Joint Airport Zoning Board Meeting - October 23, 2026

The Joint Airport Zoning Board (JAZB) held its fourth and final meeting to adopt the updated State Model Zoning Ordinance for Rochester International Airport. The board addressed minor text and map revisions requested by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) following a 90-day review of the ordinance submitted in April 2026. After a public hearing and discussion, the board unanimously approved the ordinance as amended.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 1, 2026: Approved unanimously (7-0) as the official record of the JAZB.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Duane Schumann (self-identified as a representative of Highport Township) spoke during the public hearing. He described a scenario where a tower application sent to multiple agencies received no response within the required 30 days, leading to delays and a second hearing. He urged the board to improve the response process for such inquiries.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of MnDOT-Required Revisions:
  • Text Update: Clarified that the inner width of the non-precision instrument approach zone for Runway 21 is 1,000 feet, correcting ambiguous language that could be read as 200 feet.
  • Map Update: Adjusted the outer width of Zone A from 1,842 to 2,000 feet and Zone B from 2,300 to 2,500 feet to extend zones to the edge of the approach surface. The expansion does not affect any new parcels or structures—only previously affected property owners see slightly larger portions of their land included.
  • Evan Barrett (airport planner, Mead & Hunt) presented the changes and noted that MnDOT has pre-approved these adjustments; resubmission is expected to be a formality, likely taking less than the full 90-day review period.
• Readability and Public Understanding:
  • Commissioner David Senjem raised concerns that lay readers may struggle to determine building height limitations from the ordinance text alone. He suggested adding clarifying language or references to the heat maps (which show maximum construction heights) in the preamble.
  • Deputy City Attorney Brent Carlson expressed caution about altering language already cleared by MnDOT, as that could trigger a new review. Senjem withdrew his request for a formal amendment, leaving it as a “strong suggestion” for staff to consider adding informational references without substantive change.
• Implementation and Enforcement:
  • Discussion confirmed that once adopted, the underlying jurisdictions (counties, townships, and the City of Rochester) are responsible for integrating the ordinance into their codes and reviewing building permits within the affected zones. Staff noted that existing airport zoning has been in place for years, so processes remain familiar.
  • Commissioner Ruchi Gupta asked about potential land uses that could interfere with aviation safety (e.g., a limestone quarry). Evan Barrett responded that the ordinance prohibits uses that pose safety risks, but variance and conditional use procedures exist; a quarry could potentially fall under those provisions.
  • Commissioner Polly Glynn raised the need for training or outreach to townships to ensure they understand the new ordinance. The board agreed that each jurisdiction’s representatives could assist their local planning offices.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Adopt the State Model Zoning Ordinance: Moved by Ruchi Gupta, seconded by David Kenworthy. Passed unanimously (7-0) with three members absent. The motion includes authorization for staff to resubmit the updated ordinance text and maps to MnDOT for final approval.
• Adjournment: Moved by Brian Mueller, seconded by Polly Glynn. The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:35 p.m.
• Next Steps: Staff will incorporate the minor text and map corrections, then submit the final ordinance to MnDOT. The board expects approval within 90 days, with the understanding that the ordinance is substantively complete.