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Council holds public hearing on proposed airport overlay zone; staff says rules narrow WSDOT footprint
Summary
At a public hearing, city staff and consultant Aaron Mercar explained a proposed airport overlay zone designed to formalize state guidance, impose flight‑path height limits and narrow the WSDOT footprint; a nearby property owner asked whether the overlay changes zoning and whether a multi‑story hotel would require special review.
Mayor Paul Worley opened a public hearing for a proposed airport overlay zone and turned the presentation over to Aaron Mercar of SCJ Alliance, who said the overlay would formalize state guidelines and discourage incompatible uses near Quincy’s general aviation airport.
"This airport overlay zone will formalize state guidelines and land uses around airports," Mercar said, adding the proposed local standards are narrower than WSDOT’s and were reviewed by the Department of Commerce and WSDOT. He said the city issued the draft for SEPA review, the planning commission recommended approval contingent on Grant County coordination, and staff reached agreement with nearby property owners and the port.
Property owner Kurt Morris of 602 N Street Southwest asked whether the overlay changes the underlying commercial zoning or simply imposes additional review. "Is it change the zoning, or does it just put restrictions on the zone that's currently there?" Morris asked, and sought clarity on whether a four‑story hotel would need special review in the yellow (Zone 4) area.
Staff and council members replied that the overlay does not rezone property; the underlying zoning remains commercial but certain uses or heights near the runway will require compatibility reviews under the overlay. Mercar explained that height limits are derived from flight‑path geometry rather than a single maximum number for each zone.
Council members pressed for clarity on measurement and review processes, questioning whether county UGA areas would follow the same standards and whether annexation could change which rules apply. Staff said areas outside city limits would remain under Grant County planning and WSDOT standards unless annexed.
The hearing was closed after questions; staff said comments will be taken under consideration and the recommendation for approval will move forward to subsequent steps in the local adoption process. No final ordinance vote occurred during the hearing itself.
