The Hidden Approval That Can Stop Your Davis Islands Home Before It Starts
When you’re building a custom home in the Tampa Bay area, location is everything. But if your dream property is near an airport, there’s an extra step you’ll need to take—approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Tampa International Airport (TIA). These approvals ensure that your home’s height, placement, and design won’t interfere with airport operations or create safety concerns for air traffic.
What Are FAA and TIA Approvals?
The FAA is responsible for regulating all aspects of civil aviation in the United States, including making sure structures do not pose hazards to aircraft. They review the height and location of any proposed building in proximity to an airport to determine whether it could affect flight patterns.
TIA, in addition to following FAA guidelines, has its own set of local regulations to protect flight safety in and out of Tampa International Airport. In many cases, this includes reviewing the same data but with a focus on the airport’s specific runways, approach zones, and airspace management.
How Do You Know If You Need Approval?
FAA and TIA approval is generally required if your property falls within a defined distance of an airport or sits under a designated flight path. This is measured both horizontally (how far you are from the airport) and vertically (your site’s elevation plus the planned height of your home). If you’re in or near these regulated zones, even small height changes—like adding a second story—can require formal review.
Where in Tampa Bay Is This Common?
This requirement is common in several parts of the Tampa Bay area, especially in neighborhoods near:
Tampa International Airport – Westshore, Rocky Point, Dana Shores, and parts of Town ‘N’ Country
Peter O. Knight Airport – Davis Islands and surrounding areas of South Tampa
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport – Feather Sound, Highpoint, and Carillon areas
MacDill Air Force Base – Interbay Peninsula and surrounding waterfront areas
If your property is located in these or similar areas, there’s a higher chance you’ll need to go through the approval process.
How Chadwell Homes Makes It Easy
The FAA/TIA review process can feel overwhelming, but Chadwell Homes takes care of everything for you. We’ll:
Run the necessary property checks to determine if approval is required.
Prepare and submit all FAA/TIA documentation on your behalf.
Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance.
Keep your project moving without unnecessary delays.
With over 30 years of experience building in the Tampa Bay area, we know the local requirements inside and out—and we have strong working relationships with architects, surveyors, and lenders to make the process as seamless as possible.
If your dream home site is near an airport, we’ll make sure it’s built to your vision—safely, legally, and without the headaches.
