Airports and Land Use Compatibility Planning

For many years metropolitan-area airports were located miles from urban centers and rarely were affected by local development. Increasing growth pressures, urban sprawl and ongoing growth in the aviation industry have led to increased conflicts between airports and nearby development. 

Gain an understanding of airport land use compatibility and how it affects planning practices in California. Learn about the issues associated with airport land use compatibility, such as noise, flight patterns, population densities and how these and other issues can affect proposed development in the airport vicinity. This course will introduce you to topics such as:

  • An overview of federal and state aviation planning regulations
  • Airport land use commissions and compatible land use plans
  • Aircraft noise contours, flight tracks and how they are used in planning
  • Airport safety and planning issues
  • Strategies for evaluating compatible land use during project planning

Learn how to address airport compatibility issues when preparing environmental documentation pursuant to CEQA and what to address when projects are located near an airport or within an airport influence or referral area. In-class exercises will include the use of the California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook, FAA guidance, examples of recent compatible land use plans and review criteria prepared for projects in California.

Course Code
340670