Double Oak Town Council Adopts Ordinance Against helicopters, helistops, heliports and other Passenger Carrying Aerial Vehicles
Double Oak Town Council Adopts Ordinance Against helicopters, helistops, heliports and other Passenger Carrying Aerial Vehicles
Tuesday evening the Town Council of Double Oak adopted Ordinance No. 26-02, amending the Town’s Code of Ordinances to establish new regulations governing helicopters, helistops, heliports, and other passenger-carrying aerial vehicles within town limits. The ordinance is intended to protect public health, safety, and welfare by addressing risks associated with helicopter operations in residential and suburban environments, including mechanical failure, pilot error, rotor wash debris, excessive noise, and driver distraction. Under the ordinance, the landing or attempted landing of helicopters or other passenger-carrying aerial vehicles within the Town is generally prohibited, with limited exceptions for emergency, governmental, law enforcement, and licensed air medical operations
Mayor Patrick Johnson emphasized that the ordinance reflects both careful research and strong community input. “This ordinance is the result of thoughtful, deliberate work by the Town Council’s Ordinance Committee, which spent significant time researching passenger-carrying aerial vehicles and their impacts on safety and quality of life,” Mayor Johnson said. “Most importantly, this ordinance is driven by the voices of Double Oak residents. Citizens clearly expressed concerns about safety, noise, and neighborhood disruption, and the Town Council listened. This action reflects our commitment to protecting the character of our community while putting public safety first.”
Unauthorized landings under the ordinance are declared a public nuisance, and the Town is authorized to pursue enforcement actions, including injunctive relief and cost recovery. Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000 per offense. The ordinance took effect immediately upon adoption and publication, reinforcing Double Oak’s commitment to responsible governance, careful planning, and resident-driven decision-making.