APZ Accident Potential Zones in Hampton Roads Virginia

A lot of home buyers who aren't from the Hampton Roads/ Todewater Virginia area ask me what is an APZ ? It is shown on every home listing in this area that is for sale or rent. APZ is the acronym for Accident Potential Zone. Because we have some many flight paths from military and commercial aircraft this has to be defines in every home listing. The potential for an aircraft accident is higher in APZ-1 than in APZ-2, and both have lower potential than the clear zone.

In general, to be compatible with noise zones and APZs around a military airfield, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recommends that noise-sensitive uses (e.g., houses, churches, amphitheaters, etc.) be placed outside the highest noise zone; that people-intensive uses (e.g., regional shopping malls, theaters, etc.) not be placed in APZ-1 areas; and that sound-attenuating methods be incorporated into building design and construction. In general, the only uses deemed compatible in an APZ-1 area are wholesale and manufacturing (with conditions), agriculture and public rights-of-way.

In other words if a home is located in an APZ-1 zone you will have a hard time hearing each other at outdoor barbecues in the backyard of your new home !!