Rhode Island § 1-3-14 - Airport Zoning

§ 1-3-14. Permits to construct, change, or repair structures — Removal of nonconforming uses.

(a) Where advisable to facilitate the enforcement of zoning regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter, any political subdivision in which an airport or airport hazard area is located shall establish a system for the granting of permits to establish or construct new structures and other uses and to replace existing structures and other uses or to make substantial changes or substantial repairs.

Each person seeking a permit to construct or alter a structure within an airport hazard area under this section shall file a form 7460-1 with the federal aviation administration, (FAA), as required under part 77. Furthermore, each person shall file a copy of the form 7460-1 and the FAA part 77 determination with the airport corporation and with the political subdivision or joint zoning board. A political subdivision or joint zoning board shall consider the FAA part 77 determination before granting any permit.

(b) Before any nonconforming structure or tree may be replaced, substantially altered or repaired, rebuilt, allowed to grow higher, or replanted, a permit must be secured from the administrative agency authorized by the political subdivision to administer and enforce the regulations, authorizing the replacement, change, or repair. No permit shall be granted that would allow the structure or tree in question to be made higher or become a greater obstruction and/or hazard to air navigation than it was when the applicable regulation was adopted. Whenever the administrative agency authorized by the political subdivision determines that a nonconforming structure has been abandoned or more than eighty percent (80%) torn down, destroyed, deteriorated, or decayed:

(1) No permit shall be granted that would allow the structure or tree to exceed the applicable height limit established by the airport’s airspace plan or otherwise deviate from the zoning regulations;

(2) Whether application is made for a permit under this section or not, the administrative agency authorized by the political subdivision may by appropriate action compel the owner of the nonconforming structure or tree, at his or her own expense, to lower, remove, reconstruct, or equip the object as may be necessary to conform to the regulations or, if the owner of the nonconforming structure or tree fails to comply with the order for ten (10) days after notice, the agency may proceed to have the object so lowered, removed, reconstructed, or equipped and assess the cost and expense upon the owner of object or the land where it is or was located.

(c) Unless an assessment is paid within ninety (90) days from the service of notice on the agent or owner of the object or land, the sum shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum until paid, and shall be collected in the same manner as are general taxes.

(d) [Deleted by P.L. 1999, ch. 462, § 1.]