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Board upholds airport safety policy, denies appeal to add ADU in runway protection zone
Summary
Supervisors denied an appeal from a McKinleyville property owner seeking an aviation permit to build a two‑story accessory dwelling unit inside the airport's runway protection zone, citing FAA guidance and the countyALUCP; the appellant was not present.
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on March 3 rejected an appeal seeking permission to add a two‑story accessory dwelling unit on a McKinleyville parcel that sits in the runway protection zone of the county airport. County aviation and planning staff briefed the board that the parcel is in ALUCP safety zone 1, the most restrictive area, where new structures and additional habitable uses are generally precluded under FAA guidance and the countyairport overlay zoning.
Staff summarized the appellants arguments, including claims about inconsistency with state housing guidance, nonconforming status of the existing house, and assertions that mitigation or compensation options were available. Staff and counsel explained that safety zone 1 precludes most new development, that prior permitting on neighboring parcels was issued in error in the past, and that the Department of Aviation recommended denying the appeal. The appellant, Joseph Dodie, did not appear in person or by phone to present testimony.
After brief public comment supporting the staff recommendation, the board voted to deny the appeal by unanimous consent and confirmed the Department of Aviation and planning staffroles in protecting airspace compatibility.
Next steps: The denial stands. Staff recorded that acquisition by the airport (purchase of the parcel) would be technically possible under FAA policy but would depend on funding and prioritization; no purchase action was taken.
