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STAFF ANALYSIS - PETITION 93-11 <br /> <br />The petitioner is requesting a zoning change to permit the operation of an ultralight aircraft <br />airstrip. Specifically the zoning would change from its current Iow density residential (R-40) <br />to an ARR special use. The special use zone would permit the airstrip, single-family homes (to <br />be developed clear of the airstrip or after it is no longer in use), and agricultural uses. <br /> <br />This is a unique petition and cannot be analyzed in the standard fashion. The ultralight airstrip <br />is basically an accessory or hobby type use that is regulated only because of its possible negative <br />effects on surrounding land owners. If it can be determined that the use does not negatively <br />affect surrounding property, or if conditions may be used to make those effects negligible, then <br />the petition should be approved. <br /> <br />The strip is intended to be used by a small number of individuals and on a limited basis. <br />Currently there are only two users of the airstrip. The number of days they have used the grass <br />strip is the last two years has not exceeded 40 days per year. Additionally, this airstrip is <br />approved by the FAA only for those aircraft that fall within the three classes of ultralight <br />aircraft, and the airstrip must remain grass. <br /> <br />The Staff has recommended three conditions to limit the use of the airstrip and with some <br />modification the petitioner has agreed to them. The modified conditions are: <br /> <br />The airstrip use will be limited to no more than 5 separate <br />ultralights (as defined by the FAA), <br /> <br />Flight hours will be limited the between 30 minutes before sunrise <br />to 30 minutes after sunset, and <br /> <br />3. The airstrip will remain grass only. <br /> <br />With these conditions in place, the staff recommends approval of this petition. <br /> <br />Jonathan B. Marshall <br /> <br /> <br />