October 2008

Iowa Airport Land Use Guidebook

Each year, the Iowa Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Iowa) asks its more than 350 members to nominate plans, projects, and individuals deserving recognition by the professional organization.  Award nominees can be recognized in as many as 15 categories ranging from planning excellence to distinguished leadership.  An independent review by a jury of professional planners from the Minnesota Chapter of the APA, selected the Iowa APA Award recipients.

The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Mead & Hunt, Inc., will accept an Outstanding Planning Award for Best Practice for The Iowa Airport Land Use Guidebook at an awards ceremony on October 30.

“Communities depend on Iowa’s aviation infrastructure — the existing system of airports — to provide the needed services and added benefits of close accessibility,” said Stephanie Ward, AICP, Mead & Hunt project manager.  “Land use compatibility and the coordination of the management of land uses on and near airports have been identified as important components of the system’s preservation.”

The Iowa Airport Land Use Guidebook was developed to create an understanding of the management of land uses on an airport and a connection to the land use regulations in adjacent communities.  This comprehensive guide addresses the preservation of airport safety as well as the public health, safety and welfare of persons on the ground near airports. 

The guidebook was developed as a reference tool for a diverse audience of professionals who make decisions regarding airport land use compatibility including airport sponsors, planners and elected officials. It has been developed to identify and explain the distinct relationship between land use classifications and the impacts associated with compatibility concerns.  Further, it provides suggested methods and strategies for implementing effective land use compatibility planning and zoning.

“Working with Mead & Hunt has been a great experience and I appreciate their commitment to making the guidebook, resources, and workshops such a great success,” said Kay Thede, Iowa DOT, Office of Aviation.  “The collaboration between Stephanie Ward and her team, and our office and advisory committee, truly made for an excellent product.”

Mead & Hunt provides professional services in architecture, historic preservation, transportation, infrastructure, and water resources engineering to clients throughout the US.  Mead & Hunt was recognized as one of the fastest rising architectural and engineering firms by the Zweig Letter Hot Firm list; the corporation remains strong on Engineering News Record’s Top 500 design firm list.  Mead & Hunt, named by CE News as one of the top 10 engineering companies to work for in the nation, is employee–owned with nearly 400 people in offices nationwide.

The American Planning Association Iowa Chapter provides leadership in the development of vital communities by advocating excellence in community planning, promoting education and citizen empowerment, and providing the tools and support necessary to meet the challenges of growth and change. APA Iowa members consist of planners and other professionals involved in the development and sustainability of Iowa communities.