Planning Commission unanimously approves private heliport conditional use permit at Villa Grande Way

The Boulder City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a conditional use permit allowing a private heliport at 1001 Villa Grande Way, subject to conditions in the staff report including an FAA letter of determination showing no objection, hours limited to 7 a.m.–9 p.m., a minimum 500-foot separation from noise-sensitive property lines, owner-occupant–only operations and no on-site aircraft fueling.

Planning Manager Nikisha Lyon told the commission the conditional use category for private heliports was added to the R180 zoning district earlier this year and that staff’s analysis finds the proposed heliport complies with the five criteria for conditional uses. Staff noted a noise-modeling technical brief and a demonstration program were included in the packet and called out the required 500-foot setback that staff uses to remain within the city’s 70 dBA LEQ threshold.

Applicant Casey Craig described six demonstration flights he arranged with neighbors and city officials in attendance. Craig said the helipad will be sited on the southeast portion of his 11.65-acre property and that the pad is approximately 642 feet from the closest neighboring property line, exceeding the CUP requirement by about 142 feet. He said the operation is owner-occupant only, noncommercial, will not involve on-site aircraft fueling and that he installed an additional fire hydrant at his expense. “The sound study demonstrates sound remains on the property,” Craig said, arguing the demonstrations showed minimal noise and that outreach produced strong neighborhood support.

Multiple neighbors who attended demonstrations spoke during the public-hearing period. Matt Reagan read a letter from a professional pilot who attended a noise demonstration and reported the operation produced “remarkably little noise.” Call-in commenter Dr. Michael Stone and other neighbors said decibel meters and firsthand observation during the demonstrations showed no disruptive noise levels and urged the commission to approve the permit.

Commissioners asked staff whether the ownership language could be narrowed to the current owner only and whether the no-fueling restriction barred residential fueling of vehicles; staff replied the adopted code language requires owner-occupant operation and that the no-fueling prohibition applies specifically to aircraft fueling while ordinary residential fueling of cars or RVs is permitted.

After the public hearing closed, Vice Chair Scott moved to approve the CUP subject to the conditions in the staff report; the motion passed unanimously.

The approval is contingent on the applicant providing the FAA determination of no objection and complying with the other conditions adopted with the resolution. If unresolved complaints arise later, the resolution notes the city may require a new public hearing and could pursue revocation of the CUP.