(A) Purpose. Due to the rapid development of and need for helicopter service it has been deemed appropriate that such uses require a special permit as required by this chapter, to promote the continued growth of such service in a safe and orderly manner.
(B) Permit process. Permits for establishing and maintaining heliports shall be issued to the owner or lessee of the heliport by the Zoning Administrator after approval of a special permit by the Board of Zoning Appeals and, after the applicant has submitted an application providing written proof that:
(1) The heliport when located in zoning districts, other than residential:
(a) Has been inspected and, if applicable, approved and registered or licensed by either the Division of Aviation of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) or the Federal Aviation Administration for compliance with the criteria set forth in the transportation Laws of Ohio, annotated with Rules and Regulations, Chapter TRa-1, TRa-2 and TRa-5 and amendments thereto and applicable federal regulations;
(b) Has received such approval and clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as may be required by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs); and
(c) Is an accessory use to a permitted principal use in the zoning district in which the heliport is located.
(2) The heliport when located in residential zoning districts:
(a) Complies with the above requirements for heliports in zoning districts other than residential;
(b) Shall be limited to helicopters of 12,000 pounds gross weight or less (executive-type helicopters) for the purpose of internal cargo or personnel transportation only;
(c) Shall be a minimum of one acre, and when in use shall be marked in such a way as to be clearly visible;
(d) Shall be a minimum of 500 feet from the nearest occupied structure, expressway, principal arterial, minor arterial or collector streets within the municipality; and
(e) Is an accessory use to a permitted principal use in the zoning district in which the heliport is located.
(C) Fee. A non-refundable fee as set forth from time to time by ordinance shall be paid to the municipality for each application for a special permit to establish a heliport.
(D) Exceptions. No person shall take-off or land a helicopter anywhere within the municipality except at a heliport for which a permit, issued by the municipality, as hereinafter provided, is in force unless such landing or take-off is done:
(1) When necessary for law enforcement or other public safety purposes;
(2) When necessary for aircraft or medical emergencies;
(3) For a single or one-time landing at a site not regularly used for landings when prior approval is obtained from the Manager. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld when the Ohio State Transportation Department has issued a temporary heliport certificate for such an activity.
(E) Applicability.
(1) All permits issued shall be only to the original property owner/applicant or original lessee/applicant. If the ownership or tenancy has changed, a new application shall be required.
(2) This section shall apply to all heliports established within the municipality.
('80 Code, § 1184.05) (Ord. 101-90, passed 11-19-90) Penalty, see § 153.999
Editor's Note:
A copy of the most recent ordinance establishing current city fees and service charges is available at city offices during normal business hours.