GA HB1434

Airport sponsors must identify airport affected areas and notify affected local governments by January 1, 2027, with those governments required to adopt land use regulations for these areas by July 1, 2027 following public notice and hearing.

Regulations must limit the height of buildings, structures, and natural growth within airport affected areas to keep civil airport imaginary surfaces clear of obstructions, meeting federal standards in 14 C.F.R. Part 77.

The Georgia Department of Transportation shall assist local governing bodies in developing, amending, and repealing airport affected area regulations.

Variances that would create airport obstructions require notification to the airport sponsor, who determines whether the variance violates imaginary surface regulations.

Local governments that fail to enact or enforce these regulations lose eligibility for local maintenance and improvement grant funds under Code Section 32-5-27 for up to three years or until compliance.