
Building near an airport can be challenging due to safety concerns and regulations imposed by aviation authorities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), for instance, has specific guidelines, including Regulation Part 77, which restricts the height of structures near public-use airports. Property owners must submit a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration to the FAA, providing information to determine if the construction obstructs air navigation. Additionally, local zoning requirements often have setbacks and restrictions for building near runways or airports. These regulations aim to ensure safe aircraft operations during approach and take-off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Height restrictions | Yes, the FAA places restrictions on the height of structures built near or on a public-use airport. |
| Distance from the airport | The FAA requires an "imaginary surface" to be calculated, which takes into account the distance between the runway and the proposed building and applies a different surface ratio depending on the distance. |
| Form submission | A Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration must be submitted to the FAA for buildings over 200 feet above ground level. |
| Local zoning requirements | Local zoning requirements often contain setbacks and restrictions related to building near a runway or airport. |
| Land required | The amount of land required varies depending on the size of the aircraft and the number of buildings. A typical private grass strip can be built on 6 acres, while larger aircraft may require up to 45 acres. |
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What You'll Learn

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77
Part 77 requires that any person or organization intending to sponsor construction or alterations that meet certain criteria must notify the FAA Administrator. This includes structures exceeding 200 feet above ground level or within 20,000 feet of a public or military airport, with specific considerations for runway proximity and surface area. The FAA then evaluates the potential impact on operating procedures and air navigation, and identifies measures to enhance safe navigation.
To ensure compliance, proponents of projects that may affect navigable airspace must submit FAA Form 7460-1, "Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration," at least 45 days before the start of construction or alteration. This allows the FAA to conduct an aeronautical study and make a determination on any potential hazards. If the proposed construction exceeds 2,000 feet or is subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing requirements, additional notifications to the FAA are necessary.
In addition, Part 77 addresses the identification of height hazard areas, where structures and other obstructions are likely to penetrate FAR Part 77 Surfaces. These surfaces are designated based on the approach classification of the runway and are depicted on specialized maps. No structure or object is permitted to exceed the height limitations specified in these maps, ensuring the protection of navigable airspace and maintaining the safety of aircraft operations.
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Height restrictions
In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines how new construction or alterations to existing structures near airports may impact the airspace. The FAA's guidelines include considerations for the appropriate height of buildings, ensuring they do not pose a hazard to aircraft navigation. For example, in San Jose, California, due to its proximity to San Jose International Airport, no buildings within city limits are allowed to surpass 300 feet (91 meters). Similarly, in Orlando, Florida, the maximum allowable height of buildings near Orlando Executive Airport is 450 feet (140 meters).
The presence of these height restrictions near airports emphasizes the importance of ensuring unobstructed airspace for aircraft operations. These regulations are essential for maintaining safe flight paths and protecting the well-being of those on board aircraft and on the ground.
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Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration
If you are considering constructing a new building or altering an existing one near an airport, you must be aware of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and procedures. Building close to an airport can raise safety concerns for aircraft operations, and there are specific guidelines and requirements that must be followed. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
- Understand FAA Regulation Part 77: This regulation places restrictions on the height of structures built near or on a public-use airport. If your proposed construction falls within the scope of Part 77, you must comply with the requirements.
- Notify the FAA: You are required to submit a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration to the FAA. This form can be found on the FAA website, and it seeks information about the nature and specifics of your construction project. The FAA will use this information to determine if your proposed construction poses any hazards or obstructions to air navigation.
- Provide Detailed Information: When filling out the Notice form, ensure you provide accurate and detailed information. This includes the exact coordinates of the proposed construction, the height of the structure, and any other relevant details. You may also need to refer to Advisory Circulars (ACs) for design standards and guidelines, such as AC 150/5300-13 for airport design.
- Consider Local Zoning Requirements: In addition to FAA regulations, local zoning laws and ordinances may have specific setbacks and restrictions for construction near an airport. Ensure you are familiar with these requirements to avoid any conflicts or violations.
- Engage Professionals: Engineering and design firms can assist you in calculating the "imaginary surface," which takes into account the distance between the runway and the proposed building. This calculation is crucial in determining the applicability of Part 77 and ensuring your construction complies with safety standards.
- Monitor Surrounding Developments: If you own or operate an airport, stay vigilant about proposed construction projects in the surrounding areas. Some developments, such as wind energy projects with tall turbines, can pose hazards to aircraft navigation.
By following these steps and staying informed about FAA regulations and local requirements, you can ensure that your proposed construction or alteration complies with all necessary safety standards and procedures when building close to an airport.
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Local zoning requirements
The distance from the airport also plays a significant role in local zoning requirements. In general, properties located several miles away from the airport are less likely to experience significant aircraft noise. However, it is worth noting that weather conditions can impact sound propagation, and during specific atmospheric conditions, aircraft noise may become more noticeable even at greater distances.
Additionally, airports typically have restrictions on flight schedules, including prohibiting flights before a certain time in the morning and after a certain time in the evening. For example, some airports may not allow flights before 6 am or after 10 pm. These restrictions can significantly reduce noise disturbances for nearby residents.
Another factor to consider is the level of sound insulation in the buildings near the airport. Proper soundproofing can mitigate the impact of aircraft noise, even for properties closer to the airport. Implementing measures such as installing insulated windows can help reduce noise infiltration into the building.
Furthermore, it is worth comparing the impact of airport proximity to other potential noise sources, such as busy roadways or train tracks. In some cases, the noise and disturbance from these sources may be more intrusive than that from aircraft, especially considering flight restrictions and soundproofing options. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the local zoning requirements should take into account the presence of other potential noise-contributing factors in the area.
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Public-use airport design standards
Airport design standards are crucial in determining the overall economic performance of an airport. These standards guide the planning process, ensuring that the airport can meet the needs of aviation and non-aviation demand and efficiently utilise the land around it. A master plan is the foundational aspect of these design standards, outlining the airport's growth and transformation over time. This plan involves financial considerations and physical studies, with a focus on staged development to cater to aviation and non-aviation demands.
The master plan also includes a schedule of priorities for phase advancement and enhancement, addressing innovative and financial requirements, and documenting policies and future aerospace demands related to spending and depreciation. A critical component is the projection of future traffic, which is essential for creating a viable airport investment program and planning for the airport's future expansion.
Beyond the master plan, airport design standards encompass various elements that ensure safety, efficiency, and aesthetic cohesiveness. These standards include airfield markings that guide pilots towards essential areas such as terminals, parking, fuel, gates, and runways. Visual indicators also assist pilots in landing safely. The airport layout design provides a scaled representation of the current and future airport infrastructure, complete with aerial criteria, clearance dimensions, and external area relationships.
Additionally, schematics offer detailed illustrations of the airfield's runways, taxiways, aprons, and terminals. These design standards aim to create functional and aesthetically pleasing transportation hubs that can handle the demands of modern aviation, including the challenge of accommodating over 10 million people annually. The use of diverse materials and unique architectural shapes has resulted in iconic airport designs that connect people globally.
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Frequently asked questions
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulation Part 77 places restrictions on the height of structures built near or on a public-use airport. If a building project falls within the scope of Part 77, the owner must submit a Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration to the FAA.
The FAA does not have procedures for building a private-use facility. However, you may follow the design standards for public-use airports as a general guideline. Private-use facilities must comply with 14 CFR Part 157, Notice of Construction, Alteration, Activation, and Deactivation.
The FAA requires the submission of a form for any building proposed to be higher than 200 feet above ground level. Local zoning requirements often contain setbacks and restrictions relating to building near a runway or airport. An imaginary surface is also calculated, which takes into account the distance between the runway and the proposed building and applies a different surface ratio accordingly.























