Planners oppose helipads

Dan Kulin

Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

A proposed change to Henderson zoning laws that would allow the City Council to give special permits for helipads in low-density residential areas ran into opposition from the Planning Commission and some residents Thursday night.

The City Council could vote on the proposed change during its Sept. 21 meeting, Planning Manager Tracy Foutz said.

The change would allow the council to give special permission, in the form of a conditional use permit, for helipads in the city's RS-1A and RS-2 zones, in which density is limited to one home per acre and two homes per acre, respectively. The special permit would only be allowed to be granted for properties at least 5 acres large, Foutz said.

Planning Commissioner George Bochanis said he couldn't believe the commission would even consider approving this proposed change.

"I just don't see how a helipad is ever compatible in a residential area," he said.

City residents who spoke during the meeting said they were concerned about increased noise and dust pollution that could come with helicopters landing in residential areas.

Vincent Danisi, president of the River Mountain Ranch Estates Homeowners Association, said his group "is completely against these helipads."

Bristol Ellington, assistant director of the city Community Development Department, said the change is being considered because some developers have asked about putting helipads in residential areas before, and most recently Henderson resident Fred Nassiri asked if he could have one at a new home he is building on 10 acres near the intersection of Horizon Ridge Parkway and Gibson Road.

Nassiri, who owns Nassiri Inc., an apparel wholesale business, and a music company, said he wants a helipad so he can use a helicopter to get to work.

Nassiri said he would probably look elsewhere to build his new home if he can't get permission to have a helipad there.

Councilman Andy Hafen and Mayor Jim Gibson both said Thursday that they were not sure whether they would support the change.

The Planning Commission voted 4-1 Thursday to recommend the council deny the helipad-related change to zoning laws and to approve several other proposed changes to the laws, which could affect check-cashing businesses and drive-through facilities.

Commission member Paul Bunker voted against the measure, but it was unclear exactly what part of the proposed changes he opposed.

Commission member Dale Lay and Chairman Dan Shaw did not attend the Thursday meeting.