(A) Except as specifically provided in divisions (A)(1) through (A)(3) below, no material change shall be made in the use of land, no structure shall be erected or otherwise established and no tree shall be planted in any zone hereby created unless a permit 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. All permit applications for obstructions in either the conical or horizontal surface related to the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Airport Authority shall be reviewed and evaluated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) using FAA Form 7460 (Notice of Construction). The FAA report shall be a part of the application submitted to the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Airport Authority for consideration for approval. If such determination by the authority is in the affirmative, the permit shall be granted. No permit for a use inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter shall be granted unless a variance has been approved in accordance with division (A)(3) below.
(1) In the area lying within the limits of the horizontal zone and conical zone covered by this subchapter, 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 trees or structure would extend above the height limits prescribed for such zones.
(2) In areas lying within the limits of the approach zones, but at a horizontal distance of not less than 4,200 feet from each end of the runway, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than 75 feet of vertical height above the ground, except when such tree or structure would extend above the height limit prescribed for such approach zones.
(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 75 feet of vertical height above the ground, except when such tree or structure, because of terrain, land contour or topographic features, would extend above the height limit prescribed for such transition zones.
(B) Nothing contained in any of the foregoing exceptions shall be construed as permitting or intending to permit any construction, or alteration of any structure, or growth of any tree in excess of any of the height limits established by this subchapter, except as set forth in § 158.28(B)(5) of this chapter.
(1) Existing uses. No permit shall be granted that would allow the establishment or creation of an obstruction or permit a non-conforming use, structure or tree to become a greater hazard to air navigation that it was on the effective date of this subchapter or any amendments thereto or than it is when the application for a permit is made. Except as indicated, all applications for such permit shall be granted.
(2) Non-conforming uses abandoned or destroyed. Whenever the or his or her designee determines that a non-conforming tree or structure 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 height restriction zoning regulations.
(3) Variances. Any person desiring to erect or increase the height of any structure, or permit the growth of any tree, or use property, not in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this subchapter, may apply to the Board of Adjustment for a variance from such regulations. The application for a variance shall be accompanied by a determination from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as to the effect of the proposal on the operation of air navigation facilities and the safe, efficient use of navigable airspace. Such variances shall be allowed where it is duly found that a literal application or enforcement of the regulations will result in unnecessary hardship and relief granted, will not be contrary to the public interest, will not create a hazard to air navigation, will do substantial justice, and will be in accordance with the spirit of this subchapter. Additionally, no application for variance to the requirements of this subchapter may be considered by the Board of Adjustments unless a copy of the application has been furnished to the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Airport Authority for advice as to the aeronautical effect of the variance. If the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County Airport Authority does not respond to the application within 45 days after receipt, the Board of Adjustments may act on its own to grant or deny said application.
(4) Obstruction marking and lighting. Any permit or variance granted may, if such action is deemed advisable to effectuate the purpose of this subchapter and be reasonable in the circumstances, be so continued as to require the owner of the structure or tree in question to install, operate and maintain, at the owner’s expense, such markings and lights as may be necessary.
(2005 Code, App. A, Art. II, § VII) (Ord. passed 1-4-1999)