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ALUC-24-09 (Digital Freeway Billboard Ordinance)
Determine that Application No. ALUC-24-09, (Digital Freeway Billboard Ordinance) located within the Travis Air Force Base (AFB) Compatibility Zone D and E and Nut Tree Airport Compatibility Zones, is consistent with the applicable Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (City of Vacaville)
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RECOMMENDATION:
Determine that Application No. ALUC-24-09, (Digital Freeway Billboard Ordinance) located within the Travis Air Force Base (AFB) Compatibility Zone D and E and Nut Tree Airport Compatibility Zones, is consistent with the applicable Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans.
DISCUSSION:
Section 21676 (d) of the State Aeronautics Act requires the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) review of zoning regulation amendments within an Airport Influence Area.
On May 9, 2024, the ALUC reviewed the Digital Freeway Billboard Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration that was prepared for the project and identified that illuminated billboards, specifically, the south facing facades, within the approach/departure zones have the potential to cause pilot confusion especially in foggy conditions. ALUC recommended that FAA No Hazard Determination review shall be required for billboards within the Nut Tree Airport Influence Area. City staff amended the proposed zoning text amendments to require No Hazards Determination to be submitted by an applicant prior to submitting an application to City staff.
The specific language can be found under Section 14.09.260.100.5 (c): Compliance with State and Federal Law:
5.(C): FAA Determination of No Hazard. All development applications for a digital freeway billboard located along Interstate 505 within the Nut Tree Area Airport Influence Area shall include a Determination of No Hazard from the Federal Aviation Administration prior to submittal to the City of Vacaville.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Community Development Department is proposing to amend the City’s Sign Ordinance under Vacaville Municipal Code (VMC) Chapter 14.09.260, to create policies, procedures, and standards for regulating digital freeway billboard development in Vacaville. Staff is also proposing amendments to the City Gateways Design Master Plan to address digital freeway billboards and ensure consistency with the VMC. The proposed amendments include location restrictions, static (standard) billboard removal requirements, development standards such as height and minimum separation between billboards, design requirements, performance standards such as display brightness and maintenance, and procedures for allowing new digital freeway billboards along sections of the Interstate 80 and 505 corridors.
If adopted, the regulations would allow up to 18 digital billboards along Interstate-80 and 505, approximately 65 feet in height and 1200 square feet of sign area.
AIRPORT PLANNING CONTEXT & ANALYSIS
Zoning regulations amendments must undergo review by the ALUC for consistency with the applicable LUCPs (State Aeronautics Act section 21676). The proposed amendments would apply city-wide, which is located in Compatibility Zones D and E of the Travis AFB LUCP and all compatibility zones of the Nut Tree Airport Plan (Attachment B).
Staff evaluated the City’s project applicable Compatibility Zone Criteria and analysis of the project is summarized in Attachment A.
ANALYSIS FINDING
Based on the review, staff finds that the proposed changes comply with the requirements of the zones to protect flight and are consistent with the Travis AFB Land Use Compatibility Plan (LUCP) and Nut Tree Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan subject to the following condition:
Attachments
Attachment A: Airport Compatibility Zones Criteria
Attachment B: Potential Billboard Locations and Compatibility Zone Maps
Attachment C: Draft Digital Freeway Billboard Ordinance
Attachment D: Link to Draft Vacaville Gateways Master Plan
Attachment E: Draft Resolution