Mobility & Infrastructure
Committee Memorandum
TO: MOBILITY & INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE DATE: OCTOBER 13, 2022 FROM: GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WARD: ALL SUBJECT: CONSIDER UPDATES TO RIVERSIDE MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 12 – AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS ISSUE:
Consideration of updates to Riverside Municipal Code Title 12 - Airport Rules and Regulations.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee:
Receive a report regarding updates to Riverside Municipal Code Title 12 - Airport Rules and Regulations; and Recommend City Council consider proposed updates to the Riverside Municipal Code Title 12, Airport Rules and Regulations.
Commission recommendation:
On August 11, 2022, the Airport Commission unanimously approved the proposed changes to RMC Title 12 and recommended forwarding to the Mobility and Infrastructure Committee for consideration.
BACKGROUND:
On August 23, 1988, the Riverside Municipal Code (RMC) Title 12 - Airport Rules and Regulations (Title 12) was updated in its entirety.
On December 20, 2016, City Council approved an update to include definitions and rules for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as “drones”, aircraft fueling safety, and other general airport safety and operational rules.
On June 9, 2022, the Airport Commission received a staff report on recommended updates to RMC Title 12 – Airport Rules and Regulations. Through discussion, the Commission requested staff return with further information on Charter Flights/Airline Regulations, Two-way Radio Usage, Noise Management, and adherence to Federal Rules Part 91.
On August 11, 2022, staff presented modifications to RMC Title 12 addressing the Airport Commission concerns outlined above.
Specifically:
Charter flights/airline regulations: Changes made to update RMC Title 12 clarifying that no restrictions were being placed on potential commercial flights (charters or scheduled airline service).
Two-way radio usage: The Airport Commission agreed that proposed language complies with federal regulation.
Noise Management: The Airport has no legal control over aircraft once they depart the airport. The Airport, does however, have influence over existing tenants and an ability to communicate to those tenants the need to “fly friendly”. Through email, a monthly newsletter and direct communication, the Airport regularly discusses the noise complaints received from the public with Airport tenants. It is the Airport’s sincere desire to be a good neighbor and involve the flight schools and all other pilots of the Airport in being aware of the potential negative impact aircraft noise may have on the local community.
Over the last several years, the Airport has accomplished the following to lessen the negative noise impact to the local community:
Worked with the Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Tower to increase the height of flight patterns at the Airport.
Worked with our flights schools to implement a community recommendation that re-locates some training flights over Lake Matthews.
Worked with the helicopter flight school at the Airport to ensure proper flight patterns were adhered to when approaching the airport from the south.
Federal Regulation Part 91: This regulation primarily governs private aircraft operations. In some instances, Part 91 also applies to commercial flights. Wording was clarified in the proposed RMC Title 12 update to clarify applicability of Federal Regulation Part 91.
DISCUSSION:
Subject to City Council approval, this update to the Riverside Municipal Airport (Airport) Rules and Regulations will provide vital information for users of the Airport to operate safely.
The following are highlights of recommended changes to the Airport and Aircraft Regulations:
Language added for entities that desire to host special events at the Airport: establishes rates, insurance requirements, safety regulations.
Language updates regarding flying of Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly referred to as “drones” and the notifications requirements to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Language updates for motor vehicle operations on the Airport: parking restrictions, speed limits, rental car delivery and pickup, etc.
Language updates associated with Airport perimeter gate access: blocking open a gate, gate card access controls, etc.
Establishes requirements for fire extinguishers in aircraft hangars.
Restricts use of aircraft wash racks for aircraft only.
Establishes rules for departing aircraft to reduce the noise impact on the surrounding community.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The Airport Rules and Regulations contributes to Strategic Priority No. 5 High Performing Government and Goal No. 5.3 – Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
This item aligns with EACH of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
1. Community Trust - The Airport fosters community trust by regularly reviewing federal guidelines and regulations to ensure operational safety.
2. Equity - Riverside Municipal Airport ensures equitable access to Airport resources.
3. Fiscal Responsibility – This Regulatory update ensures City property is protected and preserved for future use.
4. Innovation – The Rules and Regulations ensures the Airport is well-situated to manage current use and prepared for future growth.
5. Sustainability and Resiliency – This Report provides information to the community on the Airport’s investment in safeguarding Airport resources and assets.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the update to RMC Title 12 – Airport Rules and Regulations.
Prepared by: Carl Carey, General Services Director
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments:
Riverside Municipal Code, Title 12
Presentation
Airport Title 12 Update – Page 2