Carlsbad tackles concerns with airport … again

Resident group teams with mayor to push amending city zoning ordinance and city code to address airport noise, expansion and other issues

Carlsbad city staff will bring back an item in 60 days to change the city’s zoning ordinance and codes regarding McClellan-Palomar Airport. File photo

CARLSBAD — A group of residents was able to get support from the City Council to commit to changing the city’s code and General Plan relating to the McClellan-Palomar Airport.

Citizens for a Friendly Airport had Mayor Keith Blackburn agendize an item presenting their requests to change the zoning ordinance and city code to address the group’s concerns about the airport and presented their requested changes during Tuesday’s meeting. The council directed staff to return in 60 days with an update and possible action to change the ordinance and code.

“I was approached by Citizens for a Friendly Airport and they gave me a list of concerns and suggestions,” Mayor Keith Blackburn added. “I believe they represent a lot of residents’ concerns. This is just an effort to ask the airport to be a good neighbor.”

In a letter to the city, attorney Kathryn Pettit of Chatten Brown Law Group, who represents C4FA, outlined several changes and the process for the county to obtain a Conditional Use Permit for any “expansion” of the airport.

Pettit requested the city amend a zoning ordinance to define “airport,” clarify the definition of “airport expansion,” allow an airport approval of the CUP by the City Council only within the physical boundary, prohibit an airport in all other zones and properties in the city and prevent any inconsistencies regarding the CUP process. Additionally, Pettit’s letter also includes a requirement for the city to adopt the California Public Utilities Commission code relating to airports.

County spokeswoman Donna Durckel, though, said a 2021 court ruling previously rejected the claim that the CUP should define “expansion” consistent with the CPUC definition. She said the interpretation of expansion upheld by the court is consistent with the existing CUP and CUP 172 at Section 1 allows airport structures and facilities necessary to the operation of the airport to be constructed by right without city oversight.

She also stressed the D-III designation status is a long-term option that isn’t anticipated for another decade or more and would require a return to the Board of Supervisors to consider for approval.

“The Master Plan Update identifies the future role of the Airport to include supporting local businesses, accommodating corporate users, providing regional commercial airline service, serving private recreational fliers and enhancing public safety,” Durckel added. “These roles are all considered in planning future airport development.”

As for the CPUC, the code reads “airport expansion,” which includes the acquisition of runway protection zones; the construction of a new runway; the extension or realignment of an existing runway; and expansion of the airport’s physical facilities.