Michigan's Tall Structure Act requires such proposals to also obtain a Tall Structure Permit from MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services. The criteria for requiring a Tall Structure Permit is virtually identical to the FAR Part 77 criteria for notice to the FAA.

Most applications for Tall Structure Permits are notification that an application has been made to the FAA on their website at www.oeaaa.faa.gov .  Once an aeronautical study number has been received by the FAA, application for a Tall Structure permit package can be requested by emailing that study number to Linn Smith at smithlinn@michigan.gov .  The application package includes a Michigan Tall Structure Permit application, invoice and mailing instructions.  The application fees are detailed in the table below.

Who should submit an online application to the FAA at www.oeaaa.faa.gov :

The FAA has an online notice criteria tool that can be used to determine if application is required.  The tool can be found at https://www.oeaaa.faa.gov/oeaaa/external/gisTools/gisAction.jsp?action=showNoNoticeRequiredToolForm .

If you elect not to use the online tool, the following criteria can be utilized: 

If the proposed construction or alteration meets either of the following criteria

1.  Notification should be made to the FAA: Anything over 200' AGL (above the ground at its site). 

OR

2.  Proposals in the vicinity of an airport, if the proposal would be higher than a slope from the nearest point on a runway and increasing its elevation at a ratio of:

• Structures greater than 1000 ft. high (500 feet in a VFR flyway or in the vicinity of a natural landmark).
• Structures which would increase the Minimum Obstruction Clearance Altitude (MOCA) for an instrument approach procedure.
• Structures which obstruct imaginary surfaces (as defined in the Tall Structure Act).
• Structures which violate a local airport zoning ordinance.

For assistance or questions regarding the application process please contact any of the following:

FAA-AGL
Air Traffic Division
2300 East Devon Avenue
Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 294-7566


MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services
Airports Division
2700 Port Lansing Road
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 335-9949
e-Mail: SMITHLinn@michigan.gov


FAA Airports District Office
11677 S. Wayne Road, Suite 107
Romulus, MI 48174
Phone: (734) 229-2900


Information required for FAA notification:
Nature of Proposal
Type: New Construction or Alteration (Provide previous FAA study number, if an alteration).
Duration: Permanent or Temporary (if temporary, duration in months and days).
Construction Schedule dates: Beginning and End.

Complete Description of Structure
Transmitting antennas require frequencies and max. ERP.
Transmission lines require locations of supporting structure and configuration of wires.
Buildings need site orientation, dimensions, and construction materials.
Optionally describe proposed marking and lighting systems.
Names, addresses, and phone numbers of:

• The proponent.
• The representative of the proponent if different.

Location of Structure

• Coordinates - Geodetic latitude and longitude to a hundredth of a second. A hundredth of a second of latitude is approximately one foot (1.01 ft./0.3087 m.). Objects that are close to airport runways often require this accuracy or better to assure that they are not obstructions.
• The nearest city or town and the distance and direction from the structure.
• The nearest landing facility and the distance and direction from the structure.
• FAA adopted the 1983 North American Datum (NAD83), but used NAD27 previously. Many USGS charts are still using NAD27. One of the most accurate ways to determine the coordinates (within about 0.5 second) is by interpolation from an USGS Topographic Map, or software developed from this map.
• If available, attach a copy of a surveyor's certified site survey.

1. Elevation of ground above mean sea level at the proposed location.
2. Height of the structure above the ground or water.
3. Total height of structure above mean sea level (5A + 5B).

Sketches:

When filing online with the FAA, sketches are no longer required.  If a paper application is made then a map and/or sketch of the proposed location will help the reviewer to provide a prompt, efficient review of your proposal, and may save several phone calls or letters. Get a copy of the USGS topographical map for your area from the Michigan DEQ (former DNR) or a recognized software manufacturer. If your proposal is on, or immediately adjacent to, the airport, use the airport's Airport Layout Plan instead to depict the location.

EVERY ATTEMPT SHOULD BE MADE TO FILE ELECTRONICALLY WITH THE FAA.  Please contact our office or the FAA if you need assistance.  When applications must be made by mail please send completed applications as detailed below:

Because Michigan is a Block Grant State, MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services has been delegated responsibility ordinarily done by FAA, but only for activities on most of the obligated airports*. Any notices for construction on the "Block Grant Airports" should be sent to MDOT Bureau of Aeronautics and Freight Services. If they are sent to the FAA instead, they will be forwarded to us, and coordination of the airspace review process will be delayed. Conversely, all other Notices of Construction should be sent to the FAA.