County Council tries to preserve area’s last airpark

EVERETT — Snohomish County will now require a special notice for any new developments within 2,500 feet of airpark communities.

The County Council voted 4-0 Wednesday to approve the new rule.

The goal is to preserve Frontier Air Park, the county’s only existing airpark, between Lake Stevens and Arlington. The notice recorded on all permit or development approvals will inform future neighbors they will be living in an area where they can expect to hear aircraft.

Several residents of Frontier attended the meeting to encourage the council to make the change. Councilmen also could have chosen a 1,300-foot buffer, but instead opted for the greater distance.

The ordinance now goes to the county executive. If approved, the new rule is likely to take effect in mid-April.