The purpose of the AICUZ (Air Installation Compatible Use Zone) Program is to protect the health, safety and welfare from noise and hazards through compatible development in the airport environment. The program was instituted by the Department of Defense to address the problem of land development surrounding military air installations. It provides for the development and implementation of a plan to determine those land areas for which development should be significantly influenced by the operation of the airfield. These land areas are then designated as the AICUZ for that installation.
To provide for compatible development, the Navy acquired easements and fee simple ownership on certain lands in the noise and accident potential zones around NAS Oceana. While the specific terms of each easement vary, they generally prohibit all residential and people-intensive commercial development. In addition, the permitted industrial development cannot result in a high concentration of people.
Land within the AICUZ program has been classified according to its potential impact from noise and accident potential. The airport zoning program requires the following:
Noise Attenuation: Noise attenuation measures in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) are required for new residential construction, including additions, located within noise zones 65 Ldn or greater. Zones less than 65 Ldn are exempt from these requirements. The requirements apply to single family dwellings, duplex dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, townhouses, multiple family dwellings, condominiums, hotels, motels, dormitories and group homes. Non-residential uses requiring noise attenuation include assembly, business, business, education, institutional and mercantile uses.
Disclosure: Anyone selling or leasing residential property within any noise zone or Accident Potential Zone is required to provide written disclosure to all prospective purchasers or lessees. Written notification must also be placed in all sales contracts and leases. Additionally, the City requires disclosure notes on site plans and subdivision plats submitted after 1995.
Height regulations: Per Section 202 of the City Zoning Ordinance, the height of any structure may not exceed that permitted by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations.
Land Use: The City worked with the Navy and surrounding localities to create the
Hampton Roads Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) in 2005. This study explores opportunities to reduce noise impacts while balancing the communities' interest in economic growth and sustainability. In consideration of the JLUS Study's recommendations, the City adopted the
APZ-1/Clear Zone Master Plan in 2008, which provides land use policy guidance regarding the future use of property located in the APZ-1 and Clear Zones around NAS Oceana. Land use in the AICUZ and APZs is further regulated by Article 18 of the City Zoning Ordinance (AICUZ Overlay Ordinance).