Are the Airfield Improvement Needs Assessment and the Airport Overlay the same thing?

No. They are distinctly different. In fact, the only similarity is that the goal of both is to insure the viability of the airport as a significant resource to the community.

Airfield Improvement Needs Assessment

• Will examine Pangborn’s airfield (runways) to be sure they are adequate to meet the current and anticipated needs of commercial and private airfield users.
• Will recommend solutions to airfield improvement needs that are identified during the course of the study, and help determine the best way to address those needs.
• If lengthening the primary runway is identified as a need, only property immediately adjacent to the ends of the primary runway will be considered.
• Complies with the Federal Aviation Administration’s mandate to airfield owners, the Port of Douglas County and Port of Chelan County, that the viability of the airfield be ensured.

Airport Overlay

• Douglas County Commissioners passed the Airport Overlay Ordinance on May 9, 2007.
• The Ordinance established land use guidelines and population densities for properties near Pangborn that are routinely subject to overflights by aircraft using the airport. These are areas where residents may experience inconveniences associated with aircraft (noise, lights, fumes, vibration, etc.) or may be at risk in the event of an aircraft accident.
• Overlaid, but did not replace the existing, established Douglas County zoning districts.
• The Ordinance adopted was based on criteria established by the Airport Land Use Compatibility Handbook (WSDOT) and the California Land Use Planning Guide.
• Establishing Overlay Zones to protect the viability of Pangborn Airport, aircraft users, and residents who live near the airport is the responsibility of Douglas County, per Washington State RCW 36.70 and 36.70A.

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