(A) Allowed in B-2, General Business, M-1, M-2, Manufacturing.
HELICOPTER LANDING PAD. The designated takeoff and landing area from which helicopter departures and approaches are intended to originate or terminate.
HELIPORT. A helicopter terminal facility for general public transportation with support facilities. The word heliport shall mean an area on the ground used by helicopters, which may include, in addition to the landing pad, passenger and cargo facilities, maintenance, overhaul, fueling, service and storage facilities, tie-down areas, hangars, parking, and other necessary buildings and open spaces. The term HELIPORT includes the terms heliports and public-use heliport used in Federal Aviation Administration publications.
HELISTOP. A limited use helicopter terminal facility, restricted by the owner to the support of a related business, institution, or other operation. The word HELISTOP shall mean an area, either on the ground or on a building, and shall include the landing pad used by helicopters for the purpose of picking up or discharging passengers or cargo, routine maintenance facilities, parking area, fuel pumping facilities (only if such activity is approved by the appropriate agencies), and storage or hangar facilities, but no other accessory facilities. The term HELISTOP includes the terms private-use heliport and personal-use heliport contained in Federal Aviation Administration publications, except for the limitations on the facility as noted.
(B) Supplementary requirements for helistops or heliports.
(1) Standards and requirements. All heliports and helistops will meet the standards and requirements imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration and all other federal, state, or local agencies having jurisdiction.
(2) Site size. The minimum site size of helicopter terminal facilities shall be:
(a) Helistops. One hundred (100) feet in width by 100 feet in length for a rectangular area, or 120 feet in diameter for a circular area.
(b) Heliports. Two hundred (200) feet in width by 400 feet in length for a rectangular area, or 325 feet in diameter for a circular area.
(3) Hours of operation. Non-emergency use of heliports and helistops between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. is prohibited. Emergencies excepted are for public safety or medical purposes.
(4) Setbacks. Landing pads for on-grade helistops and heliports shall be set back a minimum of 100 feet from any property line and 400 feet from any building used for residential purposes, public or private schools, hospitals, or public parks.
(5) Location. Heliports shall be located a minimum 1,000 feet from other heliports or on-ground helistops and 50 feet from the easements for high voltage transmission lines.
(6) Access. An on-ground helistop or heliport shall be surrounded by a fence or other barrier which prohibits access except at a controlled access point. Adequate access for fire and other emergency vehicles shall be provided to on-ground sites.
(7) Design standards. Federal Aviation Administration standards for design of helicopter landing pads, taxiways, parking positions, and pavement grades shall be met. The helistop or heliport landing area shall be constructed of a material free of dust and loose particles which may be blown about by the down blast of the helicopter rotor. Adequate drainage shall be provided for the site and approved by the local jurisdiction.
(8) Lighting. Lighting for helistops or heliports is to be provided according to Federal Aviation Administration requirements and is to be oriented as much as possible away from adjacent uses.
(9) Approach surfaces. Approach surfaces and transitional surfaces for landings and take-offs must be sufficiently clear of obstructions to meet Federal Aviation Administration slope standards. If necessary, a curved approach may be used. The landing area shall be aligned to give maximum into-the-wind operation.
(10) Location on structures. Heliports may not be located on structures. Helistops located on structures require certification of the structure's integrity by an engineer.
(11) Setback adjustments. All setback and distance requirements for elevated helistops may be reduced one foot for each one foot of the elevation above ground level.
(12) Operation at an airport. A heliport or helistop may be operated at an airport facility with the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration and airport administration.
(Am. Ord. passed 9-14-2016)