EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Safety Military Compatibility Area
The Safety MCA is designed to address compatible land use types and densities / intensities of development within the Clear Zones ( CZs ) and Accident Potential Zones ( APZs ) I and II of Keesler AFB ’ s runway . The Safety MCA is intended to prevent the development of incompatible land uses in areas with the greatest potential for an aircraft mishap based on the Air Force assessment of statistical probability .
Within the CZs , most types of land use are incompatible with aircraft operations and no development is recommended . Compatibility guidelines preclude land uses that concentrate large numbers of people ( such as residential uses including multifamily dwellings , hospitals and medical facilities , places of worship , educational facilities , cultural facilities and recreational facilities ) within the APZs . While an accident is unlikely , the Air Force recommends low density and intensity land uses within the APZs to ensure the maximum protection of public safety and property .
Recommendations for the Safety MCA include :
• Review land use controls and conduct workshops to develop solutions to land use compatibility conflicts including consideration of a safety overlay district
• Develop neighborhood redevelopment plans to create opportunities for expanded economic development in neighborhoods impacted by Keesler AFB
• Consider program to transfer development rights from sender sites inside safety zones to receiver site properties under the same ownership outside safety zones through development agreements
• Conduct a Highway 90 Corridor Study to identify impacts from the Keesler AFB mission footprint and opportunities for redevelopment
Vertical Obstruction Military Compatibility Area
The Vertical Obstruction MCA is designed to address the height of all structures within the area defined by FAA guidance and Air Force Air Installation Compatible Use Zone ( AICUZ ) instructions with criteria known as “ imaginary surfaces ” and the tactical Existing Military Operations Surface ( EMOS ) unique to the Keesler AFB flight mission . These combined surfaces comprise the approach and departure airspace corridors and surrounding navigable airspace around Keesler AFB . Vertical obstruction heights are a major concern for flight operations and training since structures that extend into navigable airspace could impede safe flight operations and impact the ability to execute the tactical flight mission .
Recommendations for the Vertical Obstruction MCA include :
• Amend the Land Development Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance for height hazards to specify slopes and heights of the imaginary surfaces and the EMOS
• Foster enhanced planning awareness of Keesler AFB imaginary surfaces and EMOS through accurate mapping
• Require an Obstruction Evaluation from the FAA as part of the development application packages pertaining to imaginary surfaces including applications for temporary construction equipment
• Request the EMOS be added to the Federal Register to formalize it as military airspace that the FAA would consider in reviews of Obstruction Evaluations
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