Land use compatibility planning for airfield environs : intergovernmental cooperation to protect land users from the effects of aircraft operations

In the past, airfield environs land use compatibility planning has suffered from a lack of cooperation between local, state and federal governments. Each has a role to play in terms of land use regulations, legislation, and policies, so it is important that there be intergovernmental cooperation in planning for the protection of residents around airports and military air bases. In an effort to promote such cooperation, the federal government has developed two programs, the Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Planning Program and the Department of Defense Air Installation Compatible Use Zone Program.

This thesis examines these federal programs as they have been applied at two case study sites: Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona. The examination includes an analysis of the literature concerning each program and the results of personal interviews with planners who implement the programs. The State of Arizona's airport/air base planning enabling legislation is also evaluated in terms of whether it has strengthened the local governments' abilities to plan for airfield environs and promoted intergovernmental cooperation to that end.

The case studies illustrate the success of the Part 150 and AICUZ Programs in facilitating intergovernmental cooperation in airfield environs planning in Tucson and Pima County. In addition, the case studies emphasize the fact that Arizona's enabling legislation has been sufficient for some local governments in the past, but should be updated to mandate more specific powers for local jurisdictions.

The thesis concludes that land use planning and regulation is an effective means of promoting airfield environs land use compatibility, but that success depends on the establishment of a comprehensive, ongoing planning process that includes the participation of airport proprietors and private citizens as well as governmental agencies. Further, the thesis recommends possible means of establishing such a process through legislation, participation, cooperation, and implementation.