§ 5-57. Permits.

(a)

Future uses. Except as specifically provided in subsections (1), (2) and (3) hereunder, no material change shall be made in the use of land, no structure shall be erected or otherwise established, and no tree shall be planted in any zone hereby created, unless a permit therefor shall have been applied for and granted. Each application for a permit shall indicate the purpose for which the permit is desired, with sufficient particularity to permit it to be determined whether the resulting use, structure or tree would conform to the regulations herein prescribed. If such determination is in the affirmative, the permit shall be granted. No permit for a use inconsistent with the provisions of this article shall be granted unless a variance has been approved in accordance with subsection (d) below.

(1)

In the area lying within the limits of the horizontal zone and conical zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than seventy-five (75) feet of vertical height above the ground, except when, because of terrain, land contour or topographic features, such tree or structure would extend above the height limits prescribed for such zones.

(2)

In areas lying within the limits of the approach zones but at a horizontal distance of not less than four thousand two hundred (4,200) feet from each end of the runway, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than seventy-five (75) feet of vertical height above the ground, except when, because of terrain, land contour or topographic features, such tree or structure would extend above the height limit prescribed for such approach zones.

(3)

In the areas lying within the limits of the transition zones beyond the perimeter of the horizontal zone, no permit shall be required for any tree or structure less than seventy-five (75) feet of vertical height above the ground, except when such tree or structure, because of terrain, land contour or topographic features, would extend above the height limit prescribed for such transition zones.

Nothing contained in any of the foregoing exceptions shall be construed as permitting or intending to permit any construction, or alteration of any structure, or growth of any tree in excess of any of the height limits established by this article, except as set forth in section 5-54(7).

(b)

Existing uses. No permit shall be granted that would allow the establishment or creation of an obstruction or permit a nonconforming use, structure or tree to become a greater hazard to air navigation than it was lawfully established on July 7, 1987 or on the effective date of any amendment hereto, or than it is when the application for a permit is made. Except as indicated, all applications for such a permit shall be granted.

(c)

Nonconforming uses abandoned or destroyed. Whenever the city building department determines that a nonconforming tree or structure has been abandoned or more than fifty (50) percent torn down, physically deteriorated or decayed, no permit shall be granted that would allow such structure or tree to exceed the applicable height limit or otherwise deviate from the zoning regulations.

(d)

Variances. Any person desiring to erect or increase the height of any structure, or permit the growth of any tree, or use property, not in accordance with the regulations prescribed in this article may apply to the zoning board of adjustment for a variance from such regulations. The application for variance shall be accompanied by a determination from the Federal Aviation Administration as to the effect of the proposal on the operation of air navigation facilities and the safe, efficient use of navigable airspace. Such variances shall be allowed where it is duly found that literal application or enforcement of the regulations will result in unnecessary hardship, and relief granted will not be contrary to the public interest, will not create a hazard to air navigation, will do substantial justice, and will be in accordance with the spirit of this article. Additionally, no application for variance from the requirements of this article may be considered by the board of adjustment, unless a copy of the application has been furnished to the airport authority for advice as to the aeronautical effects of the variance. If the airport authority does not respond to the application within thirty (30) days after receipt, the board of adjustment may act on its own to grant or deny such application.

(e)

Obstruction marking and lighting. Any permit or variance granted may, if such action is deemed advisable to effectuate the purpose of this article and be reasonable in the circumstances, be so conditioned as to require the owner of the structure or tree in question to install, operate and maintain, at the owner's expense, such marking and lights as may be necessary. If deemed proper by the board of adjustment, this condition may be modified to require the owner to permit the city, at its own expense, to install, operate and maintain the necessary markings and lights.

(Code 1976, § 6-38)

State law reference

Permits and variances, A.C.A. § 14-363-206.