Sec. 13. (a) To provide free air space for the safe descent and ascent of aircraft and for the proper and safe use of an airport or landing field acquired or maintained under this chapter, the authority may establish by resolution or resolutions a restricted zone or zones of a distance in any direction from the boundaries of the district so that no building or other structure is erected high enough to interfere with the descent of an aircraft at an approach angle necessary for safety for the usual type of operation that is conducted at the airport or landing field.

     (b) The authority may acquire by condemnation or purchase, upon the payment of due compensation, the right to prevent the erection of, and to require the removal of, all buildings, towers, poles, wires, cables, other structures, and trees within the zone that interfere with the gliding angle or as much of any structure or trees that interfere with the gliding angles. When a restricted zone or zones has been established, a permit issued by a department or office of a local entity or by any state or other authority for the erection of any structure extending into a zone is effective only if approved by the authority. Establishment of a restricted zone outside of a district, in connection with the condemnation of the rights in the land, constitutes condemnation and the perpetual annihilation of all rights of the owners of the property within the zone to erect or maintain any building or structure that will interfere with the gliding angle. This result may be accomplished by absolute condemnation of the land, with perpetual and irrevocable free license to use and occupy the land within the zone for all purposes except the erection of buildings or other structures above the height so prescribed.

     (c) The part of a restricted zone that extends below fifty (50) feet measured vertically from the land may be established only by purchase or proceedings in eminent domain. That part of a restricted zone that is at least fifty (50) feet above the surface of the land is in effect immediately upon the adoption by the authority of zoning rules. However, the owners of land beneath a restricted zone have the right to recover damages that may be proven in an action brought for that purpose. In an action for damages, the owner has the burden of proving damage by reason of the establishment of the restricted zone.

     (d) The zoning jurisdiction granted in this section is exclusive against jurisdiction granted by any other statute unless the other statute specifically provides otherwise. In case of conflict with any airport zoning or other regulations promulgated by a local entity, the zoning rules adopted under this section prevail.

     (e) All zoning rules adopted under this chapter must be reasonable and may not impose a requirement or restriction that is not reasonably necessary to effectuate the purposes of this chapter. In determining what regulations to adopt, the authority shall consider, among other things, the character of the flying operations expected to be conducted at the airport, the nature of the terrain within the airport hazard area, the character of the neighborhood, and the uses to which the property to be zoned is put and adaptable. However, this section does not apply to the location, relocation, erection, construction, change, alteration, maintenance, removal, use, or enlargement of any buildings or structures on lands owned by a public utility or railroad.

As added by P.L.28-1991, SEC.2.