§ 13-2005. HELICOPTERS; OPERATION REGULATED.

It shall be unlawful, except in case of emergency, for a helicopter to take off from or land within the corporate limits of the City of Raleigh, except under the conditions set out herein.

(a)

Definitions.

The following words used herein shall have the meaning set out below:

(1)

Heliport, unlimited use.

The words heliport, unlimited use shall mean a landing area used by helicopters which, in addition, includes all necessary passenger and cargo facilities, maintenance and overhaul, fueling, service, storage, tie-down areas, hangars, and other necessary buildings and open spaces.

(2)

Heliport, limited use.

The words heliport, limited use shall mean a landing area used for the landing and taking off of helicopters, including all necessary passenger and cargo facilities, fueling, and emergency service facilities.

(3)

Helistop, unlimited use.

The words helistop, unlimited use shall mean any land used for the landing and takeoff of helicopters for the purpose of picking up or discharging passengers or cargo, not including fueling, refueling, or service facilities.

(4)

Helistop, limited use.

The words helistop, limited use shall mean a landing area for the purpose of takeoff or landing of private helicopters for the purpose of picking up or discharging passengers or cargo, and shall not be open to use by any helicopter without prior permission having been obtained.

Helistops of both limited or unlimited use may be established on the tops of buildings.

(b)

Area requirements.

(1)

Area requirements for helicopters, whether for limited or unlimited use shall be as follows: The minimum landing area for each heliport shall be two hundred (200) feet by four hundred (400) feet, not including tie-down facilities, taxiways, terminal buildings, parking areas, service areas, and areas for other necessary facilities.

(2)

The area requirements for helistops, whether for limited or unlimited use shall be as follows: The minimum landing area for helistops, whether for limited or unlimited use shall be one hundred (100) feet by one hundred (100) feet, but if the helistop is on a building, the minimum landing area shall be forty (40) feet by forty (40) feet. The landing area shall be surrounded by a fence at least four (4) feet in height.

(c)

Approach zones.

Approach zones to a heliport or helistop must be sufficiently clear of obstructions to provide a slope of 8:1 (approximately seven (7) degrees measured from the horizontal). If necessary, a curved approach may be used.

(d)

High voltage transmission lines.

Heliports and helistops shall not be established in close proximity to high voltage transmission lines.

(e)

Landing area alignment.

The landing area shall be aligned to give maximum "into-the-wind" operation.

(f)

Surfaces.

The actual area used for landing must be made of such material that it will be free of dust, loose ground, and particles of concrete which may be blown about by the down blast of air of the rotor, and must be properly drained.

(g)

Federal aviation agency standards.

In the event of a conflict between the provisions of sections 13-2003, 13-2004 and 13-2005 of this Code and the standards and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), such conflict shall be resolved in favor of the applicable FAA standards and regulations.

(h)

Landings only at designated facilities.

It shall be unlawful, except in cases of emergency, for a helicopter to take off or land within the corporate limits of the City except at a designated heliport or helistop, as defined in this Code; provided, infrequent, special take-offs or landings may be allowed pursuant to a permit from the City Manager under subsection (j) hereof.

(i)

Location.

Heliports and helistops may be established within the City limits of the City only as provided by §10-2144(b), airfield, landing strip and heliport for vertical landing aircraft.

(j)

Special landing or take-off permits.

The City Manager may issue special permits for the landing or taking off of helicopters within the corporate limits at other than designated heliports and helistops upon proof that:

(1)

All FAA standards and restrictions will be complied with;

(2)

The proposed take-off or landing will not conflict with other scheduled public or private activities; and

(3)

The public health, safety and welfare will not be jeopardized.

( Code 1959 , §15-4.1; Ord. No. 1980-443, §3, 9-2-80; Ord. No. 1991-879E-TC-388, §1, 11-19-91)