — and said the study would provide visuals and recommended language for Planning Commission and City Council review.
Commissioners asked about FAA involvement and whether the study would take FAA grant assurances and financing considerations into account. Shahan said the FAA provides technical guidance but places the responsibility on the city to adopt local zoning; he also said the study would help demonstrate to FAA that the city is taking steps to protect the airport, which could support future grant funding.
Commissioners expressed support for placing the study on the Jan. 15 City Council joint agenda, requested maps/visuals and discussion of potential funding sources, and instructed staff to circulate a prioritization survey ahead of the dual meeting.
The proposal at this stage is for Planning Commission discussion and for staff to present a recommended scope and budget to City Council for approval; no binding financial commitment was recorded at the Dec. 2 meeting.
