The following words and phrases whenever used herein shall be construed as defined in this Section unless a different meaning is stated, or unless a different meaning is specifically defined.
"Aircraft"
means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air.
"Airport"
means and include, except where otherwise indicated, the airport owned and operated by and located in the City of Lompoc, as it now exists or as the same may hereafter be developed.
"Airport Commission"
means the commission appointed by the City Council and charged with the responsibility of receiving information from interested persons and airport users in the community and to report the findings of the same to the City Council and to act in an advisory capacity on airport matters to the City Council.
"Aviation/Transportation Administrator"
means the administrator of Lompoc Airport appointed by the City Manager. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator shall possess the appropriate management and/or aviation experience required to carry out the duties and responsibilities of this position. All rules, regulations, codes and procedures issued by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator shall be reviewed by the Airport Commission prior to implementation.
"Based aircraft"
means any aircraft which utilizes the airport as a base of operations for other than occasional transient purposes, and is registered at the airport and is assigned a reserved parking space, tiedown or hangar space on the airport or adjoining property.
"Fire Prevention Officer"
means any individual authorized by the City Fire Chief to make inspections to determine compliance with the fire code adopted by the City, hereinafter referred to as the Uniform Fire Code, and to issue citations for violations thereof.
"Fixed base operator"
means that person, persons, or company or corporation who have a valid operating lease with the City for a commercial operation on the leased areas and flying facilities of Lompoc Airport.
"Main taxiway"
means the taxiway immediately adjacent to and parallel with the runway. This does not refer to the taxiways among the ramp or hangar areas.
"Ramp" or "apron"
means that area situated in front of and about the airport buildings normally used for the parking, tying down, fueling of aircraft, and the movement of aircraft among the main taxiway, hangars and aircraft parking spaces.
"Transient aircraft"
means any aircraft which utilizes the airport for occasional transient purposes.
(Prior code § 0301; Ord. 1673(20) § 42)
Safety, in order to protect people and the property of others, sensible actions, and good judgment are the basic principles of these rules and shall guide their interpretation and implementation.
A. 
Public Use. The airport shall be open to the public for all operations in accordance with the Federal Aviation regulations and in accordance with the published procedures and limitations as adopted by City Council.
B. 
Airport Liability. Use of the airport and its facilities is conditioned upon the assumption of full responsibility and risk by the user thereof; and the City, its agents, employees and the Airport Commission shall not be liable for loss, damage, or injury to persons or property arising out of any accident, incident, or mishap of any nature whatsoever or from any cause to any individual, aircraft or property occurring on the airport or in the use of any of the airport facilities.
C. 
Compliance With Rules. A person utilizing the facilities of the airport shall comply with all Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances, regulations and codes applied thereto.
D. 
Business or Commercial Activity. No person shall establish or engage in any business or commercial activity of any nature whatsoever on the airport unless that person has obtained a written lease or a commercial use license from the City.
E. 
Commercial Use License. A commercial use license may be issued by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator, for the operation of an aviation-related business or commercial activity on the airport, that conforms to the terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the City. The terms of any airport use may be reviewed by the Airport Commission.
F. 
Signs. No person shall post or display signs, advertisements, printed or written matter outside of any building or aircraft at the airport without first obtaining written permission from the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. This shall not preclude simple "For Sale" signs in windows of aircraft.
G. 
Commercial Photography. No person shall take still, motion, or sound pictures for commercial purposes on the airport without a permit from and coordination with the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. News media are exempt from the permit requirements, provided they coordinate such activity with the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
H. 
Airport Access. It is unlawful for any person to have access to the airport for aircraft or vehicle use except at such public or commercial locations specifically designated by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
I. 
Pedestrian Safety. No pedestrian shall be allowed upon any landing area, runway, or main taxiway of the airport without first obtaining permission from the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. This Subsection will not be construed as preventing immediate response to an emergency. Persons on the apron shall be careful to keep clear of any moving aircraft or turning propeller.
J. 
Sanitation. Garbage, litter, refuse and any other waste material shall be placed in receptacles provided for that purpose.
K. 
Disorderly Conduct. No person shall commit any disorderly, obscene, indecent or unlawful act or commit any nuisance on the airport.
L. 
Under the Influence. No person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or drugs shall approach closer than 50 feet to any aircraft.
M. 
Agricultural Operation. Agricultural spray operations shall not be conducted from the airport without prior permission of the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator shall designate the agricultural aircraft loading areas and shall review appropriate airport rules and noise procedures with the agricultural spray operator.
N. 
City Bulletin Board. A bulletin board shall be located in a prominent location at the airport for the posting of administrative and operational documents approved by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. All users of the airport shall be deemed to have notice of matters so posted.
O. 
Prior Coordination. Activities taking place on the airport that may distract landing or departing pilots will be reported to the Unicom operator for dissemination.
(Prior code § 0302)
A. 
Operation of Aircraft. No person shall navigate any aircraft, land upon, fly same from or conduct any aircraft operation on or from the airport other than in compliance with current rules and regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, the California Division of Aeronautics and the City of Lompoc.
B. 
Certified Aircraft. No person shall operate any aircraft at the airport unless the certification of the aircraft complies with all current Federal aviation regulations.
C. 
Aircraft Nuisance. No person shall operate the engine or engines of any aircraft at any location on the airport in such a manner as to cause damage to, or blow dirt on, other aircraft, property or buildings, or in such a manner as to cause a noise nuisance.
D. 
Traffic Pattern. The airport traffic pattern diagram and description shall be posted and shall be complied with by all aircraft owners and/or operators. The airport traffic pattern documents shall be reviewed by the Airport Commission and issued by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. Any documents depicting the traffic pattern will conform to the approved pattern.
E. 
Miscellaneous Operations. Parachute jumping, operation of airships, balloons, hang gliders, ultra-light aircraft, paraplanes, kites, rockets or model aircraft within the airport boundaries shall comply with the adopted rules and regulations.
(Prior code § 0303)
A. 
Register Aircraft. The owners and/or operators of all based aircraft on the airport shall register their aircraft with the Aviation/Transportation Administrator prior to beginning operations. A change in registration shall be required with any change in ownership. All aircraft occupying City owned hangars and tie-downs shall have an aircraft storage license, or shall otherwise be considered and charged as transient aircraft. Based aircraft occupying storage space covered by other lease or license agreements shall be regulated by the terms and conditions prescribed in those agreements.
B. 
Hangar and Tie-Down Assignment. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator shall issue hangar and tie-down assignment rules. The assignment rules and the current hangar waiting list shall be posted.
C. 
Airport Parking. No aircraft shall be parked, stored or tied down on the airport except in areas designated for such use except during sanctioned events for display or overflow parking as permitted by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
D. 
Securing of Unattended Aircraft. No aircraft shall be left unattended unless properly secured or properly parked within a hangar according to the recommendations of Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 20-35. Owners and/or operators of all aircraft shall be held solely responsible for any damage or loss resulting from failure to comply with this rule.
E. 
Moving Aircraft. In an effort to effect maintenance and preserve safety on airport property and facilities, the owner and/or operator of any aircraft on the airport shall, after receiving notification from the Aviation/Transportation Administrator, move the aircraft from the place where it is parked or stored to any suitable place designated on the airport. If the owner and/or operator refuses to move the aircraft, the Aviation/Transportation Administrator may direct the aircraft to be towed to such place at the owner's and/or operator's expense.
F. 
Taxing Aircraft. Aircraft shall not be taxied into or out of a hangar.
G. 
Repair of Aircraft. Preventive maintenance and repair of aircraft by the aircraft owner and/or operator shall be permitted only to the extent provided for in the current Federal aviation regulations and the Uniform Fire Code.
H. 
City-Owned Hangars. City-owned hangars shall be utilized primarily for the storage and maintenance of aircraft and the storage of aviation-related material that is necessary for the proper maintenance and care of the aircraft, except those materials specifically prohibited by the Uniform Fire Code.
(Prior code § 0305)
A. 
Application. Applicable articles and divisions of the current Uniform Fire Code as adopted by the City Council shall govern all operations on the airport. The applicable articles of the Uniform Fire Code shall be posted on the City bulletin board at the airport.
B. 
Inspection. All airport buildings, equipment and storage areas shall be maintained in a clean, orderly and safe condition and shall be open to inspection by a Fire Prevention Officer during normal business hours with 24 hours' notice. All recommendations issued by the Fire Prevention Officer shall be complied with by all licensees and lessees.
C. 
Smoking. Smoking or lighting of open flames shall be prohibited in the following locations:
1. 
Places with signs posted prohibiting smoking;
2. 
On ramps or aprons where aircraft are parked;
3. 
Within 50 feet of hangars, fuel trucks, or loading stations.
D. 
Open Fire. No person shall start an open fire on the airport except with written permission of the Aviation/Transportation Administrator. Professional organizations based on the airport may be issued permits on an annual basis.
E. 
Fire Hazard. No person shall stock or store any material or equipment in such a manner as to constitute a fire hazard.
F. 
Flammable Liquid Storage. Except for oil in containers, not more than one gallon of Class 1 flammable liquid and five gallons aggregate flammable liquid total, as defined in the Uniform Fire Code, shall be stored in any facility housing aircraft. A separate building for such storage may be required by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
G. 
Flammable Liquid Storage-Maintenance Hangar. Except for oil in sealed containers or in drums equipped with hand operating dispensing pumps, no flammable liquids or gases shall be stored in any maintenance hangar in quantities aggregating more than 35 gallons and said storage shall be in approved metal containers. Quantities in excess of 35 gallons shall be stored in a separate building or in a four-hour fire-resistant room especially constructed for such storage.
H. 
Cleaning Parts. No person shall clean any aircraft engines, or parts in an aircraft hangar nor within 50 feet of another aircraft, building or hangar with any flammable liquid having a flash point under 100 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., gasoline). Cleaning with any flammable fluid having a flash point over 100 degrees Fahrenheit shall be done outside of the hangar in the open air or in a designated maintenance hangar.
I. 
Rags and Waste. Oily waste rags and other similar flammable materials shall be stored in approved, closed containers which shall be provided by the hangar licensees or lessees.
J. 
Clean Floors and Drip Pans. Hangar floors, gasoline pits and gasoline trucks shall be kept clean and free from gasoline, grease and other flammable liquids, solids or gases. All hangar licensees and lessees will be required to provide metal drip pans which shall be placed under aircraft engines and motor vehicle engines.
K. 
Motor Vehicle in Hangar. No person shall operate a motor vehicle in any hangar unless the exhaust is protected by screens or baffles to prevent the escape of sparks for the propagation of flame.
L. 
Equipment Restriction. No person shall operate any aircraft engine or equipment producing unshielded sparks or equipment producing an open flame in any hangar, unless it is a designated maintenance hangar.
M. 
Fire Extinguisher Requirements. Fire extinguishers shall be installed in all hangars and maintained in operating condition at all times by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator for the City owned hangars, and by the licensees or lessees in privately owned hangars, in accordance with the requirements of a Fire Prevention Officer.
N. 
Painting and Doping. The process of doping of fabric or painting shall not be carried on in any building except those specifically approved by a Fire Prevention Officer.
O. 
Hangar Entrances. Hangar entrances shall be kept clear of obstructions to permit ready ingress or egress to or from the building in case of fire or other emergency.
P. 
Fueling. All fueling operations shall be conducted in strict compliance with the Federal Aviation Regulations and the Uniform Fire Code, especially grounding to prevent static ignition of volatile liquids.
(Prior code § 0306)
A. 
Operation. All vehicles of whatever type shall be operated on the airport in strict compliance with the applicable provisions of the California Vehicle Code, and the laws of the State of California applicable to public streets and highways and in accordance with posted signs.
B. 
Landing Area Restriction. All vehicles permitted to operate within the landing areas, runway or main taxiway of the airport shall be painted a bright red, white, or yellow, or display an orange and white checkered flag not less than three feet square. Such vehicles shall be limited to maintenance and inspection, or are to be service vehicles belonging to the City, State or Federal government, the fixed base operator, a contractor of the City, emergency vehicles, or other vehicles as approved by Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
C. 
Apron Area Restriction. Only vehicles belonging to aircraft owners and/or operators, or to hangar licensees or lessees, shall be permitted to operate on the ramp or apron areas of the airport. Vehicles parked in the ramp or apron area shall not block any access. Parking for special events may be permitted.
D. 
Parking. No vehicles, including trailers, shall be parked on the airport, except in designated parking areas.
E. 
Right-of-Way. All vehicle operators shall be alert at all times on the airport and shall yield the right-of-way to aircraft at all times.
F. 
Fire Gates. All fire gates and entrances shall be kept clear of vehicles at all times.
(Prior code § 0307)
A schedule of rates and charges for use of the airport, including rental charges and fees for City-owned hangars and for tie-down parking, shall be established from time to time by resolution of the City Council.
(Prior code § 0308)
A. 
General Safety Aspects. Airport safety, within the meaning and intent of this Title, encompasses safety of aircraft on the surface and in the air in the vicinity of the airport including the safety of persons associated with all operations on or about the airport, whether participating or observing, and the preservation of all property in or about the airport regardless of ownership.
B. 
Disabled Aircraft. Aircraft owners, and their pilots and agents, shall be responsible for the prompt removal of a disabled aircraft and parts thereof unless required or directed to delay such action pending an investigation of an accident. If the Aviation/Transportation Administrator, or fixed base operator at the Aviation/Transportation Administrator's direction, must take action to remove the damaged aircraft, the owner and/or operator shall be charged for the removal service.
C. 
Damage to Airport Property. Any person causing or liable for any damage to airport property shall be required to pay to the City, on demand, the full cost of repairs, or to reimburse the City the full amount of such damage. Report of such damage shall be, made immediately to the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
D. 
Reporting of Accidents or Incidents. Any aircraft accident or incident occurring on or about the airport will be reported in accordance with the National Transportation Safety Board procedures, Part 830, and applicable Federal aviation regulations. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator shall be informed immediately.
1. 
All accidents or incidents occurring on or about the airport shall be reported to the Aviation/Transportation Administrator and shall include mishaps involving persons, aircraft and vehicles within the definitions of this Title.
2. 
Reporting to City of Lompoc. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator, after taking the normal procedures for the safety of life and property, shall ensure that all accidents or incidents are reported as soon as possible by telephonic means to the appropriate City official for action, followed by a written report to include notification and action taken.
3. 
Reporting to the State of California. All accidents or incidents shall be reported as soon as possible to the appropriate State of California department in accordance with the current existing procedures, under the direct supervision of the Aviation/Transportation Administrator and the appropriate City official.
E. 
Safety Publications File. A safety publications file shall be maintained by the Aviation/Transportation Administrator for edification and guidance of all concerned persons and shall include safety and accident prevention procedures, available safety equipment and specific responsibilities of all airport safety aspects. Safety violations shall be processed in accordance with the City enforcement procedures.
(Prior code § 0309)
A. 
Airport Commission. There is hereby created an Airport Commission which shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the City Council.
B. 
General Functions.
1. 
The Airport Commission shall promote the economic benefits of Lompoc Airport and act in an advisory capacity in matters pertaining to safety, operations, maintenance, long-term planning, and economic development; provided, however, that the Commission shall not make recommendations on rates and charges for use of the airport. It shall also assist in the development of rules and regulations for safety, operations, hanger occupancy, hanger waiting list, and any other areas necessary for the orderly operation of the airport in association with the Aviation/Transportation Administrator.
2. 
The Commission may adopt such rules and regulations as it may deem necessary to carry out its functions.
C. 
Term of Members. The term of an Airport Commissioner shall be for a period of four years. Appointments will be for overlapping, balanced terms, commencing on the first day of February of the year of appointment or for the balance of the term of a predecessor. Airport Commissioners shall serve until their successors shall have been appointed by the City Council and qualified.
D. 
Removal of Members. Any member of the Airport Commission may be removed from office by a majority vote of the full City Council. If any Commission member misses three consecutive meetings, without permission, his or her office becomes vacant.
E. 
Qualifications. Five of the members must be City residents. The remaining two members must have their primary residences within the boundaries of the Lompoc Unified School District. No person shall be appointed to the Airport Commission who is employed by the City.
F. 
Meetings. The Airport Commission shall meet at such times and dates necessary to consider the activities described under Subsection B of this Section. Meetings may be called by the chairperson of the Commission, or by a majority of its members.
G. 
Officers. A meeting shall be scheduled in February of each year to elect a chairperson and vice chairperson. Said elected officers shall hold office for a period of one year. The chairperson shall be the presiding officer at all meetings of the Airport Commission and the vice chairperson shall act as presiding officer in the chairperson's absence. The City Manager shall appoint appropriate staff members to serve as secretary and/or advisors.
H. 
Expenses of the Airport Commission. All operational expenses of the Airport Commission shall be approved by the City Council and such funds budgeted for this purpose shall be included within the City's budget. Members of the Airport Commission shall serve without compensation. However, actual and necessary expenditures incurred by members, while engaged on official Commission business, may be reimbursed to said members, provided such expenses have been previously approved by the department head responsible for staffing the Commission.
(Prior code § 0310; Ord. 1579 §§ 1, 2, 2011; Ord. 1608(14) § 1; Ord. 1673(20) § 42)
A. 
Subordination. The rules and regulations of this Title are strictly supplementary and subordinate to Federal aviation regulations applicable to the airport and with any air laws established by the California Division of Aeronautics. In case of conflict, the Federal aviation regulations shall prevail first, followed by any California State air laws, followed by this Title.
B. 
Enforcing Officers. The Aviation/Transportation Administrator is charged with the duty of enforcing the provisions of this Title. In addition, the fixed base operators and other regular employees of the City may be charged with enforcement of this Title by written order of the City Council.
C. 
Appeals. Any person who objects to a ruling of the Aviation/Transportation Administrator may appeal the ruling to the Airport Commission by filing a notice of appeal in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1.32 of this Code. Decisions of the Commission may be appealed to the City Council by either the appellant or the Aviation/Transportation Administrator by filing a notice of appeal in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 1.32 of this Code.
D. 
Violations. Any person, firm, or corporation, whether as principal, agent, employee or otherwise, violating any provisions of this Title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $500.00 or by imprisonment for a term of not more than six months, or both such fine and imprisonment. Such person, firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this Title is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation and shall be punishable as herein provided.
E. 
Deny Use of the Airport. In addition to any other penalty that may be imposed as a result of violation of this Title, the right to deny or deprive any person the use of the airport or its facilities is reserved.
(Prior code § 0311; Ord. 1673(20) § 9)