Hawthorne Municipal Code Ch. 17 05f. RUNWAY PROTECTION

§ 17.05f.010. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to minimize exposure to safety hazards that would result from the introduction of new or modified incompatible land uses and structures within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) on the eastern side of the Hawthorne Municipal Airport; to protect the Hawthorne Municipal Airport from potential encroachment of incompatible land use and structures that may impair the planned development and use of the Airport; to create consistency with and strengthen the Airport Master Plan (AMP); to minimize the creation of nonconforming uses and structures on the eastern side of the Hawthorne Municipal Airport; and to establish allowable uses and development standards in the RPZ.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026[1])

[1]

Editor's Note: This chapter was renumbered from Ch. 17.22B.

§ 17.05f.020. Definition.

"Runway protection zone (RPZ)"

means a trapezoidal area off the end of the runway on the eastern side of airport (Runway 25) that serves to enhance the protection of people and property on the ground as depicted in the AMP for the Hawthorne Municipal Airport.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)

§ 17.05f.030. Applicability.

The Runway Protection Overlay (RPO) follows the boundaries of the RPZ on the eastern side of the Hawthorne Municipal Airport, as established in the AMP and as may be amended from time to time. This chapter applies to new or modified buildings, construction, uses of land, and land division of property located within the RPO. The RPO does not apply to any portion of a property, use, or structure located outside of the RPO.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)

§ 17.05f.040. Permitted uses.

•	Automobile parking.
•	Underground facilities.
•	Other similar uses and structures as determined by the Director and approved by the FAA to not interfere with navigational aids and not constitute public assembly.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)

§ 17.05f.050. Prohibited uses.

•	Churches.
•	Hospitals.
•	Office and retail buildings.
•	Public assembly uses.
•	Schools.
•	Shopping centers.
•	Major above-ground utilities (electrical substations, cell towers, fuel storage, waste treatment facilities).
•	Any new or modified uses and structures that conflict with the AMP, or interfere with navigation as determined by the Director and are not approved by the FAA.
•	All uses not listed in Section 17.05f.040 .

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)

§ 17.05f.060. Development standards.

Applicants for development proposals within the RPO shall submit a written justification that demonstrates that the proposed development or alteration to an existing facility will not be a hazard to air navigation and will comply with the AMP. The Director may request that the applicant provide written authorization from the FAA National Airport Planning and Environmental Division approving the proposed use or development prior to rendering a determination.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)

§ 17.05f.070. Nonconforming uses and structures.

A. Existing uses and structures that are listed as prohibited in Section 17.05f.050 and are located within the RPO at the time of the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter are considered legal nonconforming and subject to nonconformities chapter[1].

A nonconforming use or structure may be maintained and continued, except as restricted by this chapter.
Maintenance, repair, and incidental alteration, including such modifications as new paint, siding, roof, and sign replacement, of a nonconforming structure are permitted.
A nonconforming use or structure shall not be expanded, enlarged, or intensified in any manner.

[1]

Editor's Note: See Chapter 17.13.

B. The portions of the property and structure that are located outside of the RPO may be considered conforming and subject to the applicable standards of the base zone and height restrictions imposed by the proximity to the Hawthorne Municipal Airport.

(Ord. 2151 § 3, 2017; Ord. 2263, 6/23/2026)