Airport Zoning Overlay Districts.
Oklahoma City Municipal Code § 59-13150
in effect§ 59-13150. - Airport Zoning Overlay Districts.
13150.1. Purpose and Intent.
A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to:
(1) Promote the public health, safety and general welfare.
(2) Prevent the creation of airport hazards, which are public nuisances and an injury to the region served by the airports.
(3) Protect the City and the utilization of the airports against potential litigation.
(4) Reduce the adverse impact of airports on surrounding properties.
B. Intent. It is hereby established that an airport is a vital component in accomplishing the City's overall goals of economic growth. It is also known that airport hazards, including noise impact, endanger the lives, health, safety and property of users of airports, and of occupants of land in the vicinity of airports. The provisions addressed herein are intended:
(1) To prevent the occurrence of airport hazards.
(2) To protect the long-term utility of airports and the public investment involved therein.
(3) To restore or enhance the public health, safety and welfare of residents living around airports.
13150.2. Declaration. It is hereby determined that airport hazards, obstructions and excessive noise levels endanger the life, health, safety and property of users of airports, and of occupants of land in the vicinity of airports, and tend to destroy or impair the utility of airports and the public investment therein. Accordingly, it is declared:
A. The creation or establishment of an obstruction in an airport zone, as set forth herein, is a public nuisance and an injury to the region served by the airport.
B. The construction of residential structures without provision for adequate protection from excessive noise levels within certain areas, set forth herein, endangers the lives, health and safety of residents and impairs the utility of airports and the public investment.
C. In the interest of the public health, safety and general welfare, the creation or establishment of obstructions or airport hazards should be prevented to alleviate the destruction or impairment of the utility of airports and the public investment therein.
D. The prevention of hazards should be accomplished, to the extent legally possible, by the exercise of the police power without compensation.
E. Both the prevention of the creation or establishment of airport hazards, and the elimination, removal, alteration, mitigation or marking and lighting of existing airport hazards are public purposes for which political subdivisions may raise and expend public funds, and acquire land or interests in land.
13150.3. Scope of the Provisions. This provision is intended to address the areas of height restriction zones around airports, and airport environs zones created by the existing and future potential noise impact.
13150.4. Airport Zones Related to Height Restriction. In order to carry out the provisions of this section, there are hereby created and established certain zones which include all the land lying beneath the instrument approach zones, non-instrument approach zones, transition zones, horizontal zones and conical zones as they apply to the Will Rogers World Airport, Wiley Post Airport and Clarence E. Page Airport. Such zones are shown separately for each airport on its respective Height Zoning Maps. These maps shall remain on file in the office of the City Clerk and are made a part of this chapter by reference. An area located in more than one of the following zones is considered to be in the zone with the more restrictive height limitation. The various zones are hereby established and defined as follows.
A. Precision Instrument Runway Approach Zone. The inner edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface and is 1,000 feet wide. The approach zone expands outward uniformly to a width of 16,000 feet at a horizontal distance of 50,000 feet from the primary surface. Its centerline is the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
B. Runway Larger Than Utility with a Visibility Minimum Greater than Three-Fourths Mile Non-Precision Instrument Approach Zone. The inner edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface and is 500 feet wide. The approach zone expands outward uniformly to a width of 3,500 feet at a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet from the primary surface. Its centerline is the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
C. Utility Runway Visual Approach Zone. The inner edge of this approach zone coincides with the width of the primary surface and is 250 feet wide. The approach zone expands outward uniformly to a width of 1,250 feet at a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the primary surface. Its centerline is the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
D. Transition zones are hereby established adjacent to each instrument and non-instrument runway and approach zone, as indicated on the zoning maps.
E. Horizontal zones for instrument and non-instrument runways are hereby established by swinging arcs of 5,000 feet radii for all non-instrument runways and 10,000 feet for all instrument runways from the center of each end of the primary surface of each runway and connecting the adjacent arcs by drawing lines tangent to those arcs. The horizontal zone does not include the approach and transitional zones.
F. Conical zones for instrument and non-instrument runways are hereby established as the area that commences at the periphery of the horizontal zone and extends outward there from a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet. The conical zone does not include the instrument and non-instrument approach zones and transition zones.
G. Airport Zone Height Limitations. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no structure or tree shall be erected, altered or maintained, or allowed to grow, in any zone to a height in excess of the height limit herein established for that zone. Height limitations are computed from the established airport elevation. Such applicable height limitations are hereby established for each of the zones in question as follows.
(1) Precision Instrument Runway Approach Zone. Such zone slopes 100 feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the end of, and at the same elevation as, the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet along the extended runway centerline; thence slopes upward 40 feet horizontally for each foot vertically to an additional horizontal distance of 40,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(2) Runway Larger Than Utility With a Visibility Minimum Greater than Three-Fourths Mile Non-Precision Instrument Approach Zone. Such zone slopes 50 feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the end of, and at the same elevation as, the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 10,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(3) Utility Runway Visual Approach Zone. Such zone slopes 34 feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the end of, and at the same elevation as, the primary surface and extending to a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet along the extended runway centerline.
(4) Transition Zone. Such zone slopes seven feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the sides of, and at the same elevation as, the primary surface, and extending to a height of 150 feet above the airport elevation. In addition to the foregoing, there are established height limits sloping seven feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the sides of, and at the same elevation as, the approach surface, and extending to where they intersect the conical surface. Further, where the precision instrument runway approach zone projects through and beyond the conical zone, there are established height limits sloping seven feet outward for each foot upward beginning at the sides of and at the same elevation as the approach surface, and extending a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet from the edge of the instrument approach zone measured at right angles to the extended runway centerline.
(5) Horizontal Zone. Such zone is established at 150 feet above the established airport elevation.
(6) Conical Zone. Such zone slopes 20 feet outward for each foot upward, beginning at the periphery of the horizontal zone, and at 150 feet above the airport elevation and extending to a height of 350 feet above the airport elevation.
(7) Excepted Height Limitation. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the construction or maintenance of any structure, or growth of any tree to a height up to 50 feet above the surface of the land.
13150.5. Airport Environs Zones. Airport Environs Zones shall be shown separately on official maps and aerial photographs for each airport: Wiley Post Airport, Will Rogers Airport, Clarence E. Page Airport and Tinker Air Force Base. These maps and aerial photographs shall remain on file in the Office of the City Clerk and are made a part of this chapter, by reference.
A. Airport Environs Zone One (AE-1). The Airport Environs Zone One (AE-1) shall be governed by the following regulations:
(1) Certain land uses, such as agricultural, airport property and related uses, industrial uses, wholesale and retail commercial uses, and areas zoned for open space or recreational uses, are deemed compatible, and therefore shall be exempted from the provisions of Division 4 of Article II of Chapter 12 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
(2) Other uses allowed within the AE-1 Zone shall meet or exceed building code requirements for a minimum noise level reduction of 30 decibels inside the structure as set forth in Division 4 of Article II of Chapter 12 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
(3) All uses allowed within this zone shall grant an avigation easement right as a condition of subdivision or building permit approval, except as otherwise provided herein. Said avigation easement right shall be granted to the Oklahoma City Airport Trust for uses within the AE-1 Zones for Will Rogers World Airport, Wiley Post Airport and Clarence E. Page Airport.
(4) All residential uses and institutional uses such as schools, community centers, churches, etc., are prohibited in this zone.
B. Airport Environs Zone Two (AE-2). Airport Environs Zone Two (AE-2) shall be governed by the following regulations:
(1) Certain land uses, such as agricultural, airport property and related uses, industrial uses, wholesale and retail commercial uses, and areas zoned for open space and recreational uses, are deemed compatible, and therefore shall be exempted from the provisions of Division 4 of Article II of Chapter 12 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
(2) Other uses allowed within this zone shall meet or exceed building requirements for a minimum noise level reduction of 25 decibels, inside the structure as set forth in Division 4 of Article II of Chapter 12 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code.
(3) All uses allowed within this zone shall grant an avigation easement right to the Oklahoma City Airport Trust as a condition of subdivision or building permit approval, except as otherwise provided. Said avigation easement right shall be granted to the Oklahoma City Airport Trust for uses within the AE-2 Zones for Will Rogers World Airport, Wiley Post Airport and Clarence E. Page Airport.
C. Avigation easements submitted pursuant to the terms of this section shall conform to the provisions contained within the Oklahoma City Airports Model Avigation Easement, a copy of which shall remain on file in the Office of the City Clerk.
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
[image omitted; see the official code]
13150.6. Specific Regulations for Wiley Post Airport, Will Rogers World Airport and Clarence E. Page Airport. Each airport shall be regulated by the appropriate section and subsection as prescribed in this article, and official airport maps delineating height zones and airport environs zones for each airport. Table 13150.1 provides a brief summary of Wiley Post Airport (WPA), Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA), and Clarence E. Page Airport (CEP) height restriction zones around airports.
TABLE 13150.1: WILEY POST AIRPORT (WPA), WILL ROGERS WORLD AIRPORT (WRWA), AND CLARENCE E. PAGE AIRPORT (CEP) HEIGHT RESTRICTION ZONES
Airport Elevation Above MSL | Will Rogers World Airport (WRWA) 1,296 feet | Wiley Post Airport (WPA) 1,302 feet | Clarence E. Page Airport (CEP) 1,353 feet
Approach Zones
(A) | Precision Instrument Runway | 17R/35L 17L/35R | 17L/35R | 17R/35L (new)
(B) | Larger than Utility Runway, Non-Precision Instrument Approach | 12/30 | 17R/35L | 17L/35R
(C) | Utility Runway Visual Approach | — | 30/12 3/21 | —
Transition Zones
Slope | 7:1 on either side of runway and approach zone | 7:1 on either side of and along runway and approach zone | 7:1 on either side of runway and approach zone
Horizontal Zones
Height | A plane established at 150 feet above airport elevation
Distance | 5,000 feet radii arc for non-instrument runway 10,000 feet radii arc for instrument runway
Conical Zones
Slope | 20:1 | 20:1 | 20:1
Distance | 4,000 feet from the periphery of the horizontal zone
13150.7. Specific Regulations for Tinker Air Force Base Airport.
A. Base Airport Restriction Zones. In order to carry out the provisions of this section, there are hereby created and established certain zones which include all of the land lying within the instrument approach zones, non-instrument approach zones, transition zones, horizontal zones and conical zones. Such areas and zones are shown on the Tinker Air Force Base Zoning Map, dated November 13, 1959, revised May 26, 1960, and November 1, 1960, which map shall remain on file in the Office of the City Clerk and is made a part of this chapter by reference. The various zones are hereby established and defined as follows.
(1) Instrument Approach Zone. An instrument approach zone is hereby established at each end of the instrument runway for instrument landings and takeoffs. The instrument approach zones shall have a width of 2,000 feet at a distance of 200 feet beyond each end of the runway, widening thereafter uniformly to a width of 16,000 feet at a distance of 50,200 feet beyond each end of the runway, its centerline being the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
(2) Non-Instrument Approach Zone. A non-instrument approach zone is established at each end of all non-instrument runways on Tinker Air Force Base for non-instrument landings and takeoffs. The non-instrument approach zone shall have a width of 2,000 feet at a distance of 200 feet beyond each end of the runway, widening thereafter uniformly to a width of 6,000 feet beyond each end of the runway, its centerline being the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
(3) Transition Zone.
(a) Transition zones are hereby established adjacent to each instrument and non-instrument runway and approach zone, as indicated on the zoning map.
(b) Transition zones symmetrically located on either side of runways have variable widths as shown on the zoning map. Transition zones extend outward from a line 1,000 feet on either side of the centerline of the non-instrument runway for the length of the runway, plus 200 feet on each end and 1,000 feet on either side of the centerline of the instrument runway for the length of the runway, plus 200 feet on each end, and are parallel and level with such runway centerlines. The transition zones, along such runways slope upward and outward at one foot vertically for each seven feet horizontally, to the point where they intersect the surface of the horizontal zone.
(c) Transition zones are established adjacent to both instrument and non-instrument approach zones for the entire length of the approach zones. These transition zones have variable widths, as shown on the zoning map. Such transition zones flare symmetrically with either side of the runway approach zones from the base of the zones and slope upward and outward at the rate of one foot vertically for each seven feet horizontally to the points where they intersect the surfaces of the horizontal and conical zones.
(d) Transition zones are also hereby established adjacent to the instrument approach zone where they project through and beyond the limits of the conical zone, extending a distance of 5,000 feet measured horizontally from the edge of the instrument approach zones at right angles to the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
(4) Horizontal Zone. A horizontal zone is hereby established as the area within a circle with its center at the airport reference point and having a radius of 13,000 feet. The horizontal zone does not include the instrument and non-instrument approach zones, and the transition zones.
(5) Conical Zone. A conical zone is hereby established commencing at the periphery of the horizontal zone and extending a distance of 20,000 feet from the airport reference point. The conical zone does not include the instrument and non-instrument approach zones and transition zones.
B. Height Limitations.
(1) Zone Height Limitations. Except as otherwise provided in this section, no structure or tree shall be erected, altered, allowed to grow or maintained in any zone created by this section to a height in excess of the height limit herein established for that zone. Height limitations are computed from the established airport elevation and are hereby established for each of the zones in question as follows.
(a) Instrument Approach Zone. One foot in height for each 100 feet in horizontal distance, beginning at a point 200 feet from the end of the instrument runway and extending to a distance of 15,200 feet from the end of the runway. Thence horizontal distance to a point 50,200 feet from the end of the runway.
(b) Non-Instrument Approach Zone. One foot in height for each 100 feet in horizontal distance beginning at a point 200 feet from the end of the non-instrument runway and extending to a point 15,200 feet from the end of the runway.
(c) Transition Zone. One foot in height for each seven feet in horizontal distance beginning at a point 1,000 feet from the centerline of non-instrument runways and 1,000 feet from the centerline of the instrument runways, measured at right angles to the longitudinal centerline of the runway, extending upward to a maximum height of 150 feet above the established airport elevation, which is 1,291 feet above mean sea level (MSL). 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 and conical surfaces.
Further, where the instrument approach zone projects through and beyond the conical zone, a height limit of one foot for each seven feet of horizontal distance shall be maintained beginning at the edge of the instrument approach zone and extending a distance of 5,000 feet from the edge of the instrument approach zone measured at right angles to the continuation of the centerline of the runway.
(d) Horizontal Zone. 150 feet above the established airport elevation or a maximum height of 1,441 feet above mean sea level (MSL).
(e) Conical Zone. One foot in height for each 20 feet of horizontal distance beginning at the periphery of the horizontal zone and measured in an inclined plane passing through the airport reference point.
13150.8. Enforcement and Administration.
A. Public Works Director. Except as otherwise provided, the Public Works Director, or his/her authorized representative, is hereby designated the Administrative Officer. It shall be the duty of the Administrative Officer to administer and enforce the provisions of this article.
B. Application for Permits and Variances. Applications for permits and variances shall be made to the Administrative Officer on a form furnished by him/her. Applications required by this article to be submitted to the Administrative Officer shall be promptly considered, and granted or denied.
C. Administrative Officer to Transmit Applications to Board of Adjustment. Application for action by the Board of Adjustment shall be forthwith transmitted by the Administrative Officer.
13150.9. Noncomplying and Nonconforming Uses.
A. The regulations prescribed by this section shall not be construed to apply to any structure or natural object not conforming to the regulations, as of the December 23, 1980, or that otherwise interfere with the continuance of any noncomplying use. Nothing herein contained shall require any change in the construction, alteration or intended use of any structure, the construction or alteration of which was begun prior to December 23, 1980.
B. Residential uses located in an area designated as an AE-1 or AE-2 Zone pursuant to the terms of this section and in existence prior to December 23, 1980 shall be designated as "noncomplying uses" and shall be permitted to continue in their present location and further, such structures may be rebuilt, modified, improved or expanded.
C. Any rebuilding, modification, improvement or expansion of a noncomplying residential use, whether located within an AE-2 or an AE-1 Zone pursuant to the terms of this section may be constructed in accordance with building code provisions applicable to residential construction generally without regard to noise attenuation requirements.
D. No person applying for a building permit to rebuild, modify, improve or expand a noncomplying residential use shall be required to submit an avigation easement as a condition for approval thereof.
E. All structures, other than residential structures, located in an AE-1 or an AE-2 Zone, pursuant to the terms of this section, shall be designated as "nonconforming uses" and shall be permitted to continue in their present location and may be modified, improved or expanded, except that such rebuilding modification, improvement or expansion shall be constructed in accordance with such provisions of this section or Division 4 of Article II of Chapter 12 of the Oklahoma City Municipal Code as are applicable to the Airport Environs Zone in which said structure is located.
F. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the owner of any nonconforming structure or natural object is hereby required to permit the installation, operation and maintenance thereon of any markers and lights that the Director of Airports shall deem necessary to indicate the presence of such hazard to the operators of aircraft in the vicinity of the airport. Such markers and lights shall be installed, operated and maintained at the expense of the
City and, in the case of Tinker Air Force Base Airport, at the expense of said air force base.
G. No permit shall be granted that would allow the establishment or creation of an airport hazard or permit a nonconforming use, structure or natural object to be made or become higher or become a greater hazard to air navigation than it was on December 23, 1980, or on the effective date of any amendment hereto, or than it was when the application for a permit was made.
H. If the Administrative Officer, or other designated authority, has determined that the nonconforming structure or natural object has been abandoned for more than two years or more than 80 percent torn down, physically deteriorated or decayed, no permit shall be granted that allows a structure or natural object to exceed the applicable height limit or otherwise deviate from the zoning regulations.
13150.10. Building Permit Required.
A. Permit Required For New Uses. Except as specifically provided by this section, no material change shall be made in the use of the land, and no structure shall be erected, altered or otherwise established in any zone hereby created, unless a building permit is obtained indicating the purpose for which the building permit is desired, with sufficient detail to determine whether the resulting use would conform to the provisions of this section.
B. Oklahoma City Airports Board of Adjustment. The Oklahoma City Board of Adjustment established pursuant to this chapter is hereby appointed as the Oklahoma City Airports Board of Adjustment.
C. Variances. Any person desiring to erect or increase the height of any structure, or permit the growth of any natural object, or use his/her property in any manner not in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this section, may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance from the regulations.
Applications for variances must include copies of all notices required by the Federal Aviation Administration under Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77, and copies of all Federal Aviation Administration action taken pursuant to the case. Variances shall be allowed in accord with the provisions of this chapter.
D. Hazard Marking and Lighting. If such action is deemed advisable to effectuate the purpose of this section, and is reasonable in the circumstances, any permit or variance granted may require the owner of the structure or natural object in question to permit the City at its own expense and, in the case of Tinker Air Force Base Airport, at the expense of said air force base airport, to install, operate and maintain thereon any markers and lights that may be necessary to indicate to flyers the presence of an airport hazard or obstruction.
13150.11. Delineation of Airport Environs Zones Boundaries. For the purpose of determining whether property is included within the confines of an AE-1 or AE-2 Zone, established pursuant to the terms of this section, the following guidelines are established.
A. Property developed or platted prior to December 23, 1980 shall be deemed to be within an AE-1 or AE-2 Zone if the contour line for any such zone as established by the official Airport Environs Map intersects said property.
B. Where property is undeveloped, only such portion of it as is actually within the contour lines of an AE-1 or AE-2 Zone shown on the Official Airport Environs Map shall be considered to be included. However, at such time as said property shall be developed, subdivided or platted, any lots or developed tract intersected by the contour line of an AE-1 or AE-2 Zone shall be deemed to be wholly included therein.
13150.12. Overlapping Limitations: Exception.
A. Where an area is covered by more than one height limitation, the more restrictive limitation shall prevail.
B. Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the growth, construction or maintenance of any natural object or structure to a height up to 50 feet above the surface of the land.
13150.13. Use Restrictions.
A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, no use may be made of land within any zone established by this section in such a manner as to create electrical interference with radio communication between the airport and aircraft, to make it difficult for pilots to distinguish between airport lights and other lights, to create glare in the eyes of pilots using the airport, to impair visibility in the vicinity of the airport, or to otherwise endanger the landing, take-off or maneuvering of aircraft.
B. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, no use may be made of, and no installation may be placed on, land within any airport zone that will produce smoke, fumes, gases or odors that would interfere with the safe use by aircraft of the airport.
C. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, no use may be made of, and no installation may be placed on, land within any airport zone for rifle ranges, public or private, or private aircraft landing fields, which would interfere with the safe use by aircraft of the airports.
13150.14. Conflicting Regulations: Priority. Where there exists a conflict between any of the regulations or limitations prescribed in this section, and any other regulations applicable to the same area, whether the conflict may be with respect to the height of structures or natural objects, the use of land, or any other matter, the more stringent limitation or requirement shall govern and prevail.
Source: City of Oklahoma City, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/oklahoma_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=OKMUCO2020_CH59ZOPLCO_ARTXIIIZOOVDI_S59-13150AIZOOVDIFetched: 10/28/2026