Laserfiche WebLink
FAA conducted an aeronautical study (49 U.S.C. §44718 and 14 <br />CFR Part 77) and issued its Determinations on March 5, 2020 that <br />structures associated with the project "do not exceed standards <br />and would not be a hazard to air navigation" and that "[b]ased on <br />this evaluation, marking and lighting are not necessary for aviation <br />safety." The FAA's Determinations establish that the Project would <br />be neither an obstruction nor a hazard to air navigation. <br />iii. In this case it is important to first establish what entity has <br />authority over the use of airspace over the project site. "The <br />United States Government has exclusive sovereignty of airspace <br />of the United States" (49 U.S.C. § 40103(a)(1)). <br />iv. In order to use this airspace, the FAA Administrator is responsible <br />for: (1) Plans and policy for the safe use of the navigable airspace <br />(49 U.S.C. § 40103(b)(1); and (2) "[R]egulations on the flight of <br />aircraft (including regulations on safe altitudes) for navigating, <br />protecting and identifying aircraft; protecting individuals and <br />property on the ground; using the navigable airspace efficiently; <br />and preventing collision between aircraft, between aircraft and <br />land or water vehicle, and between aircraft and airborne objects" <br />(49 U.S.C. § 40103(b)(2)). <br />V. The FAA's aeronautical studies for the project structures are the <br />definitive standard for assessing compliance with federal aviation <br />safety laws and regulations (49 U.S.C. § 77.1(c)). This federal <br />authority is recognized in State law (Cal. PUC §21240). <br />vi. The City of Santa Ana has the local police powers to control land <br />use on the site (Cal. Const., art. XI 11, § 7). This constitutional <br />authority is acknowledged in State law (Cal. PUC §21670 and <br />§21676) and the ALUC process (AELUP §4.11) allowing for <br />overrule of an ALUC finding of inconsistency. <br />vii. The other entities that have processed or commented on this <br />project have aviation safety duties and responsibilities related to <br />this matter. Each of these entities relies on or ultimately defers to <br />the FAA's authoritative aviation safety role in airspace <br />determinations. <br />viii. The AELUP for JWA, Section 2.1.3 Building Height Restrictions <br />states, "In adopting criteria for building height restrictions in the <br />vicinities of airports, the Commission considered only one <br />standard and that was Federal Aviation Regulations Part 77 ([14 <br />CFR] Part 77) entitled, Objects Affecting Navigable Airspace. <br />"These regulations are the only definitive standard available <br />[emphasis added] and the standard most generally used." <br />Resolution No. 2020-xx <br />75C-804 Page 6 of 13 <br />