In determining whether to issue a certificate of approval or license for any proposed airport or restricted landing area, the director may consider proposed location, size, and layout, the relationship of the proposed airport or restricted landing area to other airports that may exist in the area and to a comprehensive plan for statewide and nationwide airport development, whether there are safe areas available for expansion purposes, whether the adjoining area is free from obstructions or airport hazards based upon appropriate aircraft performance characteristics, and the nature of the terrain, the estimated cost of preparation of the land and the airport's approach and departure paths, and the nature of the uses to which the proposed airport or restricted landing area will be put subject to the possibilities for other future aeronautical development.
Ala. Code § 23-1-373 (1975)