Gas Drilling Ordinance

What ordinance regulates gas drilling within DFW Metroplex?

Gas well drilling within the city is regulated under City Ordinance. The ordinance through a permitting process regulates the exploration, development and production of gas within the city limits in order to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public, minimize the potential impact to surface and mineral rights owners, protect the quality of the environment and encourage the orderly production of available mineral resources.

Do all gas drilling permits have the same guidelines?

No. The ordinance creates three classifications for permits:

• High Impact
• Urban
• Rural

The classification is based on the distance of the well bore from residences, religious institutions, public buildings, hospitals, schools or public parks. All permits must follow the notification, and bonding insurance requirements for each permit classification.

What is a high impact permit?

If the well bore is within 600 feet of residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school, or a public park, the well is classified as a high impact permit. All high impact permits must be approved by the City Council after a public hearing. Prior to the hearing, the applicant must publish notice of the hearing in the paper, send notice to all surface property owners within 600 feet and post a sign on the property. At the hearing, the City Council may consider whether the gas drilling would conflict with the orderly growth of the city, whether there are other alternative sites, access for fire personnel and equipment and the recommendations of the gas inspector. The City Council may accept, reject or modify the application. If approved, the well bore can't be located closer than 300 feet to the protected uses listed above. All fencing must be masonry and at least eight feet but no greater than 10 feet in height, with irrigated landscaping. Additionally, work hours, other than the actual drilling, are limited to 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and all noise restrictions must be followed.

What is an urban permit?

If the gas well is located great than 600 feet but less than 1,000 feet from a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school or a public park, the well is classified as an urban permit. No public hearing is required and the notice provisions, fencing, hours of operation, noise limitations and landscaping regulations are more restrictive than a rural permit, but less restrictive than a high impact permit.

What is a rural permit?

If the well bore is at least 1,000 feet from a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, school or a public park, the well is classified as a rural permit. No public hearing is required and the notice provision, fencing, hours of operation, noise limitations and landscaping are less restrictive than a high impact or urban well permit.

Who makes sure the ordinance is carried out and properly followed by gas well operators?

The city's gas inspectors enforce municipal regulations and ensure wells are safe and operating properly.