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Planning Commission conditionally approves variance for 108-foot air traffic control tower at Boulder City Airport
Summary
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a variance allowing a 108-foot air traffic control tower at Boulder City Municipal Airport after staff cited FAA program requirements, a 2024 environmental assessment with a finding of no significant impact, and an FAA determination of no objection.
The Boulder City Planning Commission voted unanimously to conditionally approve a variance (V-26-693) to construct a 108-foot air traffic control tower at Boulder City Municipal Airport, finding that federal operational requirements and site-specific sight-line needs justify relief from the AP zone height limit.
Staff told the commission the city entered the FAA Federal Contract Tower Program in 2018 and that the project has advanced through FAA-funded grant phases, an environmental assessment and design. The environmental assessment completed in August 2024 included viewpoint images and produced a finding of no significant impact, and staff said the FAA issued a final determination of no objection to construction in July 2024 (subject to FAA construction requirements).
Under Chapter 22 of city code, structures in the AP (Airport Overlay) zone are generally limited to 25 feet, with conditional uses allowing 30–45 feet depending on runway relationships; staff said the tower’s operational sight-line needs make the higher height necessary. Staff noted comparable tower heights at other regional airports and recommended conditional approval tied to the submitted plans and FAA requirements.
Commissioners asked about prior packet references to a 125-foot height; staff said a site analysis finalized the design at 108 feet. Airport Manager Marissa Du told the commission the environmental assessment includes photos from identified vantage points and said the most visible viewpoint was Veterans Memorial Park.
A public speaker who uses the airport, Casey Craig, urged approval, saying the field’s increased activity — including a new flight school and reports of close calls — supports the safety benefit of a control tower. After public comment, a commissioner moved to conditionally approve the variance based on staff findings; the motion passed unanimously.
Staff recommended that any approval be conditioned on adherence to the plans submitted and FAA safety requirements during construction, and the commission’s approval followed that recommendation.
