Airport zoning changes passed

Senators passed a bill May 23 that changes provisions of the Airport Zoning Act.

Political subdivisions that have established development plans and zoning regulations currently are required to adopt airport zoning regulations if they have an airport hazard in their zoning jurisdiction.

Under LB140, introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, the authority of a political subdivision to adopt airport zoning regulations will not be conditional upon a prior comprehensive development plan or a zoning ordinance.

Among other zoning regulations, the bill establishes Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment appeal procedures and requires the board to allow a reasonable time for the appeals hearing, give due notice to the interested parties and determine the appeal within 60 days after it is filed.

Additionally, the bill redefines airport hazard to include “any structure, tree or use of land that penetrates any approach, operation, transition or turning zone.”

The bill passed on a 39-1 vote.