The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee did not have representation
from Maxwell AFB.
Source: Montgomery County Hazard Mitigation Plan (Draft), 2015
The city’s plan does not incorporate the latest military compatibility
guidelines for land use planning.
The city’s plan is over five decades old and does not reflect the current
environment and growth of the city.
City of Montgomery
The following is a review of the existing planning tools utilized by the City of
Montgomery along with a brief analysis identifying their ability to address land
use and military compatibility, and where potential improvements can be
made.
The Comprehensive City Plan of Montgomery
The Comprehensive City Plan of Montgomery was adopted in July 1963 and is
organized into six different topics, they are:
People & Economy,
Economic Analysis Central Business District,
Land Use,
Community Facilities,
Transportation, and
Public Improvements.
While the comprehensive city plan serves as the guiding document for the
city, it is over 50 years old and does not include guidance and a framework for
the coexistence between the city and military.
The plan provided an initial foundation for the various land uses that are
located in the city including residential, commercial, public facilities, industrial
uses and undeveloped / agricultural uses. At the time the plan was prepared,
there was a breakdown of how much of the land was developed and
undeveloped separated into two categories including within the City of
Montgomery and the Central City.
A review of the Comprehensive City Plan has identified the following concerns
related to military compatibility:
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Zoning Ordinance of the City of Montgomery
The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Montgomery was initially adopted by the
City Council in September 1963; however, the ordinance was last amended in
August 1985. The zoning ordinance divides the land within the city into
28 districts comprised of traditional zoning districts including residential
zones, business district zones and commercial, industrial, and agricultural
zones.
The ordinance designates the area within two miles of Maxwell AFB to be an
airport hazard area. Within this area, general district regulations apply with
the addition of some modifications to height regulations. Generally, the
airport hazard area recognizes that natural‐made structures (trees) are a
hazard to safe navigable airspace, and as such trees are incorporated into the
height restrictions for these areas. No tree or structure is permitted to exceed
35 feet in the Agricultural 1 and 2 Districts. Additionally, structures in the
Industrial District (M‐3) including trees are not permitted to exceed a height
of 45 feet. Finally, no exceptions to height restrictions in Article I (8) of the
zoning ordinance are allowed in this airport hazard area without the approval
of the Board of Adjustment.
A review of the zoning ordinance has identified the following concerns related
to military compatibility:
While the heights for the airport hazard area are typically compatible,
the zoning ordinance does not incorporate the Imaginary Surfaces and
the FAA Part 77 guidance.
Densities for residential uses and intensities for non‐residential uses are
not delineated for the airport hazard area.
Background Report
June 2017