Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Update/IS#24-0010

The proposed ALUCP Update would replace the existing 1996 ALUCP for Imperial County. The ALUCP Update reflects the most recent airport layout plans (ALP) and associated Part 77 surfaces, aviation activity forecasts, and noise contour maps for each of the six public-use airports (Brawley Municipal Airport, Calexico International Airport, Calipatria Municipal Airport, Holtville Airport, Imperial County Airport, and Salton Sea Airport). Additionally, the plan incorporates the recommendations from the Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) Report for Naval Air Facility (NAF) El Centro, California (May 2010) that apply within Imperial County. The proposed ALUCP contains general and specific policies to implement the relevant provisions of the plan. Specifically, the plan includes a streamlined land use compatibility review process and identifies compatible land uses and densities based on the projected 2044 noise exposure contours, safety zones, and Part 77 surfaces. Similar to the 1996 ALUCP, the proposed ALUCP Update is intended to protect and promote the safety and welfare of residents, business, and airport users while supporting the continued operation of the county’s six public-use airports and NAF El Centro. Specifically, the plan seeks to protect the public from the adverse effects of airport noise, ensure people and facilities are not concentrated in areas susceptible to aircraft accidents, and ensure no structures or activities encroach upon or adversely affect the use of navigable airspace. Per the Caltrans Handbook, the ALUCP Update does not apply to existing land use. The land use compatibility policies contained within the proposed ALUCP Update are not intended to remove existing incompatible land uses within the airport environs. These include development already planned for the area, as evidenced by a vesting tentative map; a development agreement pursuant to California Government Code, Section 65866, that is in effect as of the effective date of this ALUCP Update; or a valid building permit. Chapter Three, Compatibility Policies and Criteria, of the proposed ALUCP Update contains general and specific policies to implement the relevant provisions of the plan. Specifically, the plan includes a streamlined land use compatibility review process with implementation steps (outlined graphically in Exhibit 2B) and identifies allowable land uses and densities based on the projected 2044 noise exposure contours, safety zones (as updated based on Caltrans Handbook guidance), and current Part 77 surfaces for each airport.