What is the ALUC? Top
ALUC stands for Airport Land Use Commission. There are ALUCs throughout California, and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority serves as the ALUC for the San Diego region. As dictated by state law, each ALUC has two primary roles:
- To develop and adopt airport land use compatibility plans (ALUCPs) for the airports within their jurisdiction, and
- To review local agency land use actions to ensure that new development is compatible with adopted ALUCPs.
The San Diego ALUC is committed to developing airport land use compatibility plans that protect public safety and the ability of airports to operate now and in the future.
What is an ALUCP and what is its purpose? Top
The purpose of an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) is to protect the safety of people, property and aircraft on the ground and in the air in the vicinity of the airports. ALUCPs also protect airports from encroachment by new incompatible land uses that could restrict the aiports’ operations. These plans are developed based on four separate compatibility factors: noise, safety, airspace protection and overflight.
What's the difference between an ALUCP and an airport master plan? Top
The fundamental difference between an Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) and an airport master plan is that the focus of the ALUCP is on the land surrounding an airport, while the focus of an airport master plan is on property within the airport boundary. ALUCPs are required to use information provided in airport master plans when projecting airport operations into the future. In addition, primary responsibility for adoption of an ALUCP rests with the ALUC, while responsibility for adoption of an airport master plan belongs to the entity that owns the airport.
What is the difference between an ALUCP and an Air Installation Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) document? Top
An Air Installations Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Study is prepared by the military to project the near-term operations of an air station. Per California state law, the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) for an air station is required to be consistent with the land use recommendations in the AICUZ study. AICUZ studies are not prepared for general aviation and commercial airports.
What is the ATAG and what is its role? Top
ATAG is the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Technical Advisory Group (ATAG), which was formed at the direction of the ALUC to enable interested parties to share their input about ALUCPs with Airport Authority staff in a fair, open and transparent process. The ATAG includes representatives from local and governmental agencies, airport operators, the military, property owners, pilots, business organizations, community groups and professional land use associations.
How has the ATAG contributed to the ALUCP process? Top
The Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Technical Advisory Group (ATAG) has been instrumental in helping Airport staff identify and understand stakeholder issues and how they relate to the development of Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs). The ATAG has worked through many complex issues, including basic policies and compatibility criteria, and has reached consensus on a number of major issues. ATAG members have been actively engaged and continue to support the planning process.
How do ALUCPs apply to existing land uses? Top
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) do not apply to existing land uses. They only apply to new or future development or redevelopment.
What authority does the ALUC have to enforce land use restrictions? Top
The Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) guides landowners and local land use agencies about appropriate land uses around an airport, but has no authority to enforce its recommendations. Rather, agencies (e.g., cities and the County) are required by state law to bring their general plans into conformance with adopted Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans. The agencies enforce any potential land use restrictions stemming from the adopted ALUCPs.
In San Diego, the ALUC is working collaboratively with the local agencies to create ALUCPs that protect the public and are consistent with their general plans.
How does the ALUC coordinate with local land use agencies? Top
The Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) coordinates with local agencies during the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan Technical Advisory Group (ATAG) process to help develop Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) with clear and implementable land use recommendations. In addition, the ALUC works with local agencies to determine whether proposed projects in their jurisdiction are compatible with surrounding airports.
What happens if a city and/or the County disagree with the ALUC? Top
If, despite all efforts to forge mutually agreeable solutions, an agency disagrees with the determination made by the ALUC, it may make specific findings pursuant to state law to overrule the ALUC’s determination with a two-thirds vote of its governing body (PUC 21676).
How do Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans affect my property rights? Top
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) affect new land uses, rather than existing development. Structure replacement and infill development are generally permitted, with certain limited exceptions.
Does an ALUCP allow for an airport to expand? Top
Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs) do not enable airport operators to expand airport operations; they merely reflect and must be based upon the airport operators’ master plans and their projections about future operations.
How do I get more information? Top
To stay informed about the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP) process, check the Get Involved page frequently. You may also call Sandi Sawa, Manager, Airport Planning at 619-400-2463 or submit comments or questions to alucpcomments@san.org. You may also sign up to receive the ALUCP e-newletter.
How can I get involved? Top
There are a number of opportunities to participate in and provide comments on the development of Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans (ALUCPs). Community workshops will be scheduled when draft ALUCPs are released to seek public comment on the plans and associated environmental documents. In addition, ATAG meetings are open to the public, and opportunities are provided for public comment at the meetings. ATAG and ATAG Subcommittee meeting dates, times and locations are posted on the Web site.
Once draft ALUCPs are published for review and comment, the public can send written comments by mail, email or fax. Written comments may be mailed to the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, Attn: Airport System Planning, P.O. Box 82776, San Diego, CA 92138-2776. Emailed comments may be sent to alucpcomments@san.org. Comments submitted by e-mail must be limited in length to not more than 2,000 words, and must not contain attachments. Written comments may be faxed to (619) 400-2459.
Please check the Get Involved page for updated information about community workshops and opportunities for public comment.
