Category : Legislation(150)

Washington State House Bill 1915 (1993) proposed changes to aircraft noise abatement rules for port districts operating busy airports like Sea-Tac. Under the substitute bill, property owners whose homes were soundproofed by a port district would no longer need to waive all damages or grant a full, unrestricted easement — only partial waivers and limited easements would be required. The bill also allowed homeowners to receive soundproofing benefits more than once if aircraft noise levels increased or flight patterns changed significantly.

King County Ordinance No. 8996, adopted April 3, 1989, updates comprehensive land use planning and zoning for the Sea-Tac Airport area, incorporating community input and environmental review to guide orderly development near the airport. The ordinance formally adopts the Sea-Tac Area Update and Area Zoning as official county policy, amending several prior ordinances related to the Highline Communities Plan. It also establishes policies for the development of North Sea-Tac Park, with safety designated as the foremost planning consideration.

Resolution No. 2516 of the Port of Seattle Commission authorized the expansion of Unit 18 of the Port's Comprehensive Scheme of Harbor Improvements to include additional land surrounding Sea-Tac International Airport. The resolution directed the Port to acquire these properties—through purchase or eminent domain—to establish runway clear zones, buffer zones, and safety areas for airplane passengers, airport personnel, and neighboring residents. All acquisition proceedings were required to comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws, including the State Environmental Policy Act.