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Chairperson Nixt asked if this would prohibit landing or construction of a heliport where the <br />complaints are taking place. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Frolik stated it would, because that lot is one acre or less. <br /> <br />Public Input <br /> <br />Jeff l Iammidge, 148th Avenue NW stated he is the owner and pilot of the helicopter being <br />discussed. He indicated there are wetlands behind his home, so he has more than 10 acres to <br />come over when he lands. He stated he has been approached by the FAA, who has deemed it <br />safe. Hc commented he only lands there approximately 10 to 12 times a year, and does not come <br />in at night. 11e stated he always approaches over the wetlands. <br /> <br />Mt'. Hammidge advised that a snowblower is two to three times the decibel rating of a helicopter, <br />and runs for hours. He stated the FAA saw this as a safe zone in regard to the wetlands behind <br />his property. Ite indicated he is against the ordinance, and would even be willing not to land at <br />his home anymore, but he thinks to take away that right from others because of his envious <br />neighbor is unreasonable. <br /> <br />Commissioner Brauer asked what purpose the landings have. <br /> <br />Mr. Hammidge stated he uses the helicopter for work, and travels to all his job sites, doing a lot <br />of aerial photography. He indicated if he is in the area he may go home rather than go to the <br />airport and drive for twenty minutes, but he never keeps the helicopter there over night or lands <br />at night. |Ic stated he lands at a lot of job sites, and this ordinance would set a precedent for <br />other areas that would prohibit his work. <br /> <br />Commissioner Shepherd stated they are talking about having to have a parcel of a certain size, <br />and asked if Mr. Hammidge was saying that because of the wetlands he does not need that much <br />land. <br /> <br />Mt'. I-|ammidge stated ten acres is excessive. He indicated hospitals land on a 100-foot by 100- <br />foot pad. I-lc stated some of this is misconceptions. People believe that if you lose the engine <br />you turn into a ball of flame, which is not the case. <br /> <br />Chairperson Nixt stated he questions the ten acre size limit. He understands the concern of the <br />City Council and Staff, but agrees ten acres is excessive. He indicated if there was a commercial <br />site less than 10 acres they could not get a heliport pad. He stated he thinks they should prohibit <br />residential areas unless the site meets the ten acres, and deal with limits in commercial areas <br />separately. He commented he understands the helicopter can come in safely, however he <br />believes in a residential area it is incompatible. He stated he does not know if they could limit <br />the number of landings, hours, etc. to provide another alternative. <br /> <br />Planning Commission/May 6, 2004 <br /> Page 14 of 22 <br /> <br /> <br />