Noise Contours & Land-Use Zoning

How Zoning Works

Zoning around airports is regulated by many government agencies – including the Federal Aviation Administration – to achieve a reasonable level of public safety while facilitating compatible community development. In some cases, Joint Airport Zoning Boards (JAZB) – made up of representatives from the MAC and the cities, counties and townships around airports – work together to develop appropriate zoning ordinances. How JAZBs operate is governed by Minnesota Statute (360.061 through 360.074) and Minnesota Rules (8800.1200 and 8800.2400).

Flying Cloud (JAZB)
In 2019, the Flying Cloud JAZB formally adopted a zoning ordinance for the land surrounding Flying Cloud Airport (Chanhassen, Eden Prairie and Shakopee). 

Lake Elmo (JAZB)
In February 2021, the Lake Elmo JAZB formally adopted a zoning ordinance for the land surrounding Lake Elmo Airport (Baytown Township, Oak Park Heights, Lake Elmo and West Lakeland Township).

Long-Term Comprehensive Plans
The MAC’s seven-airport system functions as a unit to manage air traffic in the region surrounding Minneapolis and St. Paul. A key part of that unified effort is the development of long-term comprehensive plans (LTCP) for each of our airports. 

Air Lake LTCP
Anoka County-Blaine Airport LTCP
Crystal Airport LTCP
Flying Cloud Airport LTCP
Lake Elmo Airport LTCP
St. Paul Downtown Airport LTCP

Noise Contours and Land-use zoning

Land-use Zoning for Safety Areas and Height Assessments

Safety areas are designated areas that apply to each runway end and are depicted per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) criteria and the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) Model Airport Zoning Ordinance. Each MAC-owned airport has established safety areas, which are published in the LTCPs. Click on the name of the MAC-owned airport above to view the LTCP for that airport.

Additionally, the MAC created an interactive MSP Ordinance Height Calculator (link is external) to help developers determine if a proposed structure within the Bloomington South Loop area would require an Airport Zoning Permit and/or filing a notice with the FAA.

For a detailed safety zone analysis related to specific parcels, please email your contact information and parcel address to: MAC Safety Zone Analysis (link sends e-mail)