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Applying for tall structure permit

Applying for tall structure permit

Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 77 requires that any proposals to construct or alter structures that may obstruct the use of airspace by aircraft must be reported to the FAA. Use the FAA online notice criteria tool to determine if notification is required.

The Michigan Tall Structure Act requires proposals to obtain a Tall Structure Permit from the Office of Aeronautics. A Michigan Tall Structure Permit is required if the proposed construction or alteration meets either of the following criteria:

    • Anything over 200' AGL (above the ground at its site).
    • Proposals in the vicinity of an airport, if the proposal would be higher than a slope from the nearest point on a runway and increasing its elevation at a ratio:
    Longest runway length Proximity to closest runway Slope
    More than 3200 ft. Within 20,000 ft. 100 to 1
    3200 ft. or less Within 10,000 ft. 50 to 1
    Heliport Within 5,000 ft. 25 to 1

    Unless an airspace study results in a finding of noninterference, the Tall Structure Act requires MDOT to object to:

    • Structures greater than 1000 ft. high (500 feet in a VFR flyway or in the vicinity of a natural landmark).
    • Structures which would increase the Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude for an instrument approach procedure.
    • Structures which obstruct imaginary surfaces (as defined in the Tall Structure Act).
    • Structures which violate a local airport zoning ordinance.

    Process

    Structure height (AGL) Application fee (non-refundable) Project cap per 1 nautical mile (non-refundable)
    Less than 50 ft. $150 $1,000
    50 – 199 ft. $250 $2,000
    200 – 499 ft. $300 $5,000
    500 ft. or greater $400 $5,000
    No permit required $50 $2,000

    Questions? Email MDOT_Tall_Structures@Michigan.gov or call Kelly Badra at 517-242-2362.

    Airport construction

    Airspace proposals on most Michigan airports are coordinated by the Office of Aeronautics under the State Block Grant Program. Airspace proposals for primary commercial service airports and the Detroit Willow Run airport are coordinated by the FAA Airports District Office in Romulus.

    Notices for construction on airport property should be filed electronically on the OE/AAA website website.

    Questions? Contact Hilary Hoose at 517-242-2494.