Judge Rules Watsonville Violated State Law in Approving Housing Near Airport

Pilot Group Wins Long-Running Fight Over Airport Safety Standards

Watsonville, Calif. — A Santa Cruz County Superior Court judge has ruled that the City of Watsonville violated California law when it approved a 21-unit housing development near Watsonville Municipal Airport, handing a major victory to a pilot advocacy group that has fought the issue for more than a decade.

Judge Timothy Schmal issued the ruling on Feb. 3, granting petitions filed by the Watsonville Pilots Association. The decision found the city failed to follow the State Aeronautics Act and the California Environmental Quality Act when it authorized construction within a designated airport safety zone.

Court Says City Must Follow State Aviation Standards

The case stems from Watsonville’s 2021 approval of townhomes at a site adjacent to the airport. Because Santa Cruz County does not have an Airport Land Use Commission, the court said the city was required to adopt state airport compatibility standards into its General Plan before approving development near airport operations.

“This case is not about discretion,” the ruling stated. The court explained that in counties without an Airport Land Use Commission, cities must adopt state compatibility criteria into their planning documents before allowing construction in areas affected by airport activity.

The ruling orders Watsonville to set aside approvals tied to the project and blocks further action unless planning documents and environmental review procedures fully comply with state law.

Environmental Review Also Faulted

The court determined that Watsonville relied on a mitigated negative declaration when it should have prepared a full environmental impact report. Judge Schmal concluded that the city’s review of aircraft noise and safety impacts fell short of legal requirements.

Ryan Ramirez, president of the Watsonville Pilots Association, said the group has challenged similar decisions multiple times over the last 15 years. “We’ve litigated for literally exactly the same reason all three times,” Ramirez said. He added that continued legal pressure has been important for maintaining airport operations, saying, “If it wasn’t for these lawsuits, I don’t think we’d have a crosswind runway.”

Ramirez emphasized that the association’s position is rooted in compliance. “We totally understand that everyone has their own needs,” he said. “There’s definitely housing challenges out there, but there’s a way to do it where we can all work together and maintain these general aviation airports.”

Broader Implications for Local Planning

Even though permits for the specific project have expired, the city argued the case was moot. The court rejected that claim, noting zoning and planning actions remain in place that could allow similar development in the future. The ruling prohibits Watsonville from approving housing within airport safety zones unless the city updates its General Plan to include required state standards or establishes an Airport Land Use Commission.

Ramirez said the decision should encourage pilot groups at other airports facing development pressures to participate in local planning efforts.

A hearing on compliance with the ruling is expected as the city determines its next steps.