A. In order to prevent the erection of structures dangerous to air navigation, subject to the provisions of subsections B, C and D of this section, each person shall secure from the local airport zoning authority, or in the absence of a local airport zoning authority, the Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission, a permit for the erection, alteration, or modification of any structure the result of which would exceed the federal obstruction standards as contained in 14 CFR, Part 77. Permits from the local airport zoning authority will be required only within an airport hazard area where federal standards are exceeded and if the proposed construction is within:

1. A 10-nautical mile radius of the geographical center of a publicly owned or operated airport, a military airport, or an airport open for public use which has a published instrument approach procedure;

2. A 6-nautical mile radius of the geographical center of a publicly owned or operated airport, a military airport, or an airport open for public use which has no published instrument approach procedure and has runways in excess of three thousand two hundred (3,200) feet in length; or

3. A 2.5-nautical mile radius of the geographical center of a publicly owned or operated airport, a military airport, or an airport open for public use which has no published instrument approach and has runways three thousand two hundred (3,200) feet or less in length.

B. Affected airports will be considered as having those facilities which are programmed in the Federal Aviation Administration's Regional Aviation System Plan and will be so protected.

C. Permit requirements of subsection  A of this section shall not apply to projects which received construction permits from the Federal Communications Commission for structures exceeding federal obstruction standards prior to May 20, 1975; nor shall it apply to previously approved structures now existing, or any necessary replacement or repairs to such existing structures, so long as the height and location is unchanged.

D. In determining whether to issue or deny a permit, the local airport zoning authority shall consider:

1. The nature of the terrain and height of existing structures;

2. Public and private interests and investments;

3. The character of flying operations and planned developments of airports;

4. Federal airways as designated by the Federal Aviation Administration that lie within the radii described in paragraphs 1 through 3 of subsection A of this section;

5. Whether the construction of the proposed structure would cause an increase in the minimum descent altitude or the decision height at the affected airport;

6. Technological advances;

7. The safety of persons on the ground and in the air; and

8. Land use density.

E. In order to promote the health, safety and welfare of the public and to protect persons and property by promoting safety in aeronautics, the Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission may review any structure erected, altered, or modified since January 1, 1996, in which no permit was secured from the local airport zoning authority because of the absence of a local airport authority. The Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission shall determine whether such structures meet the requirements set forth in this section. If the structures do not meet the requirements as set forth in this section, the Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission may request the owners of such structure to make any necessary modifications to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, including, but not limited to, altering, marking, mapping, or identifying such structure. The Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission may assist the owner of such structure in any manner deemed feasible by the Oklahoma Aeronautics  Commission.

Historical Data

Laws 1945, p. 9, § 2; Amended by Laws 1986, c. 20, § 1, eff. November 1, 1986; Amended by Laws 2001, SB 40, c. 211 § 1, emerg. eff. May 14, 2001 ( superseded document available ).