Airport Zoning Ordinance

The State of Michigan passed into law the Michigan Airport Zoning Act in 1950. The purpose of this act was to protect airspace necessary for the safe flight of aircraft in landing or takeoff at an airport. The Act provides the opportunity for political subdivisions to adopt, establish, administer, and enforce zoning regulations limiting the height of structures and objects of natural growth, and otherwise regulating the use of property within the vicinity of publicly owned airports such as the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport.

The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport – Airport Zoning Ordinance limits the height of structures within the vicinity of the airport through an application and permit process. The ordinance requires that persons proposing to construct structures make applications for an Airport Zoning Permit. Permanent structures include buildings, signs, construction equipment, antenna towers, and trees, as well as temporary structures such as cranes, which can all pose a very real threat to aviation safety.

Should you consider construction or use of any of the above-mentioned structures within a 10-mile radius of the airport, please call the Airport Zoning Administrator at 269-388-3668, who can explain the Airport Zoning Permit application process and assist you in determining if your proposed construction will require the submission of a permit application.

The FAA has made available several helpful tools on its Obstruction Evaluation / Airport Airspace Analysis website:

For any other questions or concerns, we encourage you to contact us.