Regarding Hangar Construction at Richland Center Municipal Airport (RCMA)

Question ~ How do I obtain a lease for a hangar space at RCMA?

Answer ~ Download a copy of the hangar layout and choose a lot. Contact Jude Elliott, Airport  at (608) 647-3466 and arrange a time to sign a lease. It's quick and simple. Additionally, hangar lots cannot be "held" or have an "option" placed on them. Lots are awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Question ~ How long is the lease?

Answer ~ RCMA offers lease agreements up to 20 years in length. A policy to automatically renew leases at their expiration date as long as the lessee has not been found in default.

Question ~ My bank is concerned about lending money for a building located on leased property. What can I do?

Answer ~ RCMA can submit letters to local banks explaining the lease procedures and the renewal process. All banks are usually satisfied with the process and were willing to proceed.

Question ~ What is the current lease rate?

Answer ~ RCMA leases hangar lot space at the rate of $.12 per square foot per year. The building code requires a minimum of a 10' setback on all sides of a hangar from the lot line. Therefore, a 30' x 40' hangar requires an 40' x 50' lot. The lease rate is $240.00 per year.

Question ~ What approvals and processes do I need to go through in order to begin construction?

Answer ~ Down Load the "Hanger Construction Info".  A Land-Use permit must be obtained from the County of Richland (608) 647-2447. Contact  the City Building Inspector with questions on hanger sizes and approvals. In most cases plans for any buildings over 50,000 cubic feet must be submitted for review by the State of Wisconsin. Buildings smaller than 50,000 cubic feet can be reviewed locally by the building inspector. Once the review process is complete, you can obtain a building permit from the building inspector (608 647-5364) and begin construction. Hangars located at all public use airports in Wisconsin must meet the commercial building code for strength. Handicap accessibility is NOT required in private hangars.

Question ~ What sizes of hangar lots are available?

Answer ~ Check out the Airport Terminal Plan (ATP) for hangar area layout map - Click here to download

Question ~ What restrictions are placed on individuals building hangars in the hangar area?

Answer ~ The restrictions are placed in the lease agreement. You can download a sample lease agreement by clicking here. In addition, RCMA has common sense ordinances that prohibit individuals from operating vehicles on main taxiways, runways, etc.

Question ~ After I sign a lease, how long do I have before I have to start construction?

Answer ~ Typically, we like to see plans for your hangar underway within 90 days. Your hangar should be fully completed within 1 year.

Question ~ What kind of site prep is required prior to hangar construction?

Answer ~ The hangars in the area can be built on the existing ground. Most hangar owners thus far have removed approximately 4"-6" of topsoil and added the appropriate amount of sand prior to hangar construction. Call Digger's Hotline at least 3 days prior to digging to have utilities marked (800-242-8511).

Question ~ Can I have a well and septic system installed in my hangar?

Answer ~  There is water and sewer available at the Airport. Each must be individually metered. Contact the Airport Manager or the Sextonville Utility for information.

Question ~ If I sell my hangar, what procedures do I have to follow?

Answer ~ You must submit a bill of sale to Airport Manager who will issue a new lease to the new hangar owner.

Question ~ Are there any taxes on hangars?

Answer ~ Personal property taxes are assessed on aircraft hangars. The State of Wisconsin doesn't allow any kind of exemption for hangars. There are NO SPECIAL TAXES for residents living outside of Wisconsin.

Question ~ Who are the utility providers at the airport?

Answer ~ Electrical service is provided by Alliant Energy. Web Site: http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p014337.hcsp

Telephone is provided by Verizon. Web Site: http://www22.verizon.com/pages/business/?ID=HPSMB

Communications and Cable TV services may be available only through telephone or satellite service providers.

Natural gas service, if available, is provided by "We-Energies" or a private propane suppliers.  Web Site: http://www.we-energies.com/residential/index.htm

Question ~ Who provides snow removal and lawn care services?

Answer ~ The Lessee is responsible for snow removal and weed control on the leased property. The City of Richland Center contracts with the Buena Vista Flying Club for grass mowing and snow removal services.

Question ~ What taxes / registration fees are assessed on aircraft in Wisconsin?

Answer ~ Wisconsin does not assess personal property taxes on aircraft. Registration fees do apply. The State of Wisconsin charges fees based on the weight of the aircraft. An aircraft weighing up to 2,500 lbs. is assessed an annual fee of $39. An aircraft weighing 11,000 lbs. is assessed an annual fee of $690. In general, the fees assessed by Wisconsin are lower than fees charged by the State of Minnesota. Minnesota charges 1% of fair market value, depreciating to 25% of 1% over a period of seven years. A $200,000 Cirrus would initially be assessed a first year fee of $2000, while Wisconsin would amount to about $70. A $5,200,000 Raytheon Premier One registration fee would amount to approximately $52,000 the first year in Minnesota. In Wisconsin, it would amount to $940.00 - an annual savings of $51,060.00.

Click Here to download a Wisconsin aircraft registration form and fee schedule

If you have any other questions regarding hangar construction at RCMA, contact Jude Elliott at (608) 647-3466.