TagLand Use(212)

RCW 36.70A.200 requires counties and cities planning under Washington's Growth Management Act to include a process in their comprehensive plans for identifying and siting 'essential public facilities' — those typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, regional transportation facilities, correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient care facilities. No local comprehensive plan or development regulation may outright prohibit the siting of these essential public facilities. The Office of Financial Management maintains a list of essential state public facilities likely to be built within the next six years.

This document from the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services explains the rules for building or significantly renovating homes near Portland International Airport (PDX) within designated noise impact zones. Properties in the zone are divided into three noise contours (68, 65, and 55 DNL), each with different requirements ranging from full prohibition of new residential development to mandatory noise easements, acoustical engineer certifications, and noise disclosure statements. Homeowners and developers may be eligible for reimbursement from the Port of Portland for certain compliance costs if they use an approved acoustical engineer.

This December 2011 report from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) provides guidance on how local governments in the Puget Sound region should plan land use around airports to minimize conflicts related to aircraft noise, airspace protection, and public safety. It outlines federal and state requirements, reviews current and future land use patterns near airports, and offers step-by-step recommendations for incorporating airport compatibility into local comprehensive plans. The document is particularly relevant to communities near facilities like Sea-Tac Airport seeking to align zoning and development policies with aviation operational needs.

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Airport Compatible Land Use Program Update, December 2011, prepared by Mead & Hunt. Financed in part through FAA planning grant AIP 3-53-5301-02 under Section 505 of the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Covers Washington State airport compatible land use history under the Growth Management Act (GMA), WSDOT Land

The Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) Redevelopment Plan and Implementation Strategy, prepared in April 2010 by the City of Burien and Port of Seattle, outlines a 15-year plan to convert land near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport from incompatible residential and small-scale commercial uses into airport-compatible development. Created in response to noise and operational impacts from Sea-Tac Airport, the plan was shaped by community input, market analysis, and FAA restrictions. The strategy provides a phased, incremental approach to guide property owners and stakeholders through the redevelopment process while balancing environmental, economic, and community considerations.

The Northeast Redevelopment Area (NERA) Redevelopment Plan and Implementation Strategy, prepared in April 2010 by Otak, Inc. for the City of Burien and the Port of Seattle, outlines a framework for redeveloping land in the northeast area near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The plan addresses existing conditions—including Federal Aviation Administration requirements and airport noise constraints—alongside community input, infrastructure needs, and market analysis to guide future land use decisions. It identifies preferred development alternatives, zoning amendments, and prioritized implementation steps to support responsible redevelopment of properties affected by airport operations.