Airport Land Use Commission

The Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) was formed on May 19, 1981 and is the entity responsible for ensuring that land uses adjacent to public airports are compatible with airports. In Humboldt County the Board of Supervisors act in the capacity as the ALUC. Typically the ALUC meets on a as-needed basis during regular Board of Supervisor Meetings. The decisions made by the ALUC are guided by the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan

The current Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) was prepared in 2021 and was adopted by the ALUC on 04/13/2021. The 2021 ALUCP replaces the 1993 ALUCP for all airports; except for Hoopa Airport which is still covered by the 1993 ALUCP.

2021 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan

1993 Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan


County Code 333 (Building Height Restrictions)

Humboldt County Code Section 333 sets rules on how tall buildings and other structures can be near county airports to help keep airspace safe for aircraft. In 2020, the County updated these rules to match current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards and to better reflect existing conditions around local airports. The update also simplified the approval process for projects that may extend into protected airspace by allowing County staff to approve them when the FAA confirms they do not pose a safety risk. Projects the FAA finds hazardous still require approval from the Board of Supervisors. The update also shifted oversight of these regulations to the Department of Aviation and was reviewed and found consistent with the County’s Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.


Useful FAA Links

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) collects information from sponsors of certain construction or alteration projects that may affect the National Airspace System (NAS). The rules for the collection are promulgated to the public in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 77. The OE/AAA website enables individuals or organizations engaged in sponsoring construction or alteration projects that meet the regulatory reporting requirements to easily notify the Agency of their intent and to request an Aeronautical Study from FAA.