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Board approves private landing‑strip special exception with conditions; EPD to monitor hazardous materials
Summary
The Board approved a special exception to allow a private landing strip for a small bush plane on private rural property near Paynes Prairie with conditions limiting use to a defined area, daytime operations only, no on‑site fuel storage and no paving; environmental staff flagged potential maintenance‑hazard reporting requirements.
Growth Management staff recommended approval of a special exception to allow a private landing strip on a rural‑agricultural parcel near Paynes Prairie. Matty Bangatar summarized the application, noting the landing area is limited to a roughly 2½‑acre hatched portion of a 170‑acre parcel, no new construction was proposed beyond an accessory structure, and Florida DOT and FAA approvals will also be required before operation.
Staff proposed conditions restricting the landing strip to the described legal area, limiting operations to daytime only, prohibiting on‑site aviation‑fuel storage and preventing paving of the strip. Environmental Protection staff said routine small‑plane maintenance (oil changes and minor fluids) is expected to be minimal for the type of 'bush plane' described, but asked to be notified if maintenance scope changes so hazardous materials requirements can be enforced.
Applicant Dr. Tyrone told commissioners the plane is small, trailer‑transportable and intended for private use; he said the hangar structure shown is agricultural in classification. Commissioners asked whether noise or bird‑strike risks were significant given the site’s proximity to Paynes Prairie; EPD staff said the runway alignment and topography reduce direct overflight of the prairie and recommended daytime restriction to reduce wildlife interactions.
A motion to approve staff’s recommendation, including the proposed conditions, passed unanimously.
