Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in New Jersey Faces Crucial Legal Challenge as Zoning Dispute Threatens Future Airport Development and Technology Integration

Published on December 14, 2025

Solberg-Hunterdon Airport (N51) in Readington Township, New Jersey, is at the center of a legal battle that could have significant consequences for the future of aviation and airport development in the state. The dispute involves the township’s recently adopted zoning ordinance, which could severely limit the growth and modernization of Solberg-Hunterdon Airport. This zoning conflict is not just a local issue; it has broader implications for how privately owned, public-use airports across New Jersey—and potentially the nation—are regulated.

Zoning Ordinance and Its Impact on Solberg-Hunterdon Airport

The crux of the dispute lies in Readington Township’s Ordinance 19-2025, which creates a new zoning district specifically for Solberg-Hunterdon Airport. This ordinance divides the airport into two distinct subzones: the airside subzone and the landside subzone. Within these zones, various regulations are set to govern land use and infrastructure development. The ordinance also includes a significant revision of the airport’s land use, rezoning 531 of the airport’s 744 acres to restrict future development.

A key issue in the dispute is the township’s revision of the airport’s primary runway. The ordinance defines Runway 4-22 as 3,735 feet by 50 feet, which only accounts for the paved portion of the runway. However, federal and state aviation records list the runway’s full length as 5,598 feet, which includes both paved and unpaved sections. This discrepancy in runway definition has significant implications for zoning and development. The reduced length listed by the township affects how safety zones and setbacks are calculated, limiting where new structures can be placed, particularly on the southern end of the airport.

Limitations on Airport Expansion and Technology Integration

The zoning ordinance places stringent limitations on the types of facilities that can be built at Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, especially in the airside subzone. A 3,000-foot setback from Readington Road is imposed for new structures, which would significantly restrict the development of airport infrastructure in certain areas of the airport.

Moreover, the ordinance prohibits the development of advanced aviation technologies such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, heliports and certain airside facilities. These technologies are seen as the future of aviation, offering significant advancements in urban air mobility. However, the township’s zoning laws effectively block the airport’s ability to modernize and adapt to these emerging technologies.

Local officials argue that the zoning framework is necessary to comply with the New Jersey Air Safety and Zoning Act and the Municipal Land Use Law. Despite this, Solberg Aviation Co., the operator of Solberg-Hunterdon Airport, has filed a lawsuit challenging the new zoning ordinance. The airport’s legal team argues that the restrictions on land use and the narrow runway definition fail to account for federal and state aviation laws that govern privately owned, public-use airports.

Legal Challenge and Its Broader Implications

The lawsuit filed by Solberg Aviation Co. aims to overturn the township’s zoning ordinance, claiming that the local regulations unreasonably interfere with the airport’s ability to develop and modernize in compliance with broader aviation laws. If successful, the legal challenge could set a precedent for how zoning ordinances are applied to privately owned, public-use airports across New Jersey and potentially the United States.

The case also raises critical questions about the balance between local zoning authority and federal aviation regulations. As technology continues to evolve and aviation infrastructure must adapt to emerging trends, including advanced air mobility, the dispute at Solberg-Hunterdon Airport highlights the challenges that airports face when trying to modernize in the face of restrictive local regulations.

Impact on New Jersey Aviation and Future Development

The outcome of this legal battle could have significant consequences for aviation in New Jersey. Solberg-Hunterdon Airport is one of the state’s busiest general aviation airports, serving a wide range of private pilots, businesses and other aviation activities. If the zoning ordinance is upheld, it could create a precedent for other municipalities in the state to adopt similar restrictions, potentially stifling the growth of general aviation and hindering the development of new aviation technologies.

On the other hand, a win for Solberg Aviation could encourage more flexible and forward-thinking zoning laws, allowing airports to modernize and embrace new technologies that could transform aviation and travel. The integration of eVTOL aircraft and other advanced technologies has the potential to reshape how cities and airports manage airspace and infrastructure. The outcome of this case could ultimately determine how New Jersey airports, including Solberg-Hunterdon, adapt to these changes in the coming years.

A Defining Moment for Solberg-Hunterdon Airport and Aviation in New Jersey

The zoning dispute at Solberg-Hunterdon Airport is more than just a local matter—it could have far-reaching implications for how privately owned, public-use airports in New Jersey are regulated and developed. As the case unfolds, aviation stakeholders across the state and nation are closely watching to see how the court will balance the needs of local municipalities with the broader requirements of federal aviation law. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely influence how airports in New Jersey—and potentially beyond—navigate the complexities of modern aviation technology, land use and development in the years to come.