Airport Development Process

Gillespie County Airport is an excellent location for development. The process is outlined in the Airport's Minimum Operating Standards (PDF).

The application process has five phases.

Phase I - "Letter of Intent"

The Developer will submit a "Letter of Intent" (LOI), using the Airport's approved template/guidelines.

Development Agreement

Key points:

  • Land: The Agreement defines the proposed/requested land. The Agreement also allows the Developer to modify or adjust, as necessary, the land, based on future site plans/drawings prior to the Lease Agreement.
  • Time: The Agreement is for 6 months, with an auto-renewal for an additional 6-months. The auto-renewal is contingent on meeting certain items list in the Agreement.
  • Fees: The Developer will be required to pay the modified ground lease rate for the entire 6 months, upfront and it is non-refundable. The modified ground lease rate is 50% of the normal ground lease rate for the requested land.
  • Termination guidelines: The Agreement defines the termination guidelines for the Developer and Sponsor.
  • Attachment: The LOI will be attached to the Agreement.

The Airport Manager will present the Agreement and LOI to Commissioners Court for approval/execution.

Phase II - "Engineering Phase"

  • The Developer hires an engineer to create a detailed Engineering Proposal.
  • Developer starts working with the City's DRC process.
  • The airport is within the City of Fredericksburg, so Developers/contractors must comply with the City's rules and regulations on construction. Contact the Development Service Department, 830-997-7521, for more information.
  • Once the engineering is complete, with City approval, the Developer will present the project to the AAB.
  • The presentation requirements should address in reasonable detail these general subject areas:
    • Engineering Issues of Site Preparation and Development, including a certified survey with field notes and a city-approved site plan.
    • Specs of Building and Aircraft Door
    • Project Budget
    • Finance Plan

Note: More information can be found within this document: Project Description Guidelines - Ph II (PDF). 

Phase III - "Lease Development / Approval"

Once the AAB recommends approval of the phase II presentation, the Airport Manager will work with the Developer to draft the Lease agreement. Note: if the lease agreement template is used and no substantial modification are made, the AAB does not need to review and approve it.

Once the lease is agreed upon by all parties, the Airport Manager will present the project/Lease Agreement to Commissioners Court for approval/execution.

Phase IV - "Construction"

Once the Lease is executed, the Developer/Lessee may start the construction phase.

  • Prior to moving beyond the groundwork phase, the lessee must have an approved airspace study (FAA Form 7460-1). Note: this form should be submitted at least 45 days prior to erecting the building.
  • Coordinate with the Airport Manager to submit the FAA form 7460-1.
  • View the T82 7460-1 Template (PDF).

Phase V - "Lease Compliance"

Once the Lessee receives a "Certificate of Occupancy," the Airport Manager and a Board representative will inspect the final project to ensure it falls in line with the Lease Agreement.