Some types of development are incompatible for locations in the immediate vicinity of airports and airfields. Potential aircraft accident problems pose a hazard to end users of these development projects. If the proposed project is located near an airport or in the immediate area of the landing and approach zones, additional information is necessary to determine whether this issue is a concern and if so, how to mitigate it.
It is HUD’s policy to apply standards to prevent incompatible development around civil airports and military airfields. See 24 CFR 51, Subpart D. The policies do not apply to research or demonstration projects which do not result in new construction or reconstruction, to interstate land sales registration, or to any action or emergency assistance which is provided to save lives, protect property, protect public health and safety, or remove debris and wreckage.
To ensure compatible land use development, you must determine your site’s proximity to civil and military airports. Is your project within 15,000 feet of a military airport or 2,500 feet of a civilian airport?
If so, is your project located within an Accident Potential Zone (APZ) or Runway Protection Zone/Clear Zone (RPZ/CZ)?
Does your project involve any of the following: new construction; substantial rehabilitation; acquisition of undeveloped land; activities that would significantly prolong the physical or economic life of existing facilities or change the use of the facility to a use that is not consistent with the recommendations of the Department of Defense (DOD)’s Land Use Compatibility Guidelines; activities that would significantly increase the density or number of people at the site; or activities that would introduce explosive, flammable, or toxic materials to the area?
If so, is the project in conformance with DOD guidelines?
Will this project involve any facilities that will be frequently used or occupied by people?
If so, were written assurances from the airport operator obtained?
If this project involves the acquisition or sale of an existing property that will be frequently used or occupied by people, you must provide written notice to the prospective buyer to inform them of the potential hazards from airplane accidents as well as the potential for the property to be purchased as part of an airport expansion project in accordance with 24 CFR 51.303(a)(3). (See Sample Notice to Prospective Buyers.) The written notice should inform the prospective property buyer of: (i) the potential hazards from airplane accidents, which are more likely to occur within clear zones than in other areas around the airport/airfield; and (ii) the potential acquisition by airport or airfield operators, who may wish to purchase the property at some point in the future as part of a clear zone acquisition program.
HUD assistance may not be used at this location if project involves new construction, substantial rehabilitation, acquisition of undeveloped land, or activities that would significantly prolong the physical or economic life of existing facilities that will be frequently used or occupied by people.
The environmental review record should contain one of the following:
View Airport Hazards - Worksheet.
WISER: Airport Hazards Online Module
Notice to Prospective Buyers of Properties Located in Runway Clear Zones and Clear Zones
Fact Sheet: Siting HUD-Assisted Projects in Accident Potential Zones
FAA Advisory Circular on Runway Protection Zones (RPZs)
DOD Land Use Compatibility Guidelines