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Airport Zoning

The Airport Zoning Ordinance is established to regulate and restrict the heights of structures and objects of natural growth around the airport to enhance safety of aircraft in flight and objects on the ground.  

Gillespie County History: The original zoning ordinance was created by the first Zoning Committee on May 12, 1948 (Members: Fred Matthies, Alfred Petsch, Eric Jenschke, Alfred Neffendorf, and Hans Hannemann). It was based on the original 3 runways.  It remained in effect until it was updated in 1979. The Joint Airport Zoning Board consisted of Jack Hughes (Chairman), Marvin Jander, Keith Keller, W.J. Sebera and Curtis Frisbie. The main difference from the original ordinance was that the airport only had one runway.  The 1979 ordinance remained in effect until 2021. 

On November 25, 2019, the Gillespie County Commissioners approved the process of updating the airport zoning ordinance via a Joint Airport Zoning Board.  Gillespie County and the City of Fredericksburg appointed Judge Mark Stroeher, Commissioner Donnie Schuch, Councilman Jerry Luckenbach and Councilman Bobby Watson as the four appointees.  The board selected Greg Snelgrove as Chairman.  On November 4, 2021, the board approved the current zoning regulation. 

Current Joint Airport Zoning Board Members
Greg Snelgrove (Chairman)
Judge Mark Stroeher
Commissioner Donnie Schuch
Councilman Jerry Luckenbach
Councilman Bobby Watson 

• Current “Gillespie County Airport Zoning Regulations” (Dated Nov 4, 2021) 
• Current “Hazard Zoning Chart” (Dated August 2021) 

You must file (Airspace Study (FAA Form 7460-1)) with the FAA at least 45 days prior to construction if:

• your structure will exceed 200ft above ground level
• your structure will be in proximity to an airport and will exceed the slope ratio
• your structure involves construction of a traverseway (i.e. highway, railroad, waterway etc...) and once adjusted upward with the appropriate vertical distance would exceed a standard of 77.9(a) or (b)
• your structure will emit frequencies, and does not meet the conditions of the FAA Co-location Policy
• your structure will be in an instrument approach area and might exceed part 77 Subpart C
• your proposed structure will be in proximity to a navigation facility and may impact the assurance of navigation signal reception
• your structure will be on an airport or heliport
• filing has been requested by the FAA

To help determine if your project falls within the list above, go to the following website (https://oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showNoNoticeRequiredToolForm)

For assistance, please contact the Airport Manager at 830-990-5764.