Johns Creek council adopts rules to allow vertiports, sets safety and public‑notice standards

Johns Creek — The City Council on July 13 approved a zoning text amendment to define “advanced air mobility” (AAM) and to allow vertiports through the city’s special‑use permit process, a step officials said is intended to give the city regulatory tools ahead of any Federal Aviation Administration action on passenger‑carrying eVTOL aircraft.

Director Song, presenting the ordinance, told the council the amendment adds specific definitions and standards for vertiports and AAM, designates eligible zoning districts (OI, C1, C2, M1A, M1, TCX and TCB) and requires applicants to demonstrate compliance with state and federal aviation guidance. “Applicant shall provide evidence of compliance with FAA and GDOT applicable standards,” Song said, and added the ordinance requires a study by a recognized aviation consultant and answers to a set of feasibility and safety factors.

The ordinance includes a minimum 200‑foot separation requirement between vertiport landing areas, taxiways or related structures and adjacent property lines that abut single‑family residential districts, schools, public parks or AG1 single‑family zoning. Song said the special‑use permit process would function similarly to a rezoning: planning commission review, required public participation and a final council decision.

A resident who spoke during public hearing, Bob Stevens, offered support for the city preparing in advance of the technology’s arrival. “I look forward to the day not so far in the future when I can get on an eVTOL and take it as a taxi down to the airport,” Stevens said.

Council members asked how the city would notify and educate the public before any vertiport application. Song described the city’s outreach steps for rezoning and special‑use applications, including a required public participation meeting a month after an application is filed, posting materials online, notifying adjacent property owners and placing legal ads and on‑site signs.

Council members also cited uncertainty at the state and federal level. A staff responder noted the FAA has not yet approved passenger‑carrying eVTOL operations: “The FAA has not approved these aircraft to fly yet,” they said, adding that GDOT has begun establishing parameters for potential routes and operations.

Councilmember Coughlin moved approval and the council voted to adopt the text amendment. Under the ordinance, future vertiport proposals would return as individual special‑use permit applications that must demonstrate FAA/GDOT compliance, provide an aviation consultant’s study, explain flight paths and mitigation for noise and safety, and go through public participation and planning commission review.

The amendment does not authorize any vertiport to operate immediately; it sets the local regulatory framework officials say will allow Johns Creek to assess proposals when and if applicants pursue them.