WS Item 3ABC (2)Gas & Oil Well Drilling
City Council Work Session
CP 07-005
Ordinance 480-RRR
Ordinance 880-A
October 2, 2007
Drilling Process
Drilling Rig
Hydraulic Fracturing
Refracing
Horizontal/Directional Drilling
Well Completion and Clean Up
Background
City adopted zoning and city code ordinance amendments in October of 2004 to address oil and gas drilling that included
SUP requirement
Gas well permit required to meet the technical standards
Road Repair Agreement
Basis for the Revisions
Update ordinance (3 years since the last revision);
Provide a framework through the City’s Comprehensive Plan to evaluate SUP requests; and
Provide reasonable access to mineral resources while minimizing impact on adjacent land uses and environmental resources.
Current Process
Zoning Ordinance
Amendment 480-YY
Amended the SUP section to allow operations in the I-2 district & provide specific regulations for operations.
City Code Amendment
Addresses technical
operations and maintenance
standards such as emergency
processes, security,
environmental protection,
insurance, requirements, etc.
Proposed Changes
Amendment to the Land Use Plan to establish a policy on natural resource protection and site design standards for Gas and Oil Drilling and Production sites as appendices to the plan
Amendment to the city’s Zoning Ordinance (SUP section)
Amendment to the City Code
Comprehensive Plan Approach to Oil & Gas Drilling
Southlake 2025 Plan
Provides rational nexus for the following:
Location
Operation
Permit Issuance.
Specific Use Permit (All non-residential districts)
Evaluation
Criteria
Oil & Gas Ordinance/
Road Repair Agreement
Permit
Southlake 2025 - Land Use Plan Amendment
Establishes overarching policies on natural resource extraction within the framework of the city’s Comprehensive Plan (Appendix C)
Establishes site design standards for drilling and production pad sites (Appendix C-1)
Land Use Plan Amendment (Policy on Natural Resources)
Establishes that the places significant emphasis on the natural environment
Street or Highway Access
Minimize impacts on surrounding properties
Minimize impact on natural features (Environmental Resources Map)
Demonstrate coordination between the surface owner and mineral estate owner.
Reclamation Techniques
Site Design Standards (Appendix C-1)
Standards for “High Visibility” and “Low Visibility” Sites with respect to fencing and landscaping
Standards to be met during drilling and during production
Hardscape
Fencing & Gates
Landscaping
Color
Access driveways
Fencing and Landscaping
High Visibility Sites
Adjacent to and visible from major roadways, existing commercial and residential development
Have availability of water for irrigation purposes
Masonry or a combination of masonry and wrought iron
Low Visibility Sites (8’ articulated masonry wall with gate)
Not adjacent to existing development
Limited availability of water for irrigation purposes
Gas Well Production
Ordinance 480-RRR
Gas Drilling & Production allowed in all Non-Residential Zoning Districts with a Specific Use Permit (SUP)
Additional submittal requirements include:
Indicate all existing and future easements
Pooled area
Demonstrate compliance with the Natural Resource Extraction Policy in the land use plan (Appendix C)
Compliance with fencing and site design standards in Appendix C-1 of the Land Use Plan
480-RRR
P&Z ACTION: September 6, 2007; Approved (6-0) subject to a minimum 600’ distance from all structures; permitted in all zoning districts; provide more information/recommendations regarding
distance criteria.
Ordinance 880-A Revisions
Application Fee ($15,000 – Gas & Oil Permit); ($5,000 for SUP); and ($7,500 balance);
Residential Distance Setback (Currently 600’-Propose 1,000’);
Public Building Distance Setback (Currently 1,000’-Propose 1,500’);
8’ Masonry Wall consistent with the conditions of the SUP;
Noise – Determine pre-drilling ambient level;
Prohibiting combustion engines;
Type of system (Closed loop);
Pipeline location (New construction, mapping);
Questions?
Current Ordinance
Potential Area Available = 576 acres (approx.)
Option 1
Potential Area Available = 176 acres (approx.)
Option 2
Potential Area Available = 131 acres (approx.)