For the second time in a year, AOPA is asking officials in Sacramento County not to allow development of 208 homes less than 700 feet from the runway at Rancho Murieta Airport.
In a Sept. 24 letter, AOPA asked the county not to grant a rezoning request for the proposed Murieta Gardens II development. Instead, the association wants the county to develop a compatible land-use plan specifically for the airport, rather than relying on general countywide policies to guide future development.
AOPA’s letter points out that building homes so close to an airport inevitably leads to problems for both residents, who object to noise and low-flying aircraft, and airport users, who come under pressure to restrict operations.
“Just because a development like this isn’t specifically prohibited by county policy doesn’t mean it’s a good idea,” said Heidi Williams, AOPA senior director of airports. “Common sense tells you that houses and airports just don’t mix.”
