Notice of Proposed Administrative Rule and Opportunity to Comment

The director of King County's Department of Executive Services (DES), acting under the authority of King County Code sections 2.98 and 15.12.010, proposes adopting a rule concerning the establishment of Minimum Standards providing minimum qualifications and standards for the issuance of licenses and leasehold interests for commercial aeronautical activities at King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA).

In accordance with the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 47101, et seq., and the Airport Improvement Program Sponsor Assurances, the owner or operator of any airport that has been developed or improved with federal grant assistance or conveyances of federal property assistance is required to operate the airport for the use and benefit of the public and to make it available for all types, kinds, and classes of aeronautical activity. The Surplus Property Act of 1944 (as amended by 49 U.S.C., §§ 47151-47153) contains a parallel obligation under its terms for the conveyance of federal property for airport purposes (collectively, the "Federal Obligations").

The Federal Obligations require the owner or operator of an airport to make its facilities available for public use for aeronautical activities. The business terms imposed on those who use KCIA and its services must be reasonable and applied without unjust discrimination to any licensee or lessee who has been granted a right by the airport owner or operator to offer services normally offered to aeronautical users of the airport. Key updates to meet current Federal Obligations include changes to:

• Policy statement and exclusive rights
• Agreements and amendments
• Commercial Operator Permit requirements
• Leased premises and security
• Personnel and hours of operation
• Licenses and certifications
• Independent operators

Draft Minimum Standards Availability

The Draft Minimum Standards will be available for public review and comment beginning on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. An electronic copy of the Draft Minimum Standards is available on the project website at PublicInput. A physical copy of Draft Minimum Standards is available at the KCIA Main Terminal, Administration Desk, located at 7277 Perimeter Rd. S., Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98108.

Extension of Public Comment Period

On October 9, 2024, DES made available for public review the Draft Minimum Standards and set a November 22, 2024 deadline for submitting written comments.  In response to community interest, DES is extending the public comment period. Written comments can be submitted by U.S. Mail to Matt Sykora, Airport Business Manager, King County Department of Executive Services – King County International Airport-Boeing Field, 7277 Perimeter Road South, Seattle WA 98108. Written comments may also be submitted through the project website at: https://publicinput.com/u4213 or via email to: kciacommunityoutreach@kingcounty.gov. Handwritten and emailed comments, as well as comments through the project website, must be received by 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Friday, January 31, 2025 to be considered.