(A) Future uses. Except as specifically provided in subsections (A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) below of this section, no material change shall be made in the use of the land, and no structure or tree shall be erected, altered, planted, or otherwise established in any zone hereby created unless a permit therefor shall have been applied for and granted. Each application for a permit shall indicate the purpose for which the permit is desired, with sufficient particularity to permit it to be determined whether the resulting use, structure, or tree would conform to the regulations herein prescribed. If such determination is in the affirmative, the permit shall be granted. Nothing contained in any of the exceptions in subsections (A)(1), (A)(2), and (A)(3) below of this section shall be construed as permitting or intending to permit any construction, alteration, or growth of any structure or tree in excess of any of the height limits established by this article, except as set forth in § 8-111.
(1) In the area lying within the limits of the horizontal zone and the conical zone but not within the limits of a noninstrument approach zone or transition zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than 75 feet of vertical height above the ground, except when, because of terrain, land contour, or topographic features, such tree or structure would extend above the height limits prescribed for such zone.
(2) In the areas lying within the limits of the noninstrument approach zones but at a horizontal distance of not less than 2,500 feet from each end of the runways, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than 75 feet of vertical height above the established airport elevation, except when such tree or structure would extend above the height limit prescribed for such noninstrument approach zone.
(3) In the areas lying within the limits of the transition zones beyond the perimeter of the horizontal zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than 50 feet of vertical height above the ground except when such tree or structure, because of terrain, land contour, or topographic feature, would extend above the height limit prescribed for such transition zones.
(B) Existing uses. No permit shall be granted that would allow the establishment or creation of an airport hazard or permit a nonconforming use, structure, or tree to be made or become higher, or become a greater hazard to air navigation, than it was on the effective date of the ordinance from which this article is derived or any amendments thereto or than it is when the application for a permit is made. Except as indicated, all applications for such a permit shall be granted.
(C) Nonconforming uses abandoned or destroyed. Whenever the administrative agency determines that a nonconforming structure or tree has been abandoned or more than 80% torn down, physically deteriorated, or decayed, no permit shall be granted that would allow such structure or tree to exceed the applicable height limit or otherwise deviate from the zoning regulations.
(D) Variances. Any person desiring to erect or increase the height of any structure, or permit the growth of any tree, or use his or her property, not in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this article, may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance from such regulations. Such variances shall be allowed where it is duly found that a literal application or enforcement of the regulations would result in practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship and the relief granted would not be contrary to the public interest but will do substantial justice and be in accordance with the spirit of this article.
(E) Hazard marking and lighting. Any permit or variance granted may, if such action is deemed advisable to effectuate the purpose of this article and be reasonable in the circumstances, be so conditioned as to require the owner of the structure or tree in question to permit the city at its own expense to install, operate, and maintain thereon such markers and lights as may be necessary to indicate to flyers the presence of an airport hazard.
(Prior Code, § 8-114) (Ord. 690, passed 1-5-1970)