18.38.070 Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 77 surfaces and other surfaces.
A. In order to carry out the purpose and intent of this chapter, there are created and established certain surfaces, including: all of the land lying within the primary surface, noninstrument approach surface, transition surface, horizontal surface, conical surface, as well as the terminal instrument procedures (TERPS) airspace surfaces. These surfaces, with exception of the TERPS, are shown on the FAR Part 77 drawing, as amended, which is on file in the city clerk’s office. Other surfaces not provided for here, are included in the “Auburn Municipal Airport Layout Plan” dated May 2015, as may be amended. The surfaces defined for the runway summarized below are consistent with the currently adopted airport layout plan (ALP) and FAR Part 77 Airspace Plan drawings for the airport.
1. Primary Surface. The primary surface is centered on top of the runway and extends 200 feet beyond each end. The primary surface is longitudinally centered on the runway with a width of 250 feet and extends 200 feet beyond each end of the runway.
2. Approach Surface. A noninstrument approach surface is established at each end of all noninstrument runways for landings and takeoffs. The inner width of the approach surface is 250 feet at a distance of 200 feet beyond the physical end of the runway, and it expands uniformly to a width of 1,250 feet. This approach surface extends for a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet at a slope of 20:1. The elevation of the inner width of the approach surface is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway centerline.
3. Transitional Surface. The transitional surface extends outward and upward at right angles to the runway centerline and the runway centerline extends at a slope of 7:1 from a line 125 feet from the runway centerline or runway end and from the sides of the approach surfaces. The elevation of the line 125 feet from the runway centerline or runway centerline extended for 200 feet beyond each runway end is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway centerline.
4. Horizontal Surface. A horizontal surface is established above the airport. This horizontal surface is a plane 150 feet above the established airport elevation, the perimeter of which is constructed by arcs which swing 5,000 feet in a radius from the center of each end of the primary surface of the runway and connecting the adjacent arcs by lines tangent to those arcs.
5. Conical Surface. A conical surface is established which extends outward and upward from the periphery of the horizontal surface at a slope of 20:1 for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.
6. Terminal Instrument Procedures (TERPS) Surfaces. Airspace surfaces associated with instrument approach and departure of aircraft to and from the airport as determined by the airport manager.
B. Height Limitations – Established. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no structure or tree shall be permitted, approved, erected, altered, allowed to grow, or maintained in any surface created in this chapter to have a height in excess of the height limits established below.
1. Approach Surface (Noninstrument). The height limitations for noninstrument approach surfaces begin at a point 200 feet from and at the centerline elevation of the end of the runway and extend for a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet at a slope of 20:1.
2. Transition Surface. The height limitations for transition zones shall be as follows: One foot in height for each seven feet in horizontal distance beginning at any point 125 feet normal to and at the elevation of the centerline of noninstrument runways, extending 200 feet beyond each end thereof, extending to a height of 150 feet above the airport elevation which is 63 feet above mean sea level. In addition to the foregoing, there are established height limits of one foot vertical height for each seven feet horizontal distance measured from the edges of all approach zones for the entire length of the approach zones and extending upward and outward to the points where they intersect the horizontal or conical surfaces.
3. Horizontal Surface. The height limitation for a horizontal zone shall be as follows: 150 feet above the airport elevation or a height of 213 feet above mean sea level.
4. Conical Surface. The conical surface involves a slope of 20:1 for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet. The relative difference in elevation between the inner and outer edge of the conical surface is 200 feet. The elevation of the outer edge of the conical surface is 350 feet above the established airport elevation.
C. Height Limitations – Compliance. Where the height of any new structure or tree has the potential to exceed the surfaces established in subsection A of this section, applicants must demonstrate compliance with the height limitation. Each application for a permit shall contain sufficient information to determine whether the resulting structure or tree will conform to the regulations herein prescribed.
1. The planning director in consultation with the airport manager may require one or all of the following documentation to demonstrate compliance with the surfaces established in subsection A of this section:
a. A certificate from a Washington State licensed professional, engineer, or land surveyor, stating that no airspace obstruction will result from the proposed structure or tree being constructed or installed.
b. The maximum elevation of proposed structures based on the established airport elevation.
c. Prepare and submit FAA Form 7460, “Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration.”
d. Other documentation as determined by the airport manager.
D. Height Limitations – Mitigation and Maintenance. Where the height of any new structure or tree exceeds the surfaces established in subsection A of this section, applicants will be responsible for the following mitigation and ongoing maintenance activities:
1. The airport manager may require the installation of markers and lights or markers as a warning to aircraft. The markers and lights shall meet FAA specifications, be installed, operated, and maintained at the expense of the owner of the structure. A public maintenance easement granting city access to the markers and lights shall be required.
2. Trees shall be maintained such that they do not penetrate the airspace.
3. Exceptions may include the following:
a. Because of natural terrain, land contour, or topographic features, a structure or object would extend above the height limits of each surface.
b. Structures necessary and incidental to airport operations. (Ord. 6838 § 1 (Exh. A), 2021.)