Department of Defense Joint Land Use Study (JLUS)

Aircraft Above the TownFor those of you who were able to attend our recent (August 21 and 23) community meetings on potential land use and density limitations in the Accident Potential Zone: thank you! For anyone who is interested, view the slides that were presented (PDF). With the input we continue to receive, we will draft a proposal. Please keep an eye out for community meetings in the fall.

About the Program

The Department of Defense's Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) program helps communities and adjacent military installations to plan for compatible development. In 2005, Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base both nominated the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) for a study. The FNSB JLUS was completed in July 2006 and includes 57 recommended actions to promote compatibility. Both military bases and the borough continue to work on the implementation of the recommended actions.

In December 2015, the Assembly adopted the Military Noise Overlay. This advisory noise overlay is intended to inform any interested party that this area is likely to experience noise related to military arms and flight activity. You can learn more by reviewing the overview presentation (PDF) given to the Chamber of Commerce on August 8, 2017.

Accident Potential Zone (APZ)

The military has defined the Accident Potential Zone as the area where accidents are most likely to occur based on an analysis of historical aircraft accidents. The primary purpose of the APZ is to promote public health, safety, and welfare by preventing additional high-density uses from being developed in the APZ. High-density uses gather large groups of people together and include:

  • Medical facilities
  • Multi-family housing
  • Schools
  • Theaters

Maps

Is your property in the Accident Potential Zone? Check these maps for the APZ boundaries for both military bases:

Contact & Keep Up

Call Christine Nelson or Melissa Kellner at 907-459-1260 or email us if you have any questions. You may also use the Contact Form to send in your comments and to be added to the email list for periodic updates and notifications. To keep up with all of the current happenings involving JLUS and other Community Planning items, like our Facebook page.