city radius. If located inside the community radius, the sky glow increases in
a linear manner toward the center by another factor of 2.5.
Consider the following examples:
Scenario 1: A 100‐acre development located two kilometers from the
installation with a density of six units per acre (assuming 2.5 persons per
household) would impact the sky background by over 260 percent (nearly
663 percent with NOAA factor).
Scenario 2: A 100‐acre development located 20 kilometers from the
installation with a density of six units per acre (assuming 2.5 persons per
household) would impact the sky background by approximately less than 1
percent (just over 2 percent with NOAA factor).
If the density was decreased to one unit per acre the resulting scenarios
would result in the following increased sky glow:
Scenario 1: Approximately 44 percent (almost 111 percent with NOAA
factor).
Scenario 2: Approximately less than 1 percent (still less than 1 percent
with NOAA factor).
In general, the following trends are demonstrated:
The more dense the urban development, the greater the potential for
light intrusion.
The closer development is to the installation, the greater the potential
for light intrusion.
Page 5‐38
Reflective Building Materials Causing Glint and Glare
ISSUE
LG‐1
Extensive use of highly‐reflective building materials such
as colored glass on commercial developments can create
glint and glare which can affect pilot visibility and is of
concern on aircraft approaches.
Building materials have the potential to create glint and glare, which can
impact pilots’ visibility. Building materials are particularly of concern for
buildings that are within Keesler AFB lines of sight. Casinos and resort hotels
are prolific in Biloxi and beginning to increase in the City of D’Iberville.
These types of buildings often have large expanses of glass windows and
other types of building materials that may be chosen for aesthetics.
Compatibility Assessment
Approach and Departure corridors for Keesler AFB in D’Iberville have areas
within the Waterfront and Commercial Zoning Districts, both of which can
lead to the development of buildings that utilize various materials, which
could be reflective or create glare. The City of D’Iberville Zoning Ordinance
states under Article 12L Architectural Standards that the design and
materials for the construction of a building are subject to the approval of the
Development Review Committee, although materials specifically related to
glare is not specified in the ordinance.
Within the southern Approach and Departure corridors for Keesler AFB in
the City of Biloxi is land within the Commercial Business Zoning District.
The City of Biloxi only regulates architecture within the established
Architectural / Historic Overlay District. Uses which may contribute to pilot
glint and glare are not restricted within the Keesler AFB Approach and
Departure corridors.
Background Report