Bill > H3426

This bill amends Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws to exempt certain airport vegetation management projects from local regulations and to require permits for the construction or alteration of structures within protected airspace around public-use airports. The key provisions include: 1. Exempting airport vegetation management projects required for public safety and to comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations from local wetlands and conservation regulations, as long as the vegetation removal is in compliance with state environmental laws. 2. Requiring a permit from the state Division of Aeronautics for the construction or alteration of any structure located within a protected surface associated with a runway of a public-use airport with a valid operating certificate from the Division or the FAA. 3. Specifying the information that must be included in any permit granted, such as the location, maximum height, and required obstruction markers or lighting. 4. Providing a process for appealing the denial of a permit application, including a public hearing. The overall purpose of the bill is to maintain the navigable airspace around airports in a reasonably unobstructed condition for the safe flight of aircraft, as part of the state's exercise of its police power.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H3426