HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 15, 2013 Agenda
AGENDA
CITY OF DENTON CITY COUNCIL
January 15, 2013
After determining that a quorum is present, the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas will
3:00 p.m.
convene in a Work Session on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at in the Council Work
Session Room at City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which the following items
will be considered:
WORK SESSION
1. Citizen Comments on Consent Agenda Items
This section of the agenda allows citizens to speak on Consent Agenda Items only. Each
speaker will be given a total of three (3) minutes to address any items he/she wishes that
are listed on the Consent Agenda. A Request to Speak Card should be completed and
returned to the City Secretary before Council considers this item.
2. Requests for clarification of agenda items listed on the agenda for January 15, 2013.
3. Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding Airport entry
improvements. The Airport Advisory Board recommends approval (4-3).
4. Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on amending Subchapter 22
of the Denton Development Code, relating to Phase II of the Gas Well Drilling and
Production Ordinance, Definitions, and Procedures. (DCA12-0005)
Following the completion of the Work Session, the City Council will convene in a Closed
Meeting to consider specific items when these items are listed below under the Closed Meeting
section of this agenda. The City Council reserves the right to adjourn into a Closed Meeting on
any item on its Open Meeting agenda consistent with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government
Code, as amended, or as otherwise allowed by law.
CLOSED MEETING
1.Closed Meeting:
A.Certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters – Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.086; Consultation with Attorneys – Under Texas Government
Code Section 551.071.
1.Receive a report and a presentation from Denton Municipal Electric staff
regarding certain public power competitive and financial matters regarding
Request for Proposals No. 4859 issued by the City soliciting proposals for
solar-generated energy and facilities for the City of Denton, Texas;
discuss, deliberate, provide staff with direction, and consider such matters.
Consultation with the City’s attorneys regarding legal advice regarding the
matters referenced above. A public discussion of this legal matter would
conflict with the duty of the City’s Attorneys to the City Council under the
Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of
Texas.
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 2
B.Consultation with Attorneys – Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071;
and Deliberations regarding Real Property – Under Texas Government Code
Section 551.072.
1. Discuss, deliberate, and receive information from staff and provide staff
with direction pertaining to the potential purchase of certain real property
interests located in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract Number
927, Denton County, Texas (located generally in the 200 block of North
Mayhill Road), within the City of Denton, Texas. Consultation with the
City’s attorney’s regarding legal issues associated with the acquisition or
condemnation of tracts referenced above where a public discussion of
these legal matters would conflict with the duty of the City’s attorneys to
the City of Denton and Denton City Council under the Texas Disciplinary
Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of Texas, or would
jeopardize the City’s legal position in any administrative proceedings or
potential litigation.
C. Consultation with Attorneys – Under Texas Government Code Section 551.071.
1.Consult with and provide direction to City’s attorneys regarding legal
issues and strategies associated with Phase I and proposed Phase II Gas
Well Ordinance regulation of gas well drilling and production within the
City Limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction, including Constitutional
limitations, statutory limitations upon municipal regulatory authority,
moratorium on drilling and production and claims associated therewith,
statutory preemption and/or impacts of federal and state law and
regulations as it concerns municipal regulatory authority and matters
relating to enforcement of the ordinance.
D. Personnel Matters – Under Texas Government Code Section 551.074.
1. Hold a discussion and deliberate regarding the appointment, employment,
evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, dismissal, or complaints as
may impact the City Manager, the City Attorney, and the Municipal Court
Judge.
ANY FINAL ACTION, DECISION, OR VOTE ON A MATTER DELIBERATED IN A
CLOSED MEETING WILL ONLY BE TAKEN IN AN OPEN MEETING THAT IS HELD IN
COMPLIANCE WITH TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE, CHAPTER 551, EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT SUCH FINAL ACTION, DECISION, OR VOTE IS TAKEN IN THE CLOSED
MEETING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF §551.086 OF THE TEXAS
GOVERNMENT CODE (THE ‘PUBLIC POWER EXCEPTION’). THE CITY COUNCIL
RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ADJOURN INTO A CLOSED MEETING OR EXECUTIVE
SESSION AS AUTHORIZED BY TEX. GOV’T. CODE, §551.001, ET SEQ. (THE TEXAS
OPEN MEETINGS ACT) ON ANY ITEM ON ITS OPEN MEETING AGENDA OR TO
RECONVENE IN A CONTINUATION OF THE CLOSED MEETING ON THE CLOSED
MEETING ITEMS NOTED ABOVE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEXAS OPEN
MEETINGS ACT, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION §551.071-551.086 OF THE
TEXAS OPEN MEETINGS ACT.
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 3
Regular Meeting of the City of Denton City Council at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
City Hall, 215 E. McKinney Street, Denton, Texas at which the following items will be
considered:
REGULAR MEETING
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. U.S. Flag
B. Texas Flag
“Honor the Texas Flag – I pledge allegiance to thee, Texas, one state under God, one and
indivisible.”
2. PROCLAMATIONS/PRESENTATIONS
A.Proclamations/Awards
1.Dr. Bettye Myers Day
3. CITIZEN REPORTS
4. CONSENT AGENDA
Each of these items is recommended by the Staff and approval thereof will be strictly on
the basis of the Staff recommendations. Approval of the Consent Agenda authorizes the City
Manager or his designee to implement each item in accordance with the Staff recommendations.
The City Council has received background information and has had an opportunity to raise
questions regarding these items prior to consideration.
Listed below are bids, purchase orders, contracts, and other items to be approved under
the Consent Agenda (Agenda Items A – K). This listing is provided on the Consent Agenda to
allow Council Members to discuss or withdraw an item prior to approval of the Consent Agenda.
If no items are pulled, Consent Agenda Items A – K below will be approved with one motion. If
items are pulled for separate discussion, they may be considered as the first items following
approval of the Consent Agenda.
A. Consider adoption of an ordinance rejecting any and all competitive proposals for
RFP 4859–Solar Generated Energy and Facilities for the City of Denton, or take
other appropriate action with regard to such proposals; and providing an effective
date.
B.Consider approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Denton,
Texas approving the 2012 Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Number
One (Downtown TIF) Annual Report; and declaring an effective date.
C.Consider adoption of an ordinance approving assignment of a Commercial
Operator Airport Lease Agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and John
K. Selvidge dated March 7, 1995 to Pedron Aircraft Works, L.L.C.; and providing
an effective date. The Council Airport Committee recommends approval (3-0).
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 4
D.Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing for,
authorizing, and approving the expenditure of funds for the purchase of certified
softball officiating services from the North Texas Umpire Association (NTUA),
which are available from only one source and in accordance with Chapter 252.022
of the Texas Local Government Code such purchases are exempt from the
requirements of competitive bidding; and providing an effective date (File 5152–
Agreement with NTUA in the amount per game as specified in the agreement in
the estimated annual award of $85,000 for a three year estimated expenditure of
$255,000).
E.Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting sealed proposals and awarding a
contract for drug/alcohol testing services and physicals for the City of Denton;
and providing an effective date (RFP 5019–Drug/Alcohol Testing Services and
Physicals awarded to Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center in
the annual estimated amount of $34,930 for a five year estimated expenditure of
$174,650).
F.Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting sealed proposals and awarding a
contract to provide Software and Related Services with SHI Government
Solutions, Inc., a Microsoft Certified Large Account Reseller with the City of
Denton; and providing an effective date (RFP 5121–Microsoft Software Reseller
and Related Services awarded to SHI Government Solutions, Inc. in the annual
estimated amount of $95,000 for City of Denton expenditures, and a three year
estimated expenditure of $285,000).
G.Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving a
Lease Agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and VOW 210 Hickory
Partners, LLC for the lease of a portion of land located at the southwest corner of
East Hickory and Industrial Streets, being situated within the H. Sisco Survey,
Abstract Number 1184 and being described as part of Lot 3, Block 20 of the
Original Town of Denton, for the construction, occupancy and maintenance of an
outdoor patio, and providing an effective date.
H.Consider adoption of an ordinance approving a development agreement with
HMH Lifestyles, L.P., securing the costs to construct the unbuilt portions of the
required perimeter wall for the Villages of Carmel, Phase III subdivision,
pursuant to previously approved plans and permits, and authorizing permitting
and construction of houses and infrastructure on the remaining unbuilt lots in that
subdivision, in accordance with applicable building and development
requirements; delegating authority to the City Manager to execute said
Development Agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.
I.Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to
acquire fee simple to a 0.388 acre tract, located in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co.
Survey, Abstract Number 927, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more
particularly described on Exhibit “A”, attached to the ordinance, located generally
in the 200 block of North Mayhill Road (the “Property Interests”), for the public
use of expanding and improving Mayhill Road, a municipal street and roadway;
authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to (1) Kenneth L.
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 5
Stoudt and wife, Gladys F. Stoudt (collectively the “Owner”); (2) successors in
interest to the Owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the
Property Interests, as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the
purchase price of Twenty Five Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars
00
and No Cents ($25,377.), and other consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase
Agreement (the “Agreement”), as attached to the ordinance and made a apart
thereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and
providing an effective date. (Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project –
Parcel M074)
J.Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to
acquire (I) fee simple to a 0.147 acre tract; and (II) a temporary construction,
grading and access easement, encumbering a 0.071 acre tract, all tracts located in
the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract Number 927, City of Denton, Denton
County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit “A”, attached to the
ordinance, located generally in the 200 block of North Mayhill Road (the
“Property Interests”), for the public use of expanding and improving Mayhill
Road, a municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his
designee to make an offer to (1) Kenneth L. Stoudt and wife, Gladys F. Stoudt
(collectively the “Owner”); (2) successors in interest to the Owner to the Property
Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests, as may be applicable,
to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of Twenty Four
00
Thousand Seven Hundred Twelve Dollars and No Cents ($24,712.), and other
consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), as
attached to the ordinance and made a apart thereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the
expenditure of funds therefor; authorizing relocation expenditures; and providing
an effective date. (Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project – Parcel
M075)
Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to
K.
acquire (I) fee simple to a 0.106 acre tract; and (II) a temporary construction,
grading and access easement, encumbering a 0.106 acre tract, all tracts located in
the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract Number 927, City of Denton, Denton
County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit “A”, attached to the
ordinance, located generally in the 200 block of North Mayhill Road (the
“Property Interests”), for the public use of expanding and improving Mayhill
Road, a municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his
designee to make an offer to (1) Kenneth L. Stoudt (the “Owner”); (2) successors
in interest to the Owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the
Property Interests, as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the
purchase price of Thirty Three Thousand One Hundred Three Dollars and No
00
Cents ($33,103.), and other consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase
Agreement (the “Agreement”), as attached to the ordinance and made a apart
thereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; authorizing
relocation expenditures; and providing an effective date. (Mayhill Road Widening
and Improvements project – Parcel M076)
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 6
5. ITEMS FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSIDERATION
A. Consider approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Denton,
Texas, requesting the Texas Legislature and the Governor of Texas to enact laws
to reduce exploitative payday lending and auto title loan practices; requesting the
Texas Municipal League to introduce and support such legislation; expressing
support of the cities of Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio in their efforts to regulate
these lending practices; and providing an effective date.
B. Consider adoption of an ordinance amending Article VI “Neighborhood
Empowerment Program” of Chapter 14 “Health and Human Services” of the
City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the Neighborhood Empowerment Program’s
purpose, establishment of a Neighborhood Empowerment Advisory Board,
criteria and guidelines for the approval of matching contributions under
applications by eligible persons under the program; setting forth additional details
in relation to the program, providing a savings clause; and providing an effective
date.
6.PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of
Denton, Texas, amending Subchapters 35.22 of the Denton Development Code,
relating to Gas Well Drilling and Production, Definitions, and Procedures;
providing a cumulative clause; providing a severability clause; providing for a
penalty; and an effective date. (DCA12-0005)
7. CITIZEN REPORTS
8. CONCLUDING ITEMS
A. Under Section 551.042 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, respond to inquiries
from the City Council or the public with specific factual information or recitation
of policy, or accept a proposal to place the matter on the agenda for an upcoming
meeting
AND
Under Section 551.0415 of the Texas Open Meetings Act, provide reports about
items of community interest regarding which no action will be taken, to include:
expressions of thanks, congratulations, or condolence; information regarding
holiday schedules; an honorary or salutary recognition of a public official, public
employee, or other citizen; a reminder about an upcoming event organized or
sponsored by the governing body; information regarding a social, ceremonial, or
community event organized or sponsored by an entity other than the governing
body that was attended or is scheduled to be attended by a member of the
governing body or an official or employee of the municipality; or an
announcement involving an imminent threat to the public health and safety of
people in the municipality that has arisen after the posting of the agenda.
B. Possible Continuation of Closed Meeting under Sections 551.071-551.086 of the
Texas Open Meetings Act.
City of Denton City Council Agenda
January 15, 2013
Page 7
CERTIFICATE
I certify that the above notice of meeting was posted on the bulletin board at the City Hall of the
City of Denton, Texas, on the ________day of ___________________, 2013 at ________o'clock
(a.m.) (p.m.)
__________________________________________
CITYSECRETARY
NOTE: THECITYOFDENTONCITYCOUNCILCHAMBERSISACCESSIBLEIN
ACCORDANCEWITHTHEAMERICANSWITHDISABILITIESACT.THECITYWILL
PROVIDESIGNLANGUAGEINTERPRETERSFORTHEHEARINGIMPAIREDIF
REQUESTEDATLEAST48HOURSINADVANCEOFTHESCHEDULEDMEETING.
PLEASECALLTHECITYSECRETARY'SOFFICEAT349-8309ORUSE
TELECOMMUNICATIONSDEVICESFORTHEDEAF(TDD)BYCALLING1-800-RELAY-
TXSOTHATASIGNLANGUAGEINTERPRETERCANBESCHEDULEDTHROUGHTHE
CITYSECRETARY’SOFFICE.
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE
: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT
: Airport
ACM:
Jon Fortune
SUBJECT
Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding Airport entry
improvements. Airport Advisory Board recommends approval of improvement (4-3)
BACKGROUND
Denton Airport entrance improvements proposed by staff to accommodate current and future
operation of the Airport were presented to the City Council on December 3, 2012. A part of the
proposed entry improvement is a new road entering from Airport Road and connecting south to
an extension of Spartan Drive. This improvement will allow access to over twenty-seven (27)
commercial hangar locations in the southeast area of the Airport, as well as provide a location for
on-site directional signage for public access to these sites.
Exhibit 1 is a concept plan for improvement being considered for the Airport Road entrance to
Denton Airport. Engineered plans and specifications for construction of Airport entrance
improvements have been developed and a construction quote has been provided by Jagoe Public
Company under the terms of their City Council approved annual contract.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The quote for construction of the southbound entry road is $188,121.45 under terms of the
annual contract with the City of Denton. Funding is available in the approved 2012/13 Airport
Budget.
PRIOR ACTION
This entry improvement was presented to the Airport Advisory Board (AAB) at their meeting on
November 14, 2012 and following discussion, the AAB recommended approval of a modified
improvement to the Airport entry. The portion of the proposed entry improvement related to the
southbound entry road was tabled for future consideration. The project was presented to the City
Council in Work Session on December 3, 2012 and staff was directed to complete the additional
actions requested by the AAB at their meeting on November 14, 2012.
The project was discussed, again, with AAB Members on December 12, 2012, including staff
presentation of information previously requested regarding potential development in the area
adjacent to the southbound entry road and the result of notification to all Airport Stakeholders
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
that this improvement is pending. Following discussion, the AAB voted 4-3 to recommend the
southbound entry road improvement (Exhibit 2)
RECOMMENDATION
Airport staff recommends approval of the improvement proposed for the Airport entry.
EXHIBITS
1.Airport Entry Concept Plan
2.Excerpt from Airport Advisory Board Draft Minutes
Respectfully submitted:
Quentin Hix
Director of Aviation
AVIATION AVENUE EXHIBIT
EXCERPT - DRAFT MINUTES
AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD
DECEMBER 14, 2012
After determining that a quorum was present, the Airport Advisory Board of the City of Denton,
Texas convened in a Regular meeting Wednesday, December 14, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the
Airport Terminal Building, Meeting Room at 5000 Airport Road, Denton, Texas, at which the
following items were considered:
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
: Chairman Bob Eames, Vice Chairman Jeremy Fykes, Mr.
Bill Schofield, Mr. Jim Stodola, Mrs. Karen Dickson, Mr. Marc Moffitt and Mr. Martin Mainja
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
:
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT
: Quentin Hix, Director of Aviation; Andrea Sumner,
Operations Coordinator; and, Julie Mullins, Administrative Assistant and Board Secretary.
PUBLIC PRESENT:
Jeff Soules, US Aviation Group; Mr. Rick Woolfolk; and, Mr. Don Smith
Meeting was called to order at 5:34 P.M.
Item 3:
Receive a report, hold a discussion and provide a recommendation to the City Council
regarding Airport entry infrastructure improvement;
Mr. Hix gave a presentation at the November 14, 2012 Airport Advisory Board meeting and this
item was tabled. Staff was asked to take two additional actions: First was to notify the tenants
about the proposed improvements; and, the second was to provide information regarding the
potential impact on development adjacent to the road if it cut off extension of Taxiway H.
An email was sent to Airport Stakeholders to inform them of the Airport entry improvement.
There were seven (7) responses from the 77 recipients of the infrastructure improvement notice.
The respondents were not in favor of the southbound road improvement. The Mail Chimp
communication service used for Airport Stakeholder communications allows staff to produce
reports on the responses, including who opens and forwards the information and who does not
open the email. Stakeholders can, also, go to the Airport website and add themselves to the
email list to receive future stakeholder updates. People on the list can opt out of receiving the
emails at any time. The Mail Chimp e-mail list is up to 130 people on the Airport Stakeholder
list.
Mr. Stadola
Following discussion of the proposed southbound road improvement, made a
Mrs. Dickson
motion to recommend the road improvement. seconded the motion.
The motion passed 4-3.
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
ACM: John Cabrales
SUBJECT DCA12-0005 Phase II Gas Well Drilling and Production Ordinance Revisions
Receive a report, hold a discussion, and give staff direction on amending Subchapter 22 of the
Denton Development Code, relating to Phase II of the Gas Well Drilling and Production
Ordinance, Definitions, and Procedures. (DCA12-0005)
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
On October 1, 2012, the advisory Gas Well Task Force held a public meeting.
On October 2, 2012, the draft was ordinance posted for public review and
comment until October 12, 2012.
On October 22, 2012, the advisory Gas Well Task Force held a public meeting.
On October 24, 2012, P&Z continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their November 14,
2012 meeting by a 7-0 vote.
On November 6, 2012, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
direction regarding the Ph
On November 13, 2012, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
On November 14, 2012, P&Z continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their November
28, 2012 meeting by a 6-0 vote.
Approval,
On November 28, 2012, P&Z voted 6-1 to recommend with the Condition that City
Council will continue to revise the ordinance language based on their goals, of DCA12-0005.
On December 4, 2012, the City Council received public input regarding the Phase II amendments
.
On December 18, 2012, the City Council continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their
January 15, 2013 meeting by a 6-0 vote.
On January 8, 2013, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
direction on amending Subchapter 22 of the Denton Development Code.
BACKGROUND
The fifth draft version of the ordinance was written at the conclusion of the December 18, 2012
meeting. This draft was posted online and made available in hard copy format at City Hall, City
Hall West, and the three City libraries. In addition, a public notice of the hearing was sent to the
Denton Record Chronicle for posting on December 27, 2012; a press release notice of the
upcoming hearing was also sent to the Denton Record Chronicle for posting; the press release
webpage was updated with the public hearing notice; and the Gas Well Inspections Division
website was revised to include details of the upcoming public hearing.
Since the time of the multiple postings of the fifth draft version of the ordinance, City Council
hosted a work session on January 8, 2013 and City staff met with Dr. Briggle from the Denton
Stakeholders Drilling Advisory Group (DAG). Although multiple comments were made and
several items discussed in detail, the draft ordinance was not updated. City Council did request
that staff perform additional research on setback distances, but no revisions were drafted as of
this writing. As a result, the fifth draft version of the ordinance is intended as a comprehensive
draft that includes ideas carried over from Phase I, issues discussed during the thirteen (13)
advisory Task Force meetings, comments received from the public and industry, legal and
technical advisors, staff research, and both P&Z and City Council guidance. This fifth draft is
considered to be the final draft.
Based on the purpose of this meeting, the prior actions on DCA12-0005, and the multiple notices
for the January 15, 2013 City Council
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the P&Z recommendation to Approve
DCA12-0005.
EXHIBITS
1.Draft Ordinance Redline Version
2.Draft Ordinance Clean Version
Prepared by: Respectfully submitted:
Brian Lockley, AICP, CPM John Cabrales
Director, Assistant City Manager
Planning and Development Department for Development
s:\planning\cc related\year 2013\01- jan\01.08.13\staff reports\dca12-0005 subchapter 22\dca12-0005 subchapter 22_exhibit 1.dx
Exhibit 1
Redline Ordinance Version35.22.1. - Purpose, Authority and Appli
A.. The drilling and production of gas and the development of gas
Purpose
within the corporate limits of the City necessitate promulgation
to prevent devaluation of property; to protect watersheds; to pr
groundwater resources that actually or potentially threaten the
proximity to drilling and production activities; to prevent or
of gases that potentially threaten the health of nearby resident
injury to persons and property; to ensure that gas well drillin
are compatible with adjacent land uses throughout the duration o
assure that such activities conform to The Denton Plan. The regu
Subchapter are designed to protect the health, safety, and gener
and to assure that the orderly and practical development of mine
compatible with the quiet enjoyment of affected surface estates
contained in this Subchapter are designed to implement the purpo
subsection and are supported by the following findings of fact:
1.Gas well drilling and production activities create externaliti
the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or wo
proximity to such operations.
2.Gas well drilling and production activities, in the absence of
may generate noxious aerial emissions, introduce contaminants in
emit high noise levels, produce large volumes of dust, congest l
fire hazards and produce other deleterious effects, all of which
on adjacent land uses, and which can result individually or cumu
persons and destabilization of property values in the vicinity o
3.The City of Denton recognizes that the United States and the S
gas well drilling and production activities for the purpose of i
quality and water quality goals. The regulations in this Chapte
supplement such standards in order to implement compatible local
assure the health, safety and general welfare of the Citys resi
B.. This Subchapter is adopted pursuant to authority vested under
Authority
constitution and laws of the United States, the State of Texas a
Each authorization identified in this Subchapter shall be constr
City's zoning powers, pursuant to the Denton City Charter, Texas
Code Chapters 211 and 212 and the provisions of Subchapter 35.5
Development Code (DDC).
C. The provisions of this Subchapter apply only within the corpora
Applicability.
of the City of Denton, except as otherwise stated in section 35.
35.22.2. - Definitions.
All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling
specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attribu
operators in the gas industry. For the purposes of this Subchapt
without regard to whether the defined terms are capitalized when
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
An all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environ
Ambient Noise Level.
composite of sounds from all sources (excluding the noise in que
approximate time at which a comparison with the noise in questio
the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing level
location. The ambient noise level is established by recording so
the noise in question) over a continuous seventy-two (72) hours
drilling. The seventy-two (72) hour time span shall include at l
reading during either a Saturday or Sunday.
A mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic apparatus, or combination
Blowout Preventer (BOP).
such apparati, that can be secured over top of an open wellbor
that,, via remote actuators, can be actuated remotely in the ev
situation arises. The primary function of the BOP is to shut th
control of the formation fluids from blowing out of the well.
A system that uses a combination of solids control equipment
Closed-loop mud system.
incorporated in a series of steel tanks that eliminates the use
The reflection of either "Spud Well" or "Nipple Up" the
Commencement of Drilling Activities.
Blow Out Protectors (BOP) by the drilling contractor on the IADC
Form maintained by the Operator's tool pusher on the pad site.
. Any ignition device, installed horizontally or vertically, us
Completion combustion device
in exploration and production operations to combust otherwise ve
completions.
The date the work is completed for
Completion of drilling, re-drilling and re-working.
drilling, re-drilling, or re-working, and the crew is released b
by its employer.
Any substance capable of contaminating a non-related homogeneo
Contaminant.
fluid, gas or environment. The period from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm., Monday through
Daytime.
Friday; and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm., Saturdays and Sundays.
. A well drilled in order to determine the boundary of a field
Delineation well
reservoir.
2
Term used to typically describe the means by which the earth
Drilling.
pathway to formations containing hydrocarbons to allow for their
can employ various types of mobilized drilling equipment to crea
incorporating drilling fluids to cool the bit, to condition the
most critically, to maintain an overbalanced pressure gradient a
contained inherently pressurized well fluids.
Drilling and Production Site (A/K/A Gas Well Park, Gas Well Pad
The area dedicated to all gas well drilling or production act
Production Area).
including the drilling and production area , all structures, clo
parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, tank battery (
drilling rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utiliti
contemplated for use during and after gas well drilling or produ
the Gas Well Development Plat or Gas Well Development Site Plan.
definition are gathering and transmission lines and compressor s
The area used for drilling, completing, or re-working a well.
Drill Site.
A written document which includes a set of procedures
Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
intended to guide an organizations response to an accident or e
Geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited
Exploration.
seismic exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or othe
Natural gas extracted from a production well prior to entering
Field Natural Gas.
of processing, such as dehydration.
The process of allowing fluids to flow from a natural gas well
Flowback.
either in preparation for a subsequent phase of treatment or in
returning the well to production. The flowback period begins whe
well during the treatment returns to the surface immediately fol
refracturing. The flowback period ends with either well shut in
continuously to the flow line or to a storage vessel for collect
A private water well used by a protected use.
Freshwater Well.
Gas or natural gas, as such terms are used in the rules, regula
Gas.
Typically, a naturally-occurring gaseous substance primarily com
light, gaseous hydrocarbons.
A processing site engaged in the extraction of natural gas liq
Gas Processing Facility.
field natural gas, or the fractionation of mixed natural gas liq
combination of both.
3
The phase that occurs after successful exploration,
Gas Production (A/K/A Production).
drilling and development involving operations including, but not
dehydrators, separators, mud pits, ponds, tank batteries or asso
during which hydrocarbons are extracted from the gas field, excl
facilities as defined and regulated by the Pipeline Safety Act o
60137.
Any well drilled for the production of gas or classified as a g
Gas Well.
Natural Resources Code.
Any written license granted by the City of Denton for the explo
Gas Well Permit.
drilling, development, production, and operation of natural gas,
regulations of this Subchapter. A Gas Well Permit is required f
Structures suitable for human habitation or occupation for whic
Habitable Structure.
Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection Certificate is requ
single or multi-family dwellings, accessory guest houses, hotels
buildings, and enclosed buildings used for commercial or industr
structure shall not include accessory buildings, barns, garage
The hazardous materials management plan and
Hazardous Materials Management Plan.
hazardous materials inventory statements required by the Fire Co
The process of directing pressurized fluids containing any com
Hydraulic Fracturing.
of water, proppant, and any added chemicals to penetrate tight f
formations, that subsequently require high rate, extended flowba
solids during completions.
Conducting a subsequent hydraulic fracturing operation at a wel
Hydraulic Refracturing.
has previously undergone a hydraulic fracturing operation.
A mechanized device that compresses gas prior to its introduc
Lift Compressor.
for use in lifting well liquids to the surface.
An integrated system designed to ground metal equipment on a
Lightning Protection System.
rig, well pad or at a tank battery location for protection again
due to lightning.
An electrical or gas-powered-pumping device that increases the
Line Compressor.
natural gas so that its pressure exceeds that of the inherent line pressure of the pipe to which it is
being introduced.
In pit construction, a liner is an impervious material, either
Liner.
used to line the interior of a pit to prevent pit fluids from leaking or leaching into the
environment. In well construction, a liner is a tubular sheath
4
purposes, such as isolating a particular zone, repairing casing
the hole size, among others.
. A well with reservoir pressure and vertical well depth such t
Low pressure gas well
times the reservoir pressure (in psia) minus 0.038 times the ver
67.578 psia is less than the flow line pressure at the sales met
A well bore drilled from surface or new lateral wellbore dril
New Well.
vertical pilot hole at a depth different from other laterals in
existing well that is purposefully deviated or kicked-off arou
the initial hole. Not to be confused with recompletion.
The period commencing at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 a.m., Mon
Nighttime.
Friday and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
The process of assembling well-control or pressure-control equi
Nipple Up.
wellhead.
.NaturallyOccurringRadioactiveMaterial.NORMencounteredinoilandgas
NORM
exploration,developmentandproductionoperationsoriginatesinsubsurfaceformations,which
maycontainradioactivematerialssuchasuraniumandthoriumandtheirdaughterproducts,
radium226andradium228.NORMcanbebroughttothesurfaceintheformationwaterthatis
producedinconjunctionwithoilandgas.NORMintheseproducedwaterstypicallyconsistsof
theradionuclides,radium226and228.Inaddition,radongas,aradiumdaughter,maybefound
inproducednaturalgas. An inspector designated by the
Oil and Gas Inspector or Inspector.
City of Denton that is responsible for evaluating the impacts of
production of oil and/or gas wells. Responsibilities include env
review, erosion control inspection, monitoring, and evaluating c
and local regulations. Also responsible for processing and appr
Plat, Gas Well Development Site Plan and Gas Well Permit applica
The person(s) in charge and in control of drilling, maintainin
Operator.
or controlling any well or pipeline including without limitation
A person familiar with and educated in the oil and gas industry
Petroleum Specialist.
been retained by the City.
A temporary or permanent containment for circulated fluids. A
Pit.
Completion/Workover pit: Pit used for storage or disposal of sp
workover fluids and drilling fluid, silt, debris, water, brine,
5
materials which have been cleaned out of the wellbore of a well
worked over.
Drilling fluid disposal pit: Pit, other than a reserve pit, use
fluid.
Fresh makeup water pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling r
used to make up drilling fluid.
Mud circulation pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig
currently being used in drilling operations.
Reserve pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig for coll
cuttings, sands, and silts; and wash water used for cleaning dri
at the well site. Reserve pits are sometimes referred to as slus
Saltwater disposal pit:
Pit used for disposal of produced saltwater.
Washout pit: Pit located at a truck yard, tank yard, or disposa
disposal of oil and gas waste residue washed out of trucks, mobi
tanks.
Water Condensate pit: Pit used in conjunction with a gas pipeli
station for storage or disposal of fresh water condensed from na
Plugging as defined by the RRC and includes the plugging of
Plugging and Abandonment.
the well, abandoned, orphaned or otherwise, and restoration of t
as required by this Subchapter.
Any dwelling, church, public park, public library, hospital, p
Protected Use.
kindergarten or elementary, middle or high school, public pool,
center, public recreation center, hotel or motel.
The Railroad Commission of Texas.
Railroad Commission (RRC).
well completion following fracturing or refracturing where
Reduced emissions completion. A
gas flowback that is otherwise vented is captured, cleaned, and
collection system, re-injected into the well or another well, us
for other useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material w
to the atmosphere.
Re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existi
Re-working.
deepening or sidetrack operations which do not extend more than
from the existing well bore, or replacement of well liners or ca
6
means the prior approval by ordinance of City Council, of one o
Site-specific authorization
more specifically located and defined gas well site locations, s
development, regulatory and permitting requirements, as set fort
within the site approval ordinance (or both), as applicable.
The first time the drill bit enters the ground for gas well dri
Spud.
A natural or man-made container, covered or uncovered, in which
Tank.
liquids or hydrocarbons used or produced in conjunction with the
production operations of an oil or gas well.
Such person(s) familiar with and educated in the oil and gas in
Technical advisor.
law as it relates to oil and gas matters who may be retained fro
Denton.
A hole or bore drilled to any horizon, formation, or strata for
Well.
natural gas, or liquid hydrocarbons.
The process that allows for the flowback of petroleum or natur
Well completion.
newly drilled wells to expel drilling and reservoir fluids and t
characteristics, which may vent produced hydrocarbons to the atm
tank.
. Any well completion with fracturing or refracturing occurring
Well completion operation
gas well affected facility.
A well outside known fields or the first well drilled in an oil
Wildcat well.
other oil and gas production exists.
Work performed on a well after its initial completion to secur
Workover Operation.
production where there has been none, to restore production that has ceased, or to enhance or
increase production within the zone originally completed.
35.22.3. - Zoning District Classifications for Gas Well Drilling
A.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits of the City shall be
permitted by right within the Rural Residential (RD-5) or within
City that is subject to the use regulations of the RD-5 District
Neighborhood Residential 1 (NR-1), Neighborhood Residential 2 (N
Center Commercial Neighborhood (RCC-N), Regional Center Commerci
(RCC-D), Employment Center Commercial (EC-C), Employment Center
I), Industrial Center Employment (IC-E) and Industrial Center Ge
Districts, except as provided in subsection B, and subject to co
requirements of this Subchapter.
7
B.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits
zoning districts shall be permitted only by Specific Use Permit pursuant to subchapter
35.6, or through approval of a Detailed Plan in a Planned Develo
site-specific authorization in Master Planned Community (MPC) district.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A, approval of a Sp
shall be required for gas well drilling and production on any la
year flood fringe or within one thousand, two hundred (1,200) f
elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville.
1.An application for a Specific Use Permit, or site-specific aut
development district (PD) or master planned community district (
drilling and production of a gas well shall be filed by the pers
authority to do so. That person is presumed to be the record own
the duly authorized agent of either the record owner or the mine
Director of Planning and Development may require an applicant to
information of authority to file an application.
2. The Chairman of the DRC has the authority to establish requir
in the Application Criteria Manual. No application shall be accepted for filing until it
is complete and the fee established by the City Council of the C
been paid. Incomplete applications shall be returned less a fee
determined by the Director of Planning and Development.
3.Approval of a SUP, a detailed plan in a PD District or site-sp
MPC district, shall be conditioned on compliance with the requir
Subchapter.
35.22.4. - Required Authorization for Gas Well Drilling and Prod
A. No gas well drilling or production activities may commence wi
the following authorizations have been obtained, in the followin
1. Approval of a Specific Use Permit, where required by Section
a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or site-specific authorization
2. Approval of a Watershed Protection Permit, where location of
production activities is proposed on land in the flood fringe or
Sensitive Area (ESA), subject to the application requirements an
Section 35.22.5.A.8;
3. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan, subject to the
requirements and standards of Section 35.22.6; and
4.Approval of a Gas Well Permit, subject to the application requ
of Section 35.22.7.
8
B. An application for any authorization for gas well drilling an
Subsection A may be submitted simultaneously with any other list
applications must be approved in the numerical order listed. No
shall be determined to be complete and hereby is deemed to be in
required prior applications have been approved, and no completen
be made until such prior applications have been approved.
C. Approved applications for gas well drilling and production sh
following circumstances:
1. A Specific Use Permit, or site-specific authorization in a P
expires according to its terms;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit expires with the expiration of
Development Site Plan.
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan expires unless a complete ap
Well Permit has been filed within one (1) years of the date of a
plan.
4. A Gas Well Permit expires if gas well drilling activities hav
six (6) months of the date of approval of the Gas Well Permit.
5.The expiration of any subsequent application results in the expiration of all prior
approved applications for the same activity.
D.Approved applications for gas well drilling and production may
expiration. Following expiration of an approved application for
production, a new application must be submitted, which shall be
standards and procedures then in effect.
E.
E. The authorizations required by this Subchapter are in additio
permits that may be required by any other provision of the Dento
other government agency.
F.Legal Non-Conformity; Exceptions.
The provisions of Subchapter 11 are applicable to gas well drill
1.
activities. For purposes of Subchapter 11, the drilling of a ne
associated production activities do not constitute an existing u
Drilling and Production Site that has been annexed into the City
Drilling and Production Site within 30 days of the effective dat
Unless the City determines that an exemption provided under Texa
2.
Government Code, Section 245.004 or successor statute applies to
9
the standards and procedures in DDC Subchapters 35.16, 35.22 an
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 otherwise is inapplicab
gas well drilling and production, such standards or procedures,
necessary to give effect to this subsection F, do not apply to the authorizations
identified in subsection 35.22.4.A, if, on the effective date of
ordinance, the following circumstances existed:
a. For a specific use permit, an application s was pending on t
the amendatory ordinance; or
b. For a detailed plan for a PD districtcreated on or after Apri
application for the detailed plan was pending on the effective d
amendatory ordinance; or
c. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance, an application for the detailed
plan submitted after the effective date of the amendatory ordina
to a conceptual plan for development approved with the ordinance
the PD district that identifies the location and the nature and
activities to be developed on land designated for future gas wel
production; or
d. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or
.
e. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance for a Drilling an
that was the subject of: (1) a specific use permit approved or p
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or (2) a detailed pl
created on or after April 27, 2005, but before the effective dat
ordinance, that identifies the location and the nature and extent of the activities to
be developed on land designated for future gas well drilling or
an MPC district created on or after April 27, 2005, but before t
the amendatory ordinance, that identifies the location and the n
the activities to be developed on land designated for future gas
production.
f. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was pending on the effe
amendatory ordinance; or
g. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was submitted after the
amendatory ordinance pursuant to a Gas Well Development Site Pla
Development Plat approved or pending on the effective date of th
10
ordinance that identifies the Drilling and Production Site to wh
applies.
3. Authorizations or applications excepted under this subsection
well drilling and production standards in effect immediately pri
of the amendatory ordinance, and to any standards or procedures
amendatory ordinance which the City determines to be exempt from
of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 245.
4. To the extent that any exception provided under this subsecti
application pending on the effective date of an amendatory ordin
application must have been approved subsequently in order for th
apply.
5. Any person who has been denied an exception under Subsecti
pending applications, or who otherwise claims that he has obtai
pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 or other ap
law for such applications, may request a determination pursuant
the DDC.
G.VestedRights.
AnyOperatorwhobelievesthathehasobtainedavestedrightunderChapter245ofthe
TexasLocalGovernmentCodeorotherapplicablevestinglawmayrequestavested
rights/preemptiondeterminationinaccordancewithSection35.3.8oftheDDC.
35.22.5. - Standards for Gas Well Drilling and Production.
A. The drilling and production of gas wells within the City limi
following standards.
1. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
Separation standards.
a. No Drilling and Production Site may be located within one
feet of any Protected Use, or freshwater well currently in use a
complete application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan is fi
one thousand (1,000) feet of any lot within a previously platted
subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1) or more habi
b. Except where more stringent separation distances are specifie
separation distance between a Drilling and Production Site and
structures other than those listed in 35.22.5.A.1.a, shall be fi
c. The minimum separation requirement established in 35.22.5.A.1
reduced via the granting of a variance by the Zoning Board of Ad
that the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not reduce the minimum
distance any less than five hundred (500) feet.
11
d. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a Pro
within a previously platted residential subdivision where one (1
one (1) or more habitable structures may be located as close as
(250) feet of a pre-existing Drilling and Production Site, provi
Protected Use is not served by a freshwater well that is located
thousand (1,000) feet of the drilling and production area.
e. Separation distances shall be measured from the boundary of t
Production Site identified on the Gas Well Development Site Pl
line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, to the closest exterior
point of any structure occupied by a Protected Use, or freshwate
use at the time a complete application for a gas well developmen
filed, or the closest lot line of any undeveloped lot within a p
residential subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1)
2. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
On-site requirements.
a. An entrance gate shall be required. Street lighting shall be
Section 26-76 of the Utility Code of the Code of the City of Den
sign identifying the entrance to the drill site or operation site shall be reflective.
b. Fencing, buffering, landscaping and screening shall be requi
Production Sites. All required fencing, landscaping, buffe
must be installed in accordance with the approved Landscape Plan
hundred and eighty (180) days after initial drilling of the firs
Should the Operator decide to fence in gathering and transmissio
compressor stations, or both, Operator shall install the fencing in accordance
Subchapter 13 of the DDC.
.
c. No refining process, or any process for the extraction of pro
be carried on at a Drilling and Production Site , except that a
separator may be maintained on a Drilling and Production Site f
of liquids from gas. Any such dehydrator or separator may serve
well. Gas Processing Facilities shall require a Specific Use Per
d. Permanent weatherproof signs reading "DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOW
in both English and Spanish, in a minimum of four-inch lettering
at the entrance of each Drilling and Production Site. The sign s
development or operating company that is currently responsible f
plat or site plan, the RRC Well Identification Number and the Am
Petroleum Institute number for the well, the phone number for em
12
services (911), the number for the operator, and any other well
required by the RRC in two-inch lettering.
e. No person shall place, deposit, or discharge (or cause or al
deposited, or discharged) any oil, naphtha, petroleum, diesel, g
tar, hydrocarbon substance, or any refuse, including wastewater
any gas operation or the contents of any container used in conne
operation in, into, or upon any public right-of-way, storm drain
sanitary drain or sewer, any body of water, or any private prope
corporate limits of the City of Denton.
f. All installed, mounted, and/or permanent equipment on Drillin
Sites shall be coated, painted, and maintained at all times, inc
gas processing units, pumping units, storage tanks, above-ground
appurtenances, buildings, and structures, in accordance with app
adopted by The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). In addit
following standards are applicable:
i. Protective coatings and paints shall comply with any applicable State or
City requirements. In absence of any such requirement, protect
and paints shall be of a neutral color that is compatible with t
environment.
ii. All exposed surfaces of the identified equipment must be co
and free from rust, blisters, stains, or other defects.
g. All electric lines to production facilities shall be located in a manner compatible
to those already installed in the surrounding areas or subdivisi
h. All fire suppression and prevention equipment required by any
state, or local law shall be provided by the Operator, at the Op
maintenance and upkeep of such equipment shall be the responsibi
Operator.
i. No Operator shall excavate or construct any lines for the con
water, or minerals on, under, or through the streets or alleys o
City without an easement or right-of-way license from the City,
agreed upon, and then only in strict compliance with this Subcha
ordinances of the City, and with the specifications established
Department.
j. The digging up, breaking, excavating, tunneling, undermining,
damaging of any public street or leaving upon any public street
materials is prohibited. Construction activities or deposition o
objects creating an obstruction within limits of public right-of
are prohibited unless the Operator has first obtained written ap
13
Engineering Department and, if applicable, has filed a right-of-
agreement, and then only if in compliance with specifications es
Department.
k. No Gas Well Permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled
streets or alleys of the City and/or streets or alleys shown by
1999-2020 and no street shall be blocked or encumbered or closed
exploration, drilling, or production activities unless prior con
the City Manager, and then only temporarily.
l. All pits shall be lined and shall be designed, constructed,
accordance with the liner standards set forth by the RRC. Any n
Production Sites proposed after December 18, 2012 shall utiliz
mud system.
m.Any Drilling and Production Sites shall be screened with an op
masonry fence that shall be no less than eight (8) feet in heigh
i. In lieu of this requirement, an alternative fence that is co
surrounding the Drilling and/or Production Site may be approved
Director of Planning and Development.
ii. Required fencing must be located within three hundred (300)
equipment necessitating fencing requirements under this Subchap
n. Vapor Recovery Units.1. Vapor recovery equipment is required
not included under Rule§106.352 of TAC Title 30, Part 1, Chapter
successor regulation.
2. An Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector within tw
the first sale of gas from a well.
o. Any lift compressor which is installed within an approved Dr
Production Site, shall be located at least twenty-four (24) fee
boundary of the site.
p. Commencing on the December 18, 2012, except as provided in su
of this section, for each well completion operation with hydraul
i. For the duration of flowback, recovered liquids shall be rout
more storage vessels or re-injected into the well or another wel
recovered gas shall be routed into a gas flow line or collection
injected into the well or another well, used as an on-site fuel
14
for another useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material
with no direct release to the atmosphere. If this is infeasible, the requirements
in sub-paragraph (iii) of this paragraph shall be followed.
ii. All salable quality gas shall be routed to the gas flow line
practicable. In cases where flowback emissions cannot be directe
line, the requirements in sub-paragraph (iii) of this section sh
iii. Flowback emissions shall be captured and directed to a comp
combustion device, except in conditions that may result in a fir
explosion, or where high heat emissions from a completion combus
may negatively impact waterways. Completion combustion devices m
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source over the dur
flowback.
iv. Releases to the atmosphere during flowback and subsequent re
minimized.
v. The requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall not app
1. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for wildcat or delineation well.
2. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for non-wildcat low pressure gas well or no
delineation low pressure gas well.
q. Soil sampling: Pre- and post-drilling; periodic soil samplin
be required for all new Drilling and Production Sites. Soil sam
subject to the following requirements:
i.Upon application for an Oil and Gas Well Permit, soil sampling
conducted prior to the commencement of any drilling at the propo
and Production Site to establish a baseline study of site condit
minimum of one soil sample shall be taken at the location of any
equipment to be utilized at the Drilling and Production Site to
existing conditions at the Drilling and Production Site.
ii.A licensed third party consultant shall be utilized to collec
pre-drilling and post-drilling soil analyses. The cost of such
be borne by the Operator.
iii.Soil samples must be collected and analyzed utilizing proper
laboratory protocol from a United States Environmental Protectio
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved laboratory.
results of the analyses will be addressed to the City and a copy
15
shall be provided to the Operator and surface estate owner. The
include the following analyses at a minimum: TPH, VOCs, SVOCs,
Barium, Chromium and Ethylene Glycol.
iv.Post-drilling soil samples shall be collected and analyzed af
of drilling of each well. Subsequent to the drilling of each wel
samples shall be taken as determined by the Oil and Gas Inspecto
inspection events to document soil quality data at the Drilling
Site. Samples shall include, but not be limited to, areas where
equipment was located. Results of the analyses shall be provide
in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
v.Whenever abandonment occurs pursuant to the requirements of th
as referenced in 35.22.5.A.6.k, the Operator so abandoning shall
production soil sampling within three (3) days after equipment h
removed from the Drilling and Production Site to document that t
conditions are within regulatory requirements. Results of the a
provided as described in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
vi.If any soil sample results reveal contamination levels that exceed the
minimum state or federal regulatory levels, the City shall submi
sample results to the appropriate state or federal regulatory ag
enforcement.
r. Any rubbish or debris that might constitute a fire hazard sha
distance of at least 150 feet from the vicinity of any well, tan
s. An Operator shall not maintain or use any pit for storage of
oil field fluids, or for storage or disposal of oil and gas wast
3.The following requirements
Operations and equipment practices and standards.
apply only within City limits.
a. Adequate nuisance prevention measures shall be taken to preve
offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration.
b. Directional lighting shall be provided for the safety of gas
completion and production operations and shall be installed and
fashion designed to disturb adjacent developments in the least
c. The Operator shall at all times comply with the applicable ru
the RRC including but not limited to all applicable Field Rules
d. . To address noise concerns, only electric motors shall be us
drilling, transferring or blending chemicals, compressing gas, l
16
wells, The Oil and Gas Inspector may approve the use of an alter
that produces lower noise levels than an electric motor.
e. There shall be no venting or flaring of gases in residential
by the RRC or TCEQ . If venting or flaring is allowed by the RR
activities shall not be located closer than one thousand (1,000)
protected use, unless: (1) a setback variance has been granted p
or (2) if practical and if approved by the City Fire Marshal, gr
wholly enclosed or screened with a masonry wall. .
f. Vehicles, equipment, and machinery shall not be placed or loc
and Production Site (or on any public street, alley, driveway, o
of-way) in such a way as to constitute a fire hazard or to unreasonably obstruct or
interfere with fighting or controlling fires.
g. Only Light Sand Fracture Technology or fracture stimulations
RRC shall be used to fracture stimulate a well.
h. Fracing operation shall be scheduled to occur during daylight
Operator has notified the Oil and Gas Inspector that fracing will occur before or
after daylight hours to meet safety requirements.
i.Pneumatic drilling shall not be permitted.
j. Any notices required herein shall be made pursuant to Subsect 35.22.12
k. Except in the case of an emergency, gas well flaring shall on
during day-time hours.
4. The following requirements apply only within City
Storage tanks and separators.
limits.
a. An Operator is allowed to construct, use, and operate such st
separation equipment as shown on the approved Gas Well Develop
Plan, except that permanent storage equipment and separation equ
exceed eight (8) feet in height.
b. The use of centralized tank batteries is permitted as shown on the applicable Gas
Well Development Site Plan.
c. No Drilling and Production Site is allowed in the FEMA desig
(100) year floodway. A Drilling and Production Site is allowed w
17
thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of
Roberts or Lake Lewisville with an approved Specific Use Permit.
d. No storage tanks or separation facilities shall be placed in
other ESA except in accordance with Subsection 35.22.5A.8.
.
5.
Flow lines and gathering lines.
a. Each Operator shall place pipeline marker sign at each point
gathering line crosses a public street or road.
b. Each Operator shall place a warning sign for lines carrying H
Sulfide) gas as required by the Railroad Commission.
c. All flow lines and gathering lines within the corporate limits of the City
(excluding City utility lines and franchise distribution systems
transport oil, gas, and/or water shall be limited to the maximum
operating pressure applicable to the pipes installed and shall b
least the minimum cover or backfill specified by the American Na
Institute Code, as amended.
6. The provisions of this section
Additional safety and environmental requirements.
shall apply within the corporate limits of the City of Denton.
a. The drilling and production of gas and accessing the Drillin
shall be in compliance with all state and federal environmental
gas well development or activity is allowed in the FEMA designat
(100) year floodway. Drilling within Flood Fringe or other ESA s
Map adopted by the City is allowed under the restrictions set fo
35.22.5A.8.
.
b. Erosion and sediment control practices shall be conducted for
Operator shall comply with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
by the City..
c. As an exception to 35.22.5.A.6.a. or a Specific Use Permit re
gas wells may have a target location or bottom-hole location tha
floodway, an ESA or within one thousand two hundred (1,200) fee
pool elevation of lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville when the g
directionally from a location outside such areas.
d. Each well shall be equipped with an automated valve that clos
event of an abnormal change in operating pressure. All wellheads
emergency shut off valve to the well distribution line.
18
e. Each storage tank shall be equipped with a level control devi
automatically activate a valve to close the well in the event of
accumulation in the tank.
f. All storage tanks shall be anchored for stability.
g. All storage tanks shall be equipped with either steel or conc
containment systems including lining with an impervious material
containment system shall be of a sufficient height to contain on
(1½) times the contents of the largest tank in accordance with t
pots shall be provided at pump out connections to contain the li
storage tank.
h. Outside storage areas shall be equipped with a secondary cont
designed to contain a spill from the largest individual vessel.
rainfall, secondary containment shall be designed to include the
twenty-four (24)-hour rainfall as determined by a twenty-five (2
provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of ground water
i. Drilling and Production Sites shall be equipped with a ligh
system, in accordance with the Citys Fire Code and the National
Associations NFPA-780. In addition, tank battery facilities sh
with a remote foam line and a lightning arrestor system.
j. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan shall be on file with t
Any updates or changes to this plan shall be provided to the Fir
three (3) working days of the change. All chemicals and/or hazar
shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent, contain, and fac
remediation and cleanup of any accidental spill, leak, or discha
material. Operator shall have all material safety data sheets (M
hazardous materials on site. All applicable federal and state re
requirements for the proper labeling of containers shall be foll
pollution prevention actions shall be required and include, but
chemical and materials raised from the ground (e.g., wooden pall
storage, installation and maintenance of secondary containment s
protection from storm water and weather elements.
k. All wells shall be plugged and abandoned in accordance with t
RRC; however, all well casings shall be cut and removed to a dep
(10) feet below the surface unless the surface owner submits a w
otherwise. Three (3) feet shall be the minimum depth. In additi
shall:
19
i. Submit a copy of its RRC Form W-3A (Notice of Intention t
Abandon) and Form W-3 (Plugging Record) to the Inspector within
business days of filing with the RRC;
ii. Notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of the intention to plug
at least twenty-four (24) hour prior to commencing activities; a
iii. Submit to the Oil and Gas Inspector the surface hole locati
acceptable Geographic Information System (GIS) format to accurat
and track well locations. The GIS data may be submitted with an
Well Permit application or with the annual administrative report
of GIS location data is only required once.
iv. Submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis as required by Sub
35.22.5.A.2.q.
l. Operators must close each Drilling and Production Site in a m
minimizes the need for care after closure. To achieve this requ
shall be reclaimed to the condition identified on the Site Recla
nearly as practicable. In the event development encroaches up t
after drilling and production activities, a reasonable rehabilit
be approved by the City to ensure the reclaimed site is compatib
surrounding properties.
m.No gas well drill sites shall be allowed on slopes greater tha
n. No Class II injection wells shall be located within the City
o. No gas well permit will be issued for any well where the Dril
Site is located within one thousand (1,000) feet of an existing
unless a variance, or consent from neighboring property owners,
obtained per 35.22.5.A.1.
p. Pits shall always be operated with a minimum of at least t
freeboard above the contents within it.
q. For safety reasons, fencing shall be installed to restrict ac
other type of open pit utilized in gas well drilling operation
the corporate limits of the City.
r. Drip pans, catchment basins and other secondary containment d
absorbing materials shall be placed or installed underneath all
pumps, lubricating oil systems, engines, fuel and chemical stora
20
valves, connections, and any other areas or structures that coul
discharge, or otherwise spill hazardous or solid materials. .
s. After the well has been completed, or plugged and abandoned,
clean and repair all damage to public property caused by such op
thirty (30) days.
t. After any spill, leak or discharge , the Operator shall remov
removed all contamination and associated waste materials. Clean-
shall begin immediately.
u. The Drilling and Production Site and site access road shall a
free of debris, pools of water or other liquids, contaminated so
trash or other waste material outside the Drilling and Productio
v. All pits associated with Drilling and Production Sites shall
requirements.
i. The type of pit used in drilling operations shall be specifie
permitting. The Oil and Gas Inspector may perform a contaminatio
assessment for any reserve pit, completion/work-over pit, drilli
disposal pit, fresh makeup water pit, mud circulation pit, washo
condensate pit. The following concentrations for contaminants wi
determine if contamination exists within any materials in the pi
Compound Concentration limit
TPH15 mg/L
BTEX500 µg/L
Benzene50 µg/L
From 30TAC 321.131.138
If concentrations exceeding these values are detected, the opera
remove, cause to be removed, or otherwise remediate contaminants
the limits provided herein. Cleanup operations shall begin immed
Cleanup activities that do not begin within twenty-four (24) hou
21
notification by the oil and gas inspector shall be considered a
Subchapter.
ii. Only freshwater-based mud systems shall be permitted. Saltwater-based mud
systems and oil-based mud systems are prohibited.
iii. Chloride content of fluids held in pits may not exceed thr
milligrams per liter.
iv. No metal additives may be added to any drilling fluids.
v. All fluid produced from the well during completion of product
held in enclosed containers while stored on the property.
vi. All fluids shall be removed ("de-watering") from the pits w
days of completion of drilling operations.
vii. The pit and its contents shall be removed from the premises
days after completion of the drilling of a well; provided, however, that the permittee may apply
for a ninety (90)-day extension from such requirements based on
necessity to maintain said pit, inclement weather, or other fact
period of time shorter than the ninety (90)-day extension set ou
w. All pits shall be backfilled in accordance with the following
Director of Planning and Development may grant permission for a
the site if the surface property owner submits a written request
i. Reserve pits and mud circulation pits shall be dewatered wi
and backfilled and compacted within ninety (90) days of cessatio
drilling activities.
ii. All completion/workover pits used when completing a well sh
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of well completion.
iii. All completion/workover pits used when working over a well
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of completion of re-work opera
iv. Basic sediment pits, flare pits, fresh mining water pits, a
condensate pits shall be dewatered, backfilled, and compacted wi
hundred and twenty (120) days of final cessation of use of the p
x. Each operator must submit to the City a water conservation pl
The plan must provide information in response to each of the fol
i. A description of the use of the water in the production proce
the water is diverted and transported from the source(s) of supp
water is utilized in the production process, and the estimated q
22
consumed in the production process and therefore unavailable for
discharge, or other means of disposal;
ii. If long-term, five (5) to ten (10) years, water storage is a
five-year and ten-year targets for water savings and the basis f
development of such goals;
iii. A description of the device(s) and/or method(s) within an a
minus 5.0% to be used in order to measure and account for the am
water diverted from the source of supply;
iv. Leak-detection, repair, and accounting for water loss in the
system;
v. Application of state-of-the-art equipment and/or process modi
improve water use efficiency; and
vi. Any other water conservation practice, method, or technique
shows to be appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals o
conservation plan.
y. No gas well drilling and production shall be permitted withi
(1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or
unless the Operator first obtains a SUP.
.
7. Supplemental drilling.
a. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the conditions for the applicable S
or underlying zoning classification that permits gas development
operator shall provide the Oil and Gas Inspector a copy of addi
permits that allow drilling to a deeper depth.
b. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the approved Gas Well Permit for th
with the City.
8. Watershed Protection Requirements for Wells located in Flood
ESA's.
The standards in this subsection are adopted pursuant to the aut
Texas Local Government Code, Section 551.002 and are intended to
adverse impacts on areas within the Flood Fringe or ESA, reduce
lessen the potential for contaminating surface water or any wate
23
a. The provisions of 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8 shall apply to a Drilling and
..
Production Site required to have a Watershed Protection Permit w
corporate limits of the City of Denton. The provisions of 35.2
to a Drilling and Production Site required to have a Watershed P
located within the corporate limits of the City of Denton or wit
City of Denton.
b. Drilling and Production Sites shall be located outside ESAs w
to minimize adverse impacts on these areas, reduce flood damage,
potential for contaminating surface water or any water supply.
c. Prior to location of any gas well in the Flood Fringe or ESA,
or applicant shall first obtain approval of an application that
the Application Criteria Manual for a Watershed Protection Permi
comply with the provisions of 35.22.5.
d. A Watershed Protection Permit containing an ESA assessment of
Production Site shall be approved by the Department of Environm
i.For all ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Well Development
1. If a riparian buffer is designated as "fair" to "excellent" E
protective stream buffer width as specified in Subchapter 17 of
Development Code shall apply, and no encroachments shall be allo
2. Within all areas except unstudied floodplains, if the stream
as a "poor" ESA, the designated width of the protective stream b
`shall be decreased by either fifty (50) percent or to the limit
floodway whichever is greater, but in no instance shall the prot
stream buffer width be decreased below twenty-five (25) feet mea
each direction from the centerline of the existing channel.
ii. For all flood fringe ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas We
Site Plan or Plat.
e. Tree mitigation for gas wells located in an ESA shall be requ
calculated on a one to one replacement value for one hundred (10
dbh of trees removed from the Drilling and Production Site.. Tre
be accomplished by planting replacement trees, within a floodpla
site with similar tree species or by payment into a Tree Mitigat
Mitigation Funds that are specific to ESA's will be kept separat
Mitigation Funds and will only be used to either acquire wooded
riparian property that remains in a naturalistic state in perpetuity, or to purchase
conservation easements within riparian or floodplain areas. Fund
purchase, plant, and maintain trees on public property, as long
property is within a riparian area or floodplain.
24
f. The Watershed Protection Permit application shall contain the
information and such information as may be required by the Devel
Committee which is reasonably necessary to review and determine
proposed development and required facilities meet the requiremen
Subchapter and as required by the Application Criteria Manual. T
that is required for the Watershed Protection Permit shall inclu
limited to:
i.A Tree Inventory Plan shall show the location of ESAs on any p
Drilling and Production Site.
ii. Any request to remove tree(s) shall be accompanied by a lett
certified geologist or engineer that indicates why the well site
located to avoid the trees. If Operator has chosen to pay into
Mitigation Fund, such funds shall be paid prior to final approva
and Production Site within an ESA.
iii. Show location of ESAs on proposed Drilling and Production S
g. Only one (1) well head, may be placed in the Flood Fringe or
following conditions:
i. Storage tanks or separation facilities shall be constructed
(18) inches above the established Base Flood elevation plus the
depth for encroachment to the limits of the floodway having a on
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year.
ii. A hydrologic and hydraulic engineering study shall be perfor
Registered Professional Engineer. The study shall be submitted to the
Engineering Department in a technical report for review by the C
or his designated representative. The report shall demonstrate t
proposed facilities will have no adverse impacts on the carrying
the adjacent waterway nor cause any increases to the elevations
for the floodplain. When the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) o
subject site is designated as "Zone A" on the FIRM Panel, or the
identified on the FIRM Panel, the following approximate method m
to evaluate the impacts from gas well development. A flow rate s
calculated using procedures set forth in the City of Denton Drai
Manual. Using Manning's Equation with an estimate of the average
the stream, measurements of a single irregular cross-section geo
well site, and the one hundred (100) year discharge rate, the av
and normal depth may be calculated. Calculations shall be provid
unaltered existing channel cross-section and for the proposed mo
25
channel cross-section and submitted to the City for review and a
to construction within these areas.
iii. No more than ten (10) percent of the floodplain, within the
Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, may be
h. If evidence from water quality monitoring efforts indicates t
occurring from gas wells, the Operator shall remove, cause to be
otherwise remediate contamination, as required by the oil and ga
including but not limited to Waste Minimization Practices establ
RRC. Cleanup operations shall begin immediately. A re-inspection
charged as established by the City Council and published in the
Criteria Manual.
B. Drilling and Production Sites shall comply with all federal,
applicable to gas well drilling, production and operations.
C. Noise Management Standards. The following standards apply to
production in the City limits.
1. The Operator shall submit with its Gas Well Site Plan a con
hour pre-drilling Ambient Noise Level measured three hundred (30
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site. The seventy-two
shall include at least one (1) twenty-four-hour reading during e
Sunday.
2. No gas well drilling equipment, production equipment, re-dril
other associated equipment shall be operated at any Drilling a
within the City in such a manner so as to create any noise level
(65) decibels.
The dB level shall be measured at a distance of one thousand (
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site or one hundred (
any Protected Use setback line, whichever distance is nearer to
Production Site.
3. The distances described in 35.22.5.C.2 shall be measured fro
Drilling and Production Site depicted on the Gas Well Developme
Development Site Plan, in a straight line, without regard to int
objects, and outward from the boundary of the Drilling and Prod
26
4.If the ambient noise level that was established and submitted
accordance with 35.22.5.C.1 is higher than the levels set forth
noise generated from the Drilling and Production Site may not
established ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels d
and three (3) decibels during nighttime hours, except as provide
below.
5. The following adjustments to the noise standards as set forth
intermittently during daytime hours only, except in the case of
Maximum Permitted Increase above 65 dB or established ambient, Maximum Duration
ambient exceeds 65 dB (minutes)*
10 dB 5 minutes
15 dB 1 minute
20 dB Less than 1 minute
*Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
6. Acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or other alternati
by the City may be used to ensure noise limitation compliance. A
shall comply with accepted industry standards and be subject to
7. The sound level meter used in conducting noise evaluations sh
National Standard Institute's Standard for sound meters or an in
associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
8. The noise level generated during gas drilling activities shal
monitored by the Operator to ensure compliance with the noise li
established herein, if the Drilling and Production Site is withi
feet of a Protected Use. The cost of such monitoring shall be bo
In addition, the Operator shall also provide the following data:
i. The continuous noise monitoring data shall include an audio
identify the source of sound level fluctuations throughout the l
continuous noise monitoring equipment shall be capable of remote
real-time noise and audio data in a format acceptable to the Ins
the real-time data shall be made available to the Oil and Gas Inspector;
27
ii. The continuous noise monitoring data shall be summarized i
and submitted to the Oil and Gas Inspector each Monday for the p
through Sunday reporting week, which may be combined with the su
week if the number of monitoring days for any given week is thre
The report shall be in an electronic format or other format spec
Gas Inspector. The weekly report shall contain all noise data,
tones and low frequency readings, and shall be averaged in twent
intervals; and
iii. The weekly noise report shall state whether the Drilling a
compliance with acceptable noise standards. If the report identifies that the
Drilling and Production Site is not compliant, then the report s
measures being taken to return the site to compliance and the ti
implementing these remedial measures.
9. For Drilling and Production Sites not continuously monitored,
received after the commencement of drilling activities by eith
City, the Operator shall immediately upon receipt of the complai
monitor the exterior noise level generated by the gas well drilling or production for a
seventy-two(72) hour period and take the action necessary to aba
violation exists. The monitoring shall be performed in accordan
and ii.
10. In the event of a violation of this subsection, the City may
citation to the Operator for the violation.
35.22.6. - Gas Well Development Site Plan and Watershed Protecti
A. Applicability.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be approved for any la
limits before a Gas Well Permit may be issued or any gas well dr
activities may occur. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Pl
processing of a complete application for a Gas Well Permit. If
he
Watershed Protection Permit application shall accompany the appl
Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, but shall be
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be approved prior to appr
Development Site Plan, Gas Well Development Plat, or Gas Well Pe
land in any floodplain or ESA within the corporate limits of th
Watershed Protection Permit authorizes the processing of a compl
Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, as
that includes land in a floodplain or ESA.
B. Application RequirementsGas Well Development Site Plan.
28
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not
complete or deemed complete until:
a. Any required Specific Use Permit has been approved by the Cit
b. A complete application for a Watershed Protection Permit, whe
been filed with the City pursuant to this subchapter. Any condit
approval of the Watershed Protection Permit shall be deemed inco
the conditions of approval for the Gas Well Development Site Pla
2. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan authorizes the h
Site Plan to apply for a Gas Well Permit.
3. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan, in addit
forth in Subsection 1, shall:
a. Clearly delineate the boundaries of the gas well drilling or
metes and bounds description, and list the exact acreage of the
drilling and production activities shall be limited to this area
b. Identify all ingress and egress points.
c. Show the location of all floodplains and ESAs.
d. Show the location of all freshwater wells currently in use at the time of filing of
the application within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Drilling
Site.
e. Show the location of all structures with a protected use with
(1,000) feet of the Drilling and Production Site;
f. Identify and show proposed method of erosion and sediment con
g. Identify the location of proposed lease lines;
h. Identify the location of all proposed gas wells, mud pits, po
equipment;
i.Label distances between gas wells and property lines;
j. Provide site specific well schematics showing layout during
completion of drilling;
k. Show location of all existing and proposed underground pipeli
drawings shall be filed with the City (in a digital form as spec
and as a condition of maintaining the annual operating permit).
29
proposed in public rights-of-way shall require a Right-of-Way Us
The City Manager shall have the authority to enter into a Right-
Agreement;
l. Show the location of all pipelines and identify if pipelines connect with a Gas
Distribution System;
m. Identify the height, size, bulk and location of all structure
dehydrators, parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, t
rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utilities, and a
objects contemplated within the boundaries of the gas well drill
area;
n. Provide a Tree Protection Plan demonstrating compliance with
Preservation Code;
o. Provide a Signage Plan, complying with this Subchapter for bo
and pipelines;
p. A Screening, Fencing, and Landscape Plan, in accordance with
established for Industrial land uses in Subchapter 13 of the DDC
compliance with all landscape and screening measures to be taken
irrigate all landscaping including the water source for irrigati
efforts to replace dead or dying screening vegetation; and
q. A Noise Mitigation Plan that includes:
i.A description of the proposed facility/operation;
ii.The established ambient noise level;
iii.An analysis of any significant sources of noise generated on
and Production Site; and
iv.An analysis of any abatement measures necessary to bring the
activity into compliance with the Citys noise standards.
r. A Site Reclamation Plan that establishes the existing conditi
prior to drilling activities. The Site Reclamation Plan shall
and Post-Closure Plans.
i. Closure Plan. Site closure includes well plugging and abandon
equipment removal, and site clean-up. This plan should describe
Drilling and Production Site will be closed, how the proposed fi
closure will be achieved, and a detailed description of the clos
30
ii. Post-Closure Plan. Post-closure care includes any subsequent
necessary to minimize the need for care after closure and should
anticipated work activities necessary to achieve this objective.
s. The Operator shall submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Pla
with the applicable City Criteria Manual.
t. The Operator shall notify all private freshwater well owners in writing that they
have the right to have their wells tested. Proof of such writte
submitted to the City as part of the Site Plan application.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection35.22.6.B.3.u.iiibelow,areportdetailingall
privatewaterwellswithin1,500feetoftheDrillingandProductionSites
boundaryandmethodforwhichsuchinformationwasobtained.Thereport
shouldincludefreshwaterwellsamplingpre-drillinganalysisthatmeetsthe
followingrequirements:
i.Water sampling must be collected and analyzed in accordance with
established federal sampling and laboratory protocol. All labor
TCEQ or EPA certified laboratories. Pre-approval by the Citys
Environmental Services Director, or designee, of all sampling methods,
preservation techniques, analytical methods and contract laborat
required. This information is required to be submitted with the
Permit application.
ii.At a minimum, the following parameters shall be tested for: meth
chloride, sodium, barium, strontium, total dissolved solids, tot
solids, and pH. Other parameters may be required at the discret
Citys Environmental Services Director, or designee.
iii.This freshwater well sampling requirement may be partly or entir
a well(s) is(are) abandoned, or if one or more of the freshwater
within 1,500 feet of the Drilling and/or Production Site deny ths
request to have the well(s) sampled. The Operator must produce
evidence to support that the well(s) is(are) abandoned or that t
request(s) was(were) denied by the freshwater well owner(s).
u. The Operator shall submit a deed, lease, contract or similar
evidencing the location of the Drilling and Production Site, whi
be filed with the County Records Department upon approval of the
Development Site Plan.
v. The Operator shall provide a copy of its Emergency Action Pla
prepare one pursuant to federal or state law.
31
w. Any other information deemed necessary by the Oil and Gas In
compliance with these standards.
C. Processing of Applications.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be
manner for an application for a gas well development plat, as pr
35.16.19 of the DDC.
, and shall be decided by the Oil and Gas Inspector
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be processed in accordanc
a. All applications for Watershed Protection Permits shall be fi
Department, who shall immediately forward all applications to th
review. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applica
the City shall provide a written explanation of the deficiencies
applicant. The City shall retain a processing fee determined by
The City may return any application as incomplete if there is a
before the Railroad Commission regarding the determination of th
application shall be deemed accepted for filing until the applic
b. The DRC may attach such conditions to approval of a Watershed
Permit as are necessary to assure that the requirements of Subse
met.
c. Each Watershed Protection Permit approved by the DRC shall:
i.Identify the name of each well subject to the permit;
ii.Specify the date on which the Permit was issued;
iii.Incorporate by reference all applicable standards of approva
iv. Incorporate by reference all applicable conditions of approv
D. Criteria for Approval.
1.No Gas Well Development Site Plan shall contain more than one
Production Site, and the Drilling and Production Site shall not
acres in size. All standards in Section 35.22.5 shall be met, an
to prior approvals shall be incorporated in the approval of the Gas Well Development
Site Plan.
32
2. The following standards apply to an application for a Watersh
a. For land inside the City limits, all conditions imposed by an
MPC District or a PD District for the land subject to the Waters
Permit.
b. Standards in Subsection 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8.
..
3. An Operator shall submit an amended Gas Well Development Site
approval if the items required by 35.22.6.B.3, subsections b.,
different than those contained in the earlier approved Gas Well
Plan. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall review the amended Gas We
Site Plan in accordance with this Subsection D.
E. Expiration.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall automatically expire o
date of approval, unless a Gas Well Permit has been issued by th
site.
a. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not be extended unless
exception has been approved by the Board of Adjustment pursuant
35.22.16. The applicant may submit a new Gas Well Development Si
application for review and approval in accordance with all appli
requirements of the DDC then in effect.
b. If the Gas Well Development Site Plan expires, then all permi
or simultaneous with the site plan for the same activity shall l
the same date.
2. An associated Watershed Protection Permit shall expire with t
Well Development Site Plan and may not be extended prior to expi
35.22.7. - Gas Well Permit Required.
A. Any person, acting for himself or acting as an agent, employe
or servant for any person, shall not engage in the drilling and
within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining
under this Subchapter.
B. When a Gas Well Permit has been issued covering a well, the P
authority for drilling, operation, production, gathering of prod
re-working, testing, site preparation consisting of rigs or tank
abandonment, and any other activity authorized by this Subchapte
drilling or production by the Operator and their respective empl
contractors. A Gas Well Permit shall also constitute authority f
33
of all facilities reasonably necessary or convenient in connecti
gathering lines and discharge lines, by the Operator and its res
contractors and subcontractors.
C. A Gas Well Permit shall not be required for exploration for g
geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited t
exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or other sub-su
seismic permit is required for impact-based exploration.
.
D.A Gas Well Permit shall not, however, constitute authority for
of a plugged and abandoned well. Re-entry and drilling of a plug
shall require a new Gas Well Permit.
E. Applications for Gas Well Permits shall be in accordance with
1. Shall be in writing;
2. Shall be on forms provided by the City;
3. Shall be signed by the Operator;
4. Shall include the application fee;
5.Shall include a copy of the applicable SUP, PD District, or Ga
Site Plan; and
6. Shall include the information required by the Application Criteria Manual unless such
information has been previously provided to the City.
35.22.8. - Insurance and Indemnification.
The Operator shall provide or cause to be provided the insurance
well for which a Gas Well Permit is issued, such insurance to co
abandoned and the site restored. The operator may provide the re
"blanket basis for multiple wells". Such coverage shall be appro
the City of Denton.
A.
General Requirements. Indemnification and Express Negligence Pro
1. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the City shall include the fol
Operator does hereby expressly release and discharge, all claims
judgments, and executions which it ever had, or now have or may
may have, or claim to have, against the City of Denton, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, successors, assigns, sponsors, volun
34
created by, relating to or arising out of personal injuries, kno
injuries to property, real or personal, or in any way incidental
the performance of the work performed by the operator under a Ga
the Operator caused by or arising out of, that sequence of event
the Gas Well Permit, and work performed by the Operator shall fu
indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, employees, successors, assigns, spon
from and against each and every claim, demand, or cause of actio
liability, damages, obligations, judgments, losses, fines, penal
expenses incurred in defense of the City of Denton, Texas, and/o
agents, officers, servants, or employees, including, without lim
injuries and death in connection therewith which may be made or
Operator, its agents, assigns, or any third parties on account o
any way incidental to or in connection with the performance of t
by the Operator under a Gas Well Permit and, the Operator agrees
hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or its departments,
agents, servants, employees, successors, assigns, sponsors, or v
liabilities or damages suffered as a result of claims, demands,
against the City and/or, its departments, it's officers, agents,
created by, relating to or arising out of the acts or omissions
occurring on the Drilling and Production Site or operation site
of inspecting and permitting the gas wells INCLUDING, BUT NOT LI
CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON OCCURRING ON THE
DRILLING AND PRODUCTION SITE IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF
INSPECTING AND PERMITTING THE GAS WELLS. IT IS UNDERSTOOD
AND AGREED THAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION IS
AN INDEMNITY EXTENDED BY THE OPERATOR TO INDEMNIFY AND
PROTECT THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS,
AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR EMPLOYEES FROM THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR
EMPLOYEES, WHETHER THAT NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE
RESULTANT INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR DAMAGE. LIABILITY FOR THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF ITS
DUTY TO INSPECT AND PERMIT THE GAS WELL IS LIMITED TO THE
MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF RECOVERY UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT.
2. All policies shall be endorsed to read "this policy will not
renewed without thirty (30) days advanced written notice to the
except when this policy is being cancelled for nonpayment of pre
ten (10) days advance written notice is required".
3. Liability policies shall be written by carriers licensed to d
with companies with A: VIII or better rating in accordance with
35
Rating Guide, or with nonadmitted carriers that have a financial
carriers licensed to do business in Texas approved by the City.
4. Liability policies shall name as "Additional Insured" the Cit
employees, and volunteers.
5. Certificates of insurance shall be presented to the City evid
endorsements required by this Section 35.22.8, and the acceptanc
without the required limits and/or coverage's shall not be deeme
requirements.
6. Claims made policies will not be accepted except for excess p
otherwise provided by this Subchapter.
B.
Required Insurance Coverages.
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance.
a. Coverage should be a minimum Combined Single Limit of one mil
($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damag
coverage shall include premises, operations, blowout or explosio
completed operations, blanket contractual liability, underground
broad form property damage, independent contractors protective l
personal injury.
b. Environmental Impairment (or Seepage and Pollution) shall be
the coverage or written as separate coverage. Such coverage shal
damage to the lease site. If Environmental Impairment (or Seepag
Coverage is written on a "claims made" basis, the policy shall p
retroactive date applicable precedes the effective date of the i
Permit. Coverage shall apply to sudden and non-sudden pollution
resulting from the escape or release of smoke, vapors, fumes, ac
chemicals, liquids or gases, waste material or other irritants,
pollutants.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance. Minimum Combined Single Limit
dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Proper
coverage shall include owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
3. Worker's Compensation Insurance. In addition to the minimum s
requirements, coverage shall include Employer's Liability limits
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each accident, one hundr
($100,000) for each employee, and a one million dollars ($1,000,
occupational disease, and the insurer agrees to waive rights of
City, its officials, agents, employees, and volunteers for any w
City by the operator.
36
4. Excess (or Umbrella) Liability Insurance. Minimum limit of te
($10,000,000) covering in excess of the preceding insurance poli
5. Control of Well Insurance.
a. Minimum limit of five million dollars ($5,000,000) per occurr
b. Policy shall cover the Cost of controlling a well that is out
or Restoration expenses, Seepage and Pollution Damage. Damage to
the Operator's Care, Custody, and Control with a sub-limit of fi
thousand dollars ($500,000) may be added.
35.22.9. - Security.
A. A security instrument that covers each well shall be delivere
Inspector before the issuance of the Gas Well Permit for the wel
provide that it cannot be cancelled without at least thirty (30)
the City and, if the instrument is a performance bond, that the
without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice for non-pay
instrument shall secure the obligations of the operator related to the well to:
1. Repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, to p
but not limited to bridges, caused by the operator or by the ope
agents, contractors, subcontractors or representatives in the pe
activity authorized by or contemplated by the Gas Well Permit;
2. Comply with the insurance and security provisions set forth i
Section 35.22.9;
3. Pay fines and penalties imposed upon the operator by the City for any breach of the
Gas Well Permit; and
4. Comply with Site Reclamation requirement.
B. The security instrument may be in the form of an irrevocable
bond issued by a bank or surety approved by the City. The instru
City for the benefit of the City, shall become effective on or b
Permit is issued, and shall remain in effect until the well is a
restored.
C.A certificate of deposit may be substituted for the letter of
certificate shall be issued by a bank in Denton County, Texas, s
City, shall be payable to the order of the City to secure the obligations of the Operator
described above, and shall be pledged to the bank with evidence
37
the Director of Planning and Community Development. Interest on the certificate shall be
payable to the operator.
E.The security instrument may be provided for an individual well
each Drilling and Production Site. The amount of the security s
City Engineer, with due regard to the costs and risks to be secu
above, either on a per-application basis, or as administratively
in the Application Criteria Manual, in the minimum amount of on
dollars ($100,000.00) for a single well on the site, two hundred
($200,000) for two (2) to four (4) wells on the same site, or t
dollars ($300,000.00) for 5 or more wells on the same site.The
when the Oil and Gas Inspector confirms in writing that one of t
occurred:
1. The Gas Well Permit is transferred, and the Operator-transf
security that complies with this section; or
2. The well is plugged and abandoned and the site restored.
F. An appeal of the determination of the amount of security req
may be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommenda
Council for final determination of the amount of security.
35.22.10. - Review of Permits for Gas Well Drilling and Producti
A. All applications for Gas Well Permits shall be filed with the
immediately forward all applications to the DRC for review. Inco
shall be returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall
explanation of the deficiencies if requested by the applicant. T
processing fee determined by ordinance. The City may return any
incomplete if there is a dispute pending before the Railroad Com
determination of the operator. No Gas Well Permit shall be approved under this Section
unless the property owner or applicant first receives approval o
1. A SUP, where required, a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or a
authorization in a MPC district;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit, where applicable; and
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan.
Denial or conditional approval of any such applications shall be
conditional approval of the Gas Well Permit.
B. The DRC shall review each application consistent with the pr
35.16.8 and shall determine:
38
1.Whether the application includes all of the information requir
2.Whether the application is in conformance with the applicable
Development Site Plan, applicable SUP, MPC Zoning District or PD
and
3. Whether the application is in conformance with the insurance
requirements set forth in Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.2
.
C.The Oil and Gas Inspector may not release the approved Gas
Operator has provided:
1. the security required by Subsection 35.22.9;
2. upon the Operator entering into a Road Damage Remediation Ag
obligate the operator to repair damage excluding ordinary wear a
public streets, including but not limited to, bridges caused by
operator's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or rep
performance of any activity authorized by or contemplated by the
Permit; and
3.a copy of the recordable instrument filed with the County Reco
required by Subsection 35.22.6.B.3.u.
D.The failure of the DRC or the Oil and Gas Inspector to review
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
Permit to be deemed approved.
E. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the Oil and Gas Inspector sha
1. Identify the name of each well and its Operator;
2. Specify the date on which the Oil and Gas Inspector issued e
4.Specify the date by which drilling shall commence, otherwis
(such date shall not be less than 6 months after the date of is
4. Specify that if drilling is commenced before the Permit expi
continue until the well covered by the Permit is abandoned and
5. Incorporate, by reference, the insurance and security require
Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.22.9
;
39
6.Incorporate, by reference, the requirement for periodic report
35.22.11 and for Notice of Activities set forth in Subsection 35
7.Incorporate the full text of the release of liability provisio
35.22.8.A.1;
8.Incorporate, by reference, the conditions of the applicable Wa
Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, and applicable SUP, MPC
or PD Zoning District, and Gas Well Ordinance applicable at the
well drilling and production project;
9.Incorporate, by reference, the information contained in the Pe
10.Incorporate, by reference, the applicable rules and regulatio
the applicable "field rules";
11.Specify that no drilling operations (including the constructi
access roads) shall commence until the operator has provided the
Subsection 35.22.9;
12.Contain the name, address, and phone number of the person des
notices from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas
person or by registered or certified mail;
13.Incorporate by reference all permits and fees required by the
14.Incorporate the wells RRC permit number and the American Pet
(API) number;
15.Incorporate, by reference all other applicable provisions set
16.Contain a notarized statement signed by the Operator, or desi
information is, to the best knowledge and belief of the Operator
and correct.
17.Contain a statement that the Operator is required to comply w
and state laws and regulations, which the City will verify compliance as part of its
periodic inspections.
F. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an applica
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision .
G. If an application for a Gas Well Permit is denied by the Oil
herein contained shall prevent a new Permit application from bei
for the same well.
40
H. Expiration of Gas Well Permit.
1. A Gas Well Permit is valid for six (6) months and shall autom
gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to expira
2. If a Gas Well Permit has been issued by the City but gas well
have not commenced prior to the expiration of the permit, the pe
extended unless a special exception has been approved by the Boa
pursuant to 35.22.16; however, the Operator may reapply for a ne
3. If gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to t
Well Permit issued by the City, the permit shall continue, and O
subject to an Annual Inspection and Administration fee.
4. If gas well drilling and production have commenced following
Well Permit by the City before the expiration date, the approved
Production Site and all activities shall be subject to inspecti
compliance with terms and conditions of the Gas Well Permit and
standards of the DDC.
35.22.11. - Periodic Reports.
A. The Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of any c
information within one (1) business day after the change occurs
1.The name, address, and phone number of the Operator;
2.The name, address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of t
supervisory authority over the Drilling and Production Site;
3.The name, address, and phone number of the person designated t
from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas that ca
or by registered or certified mail; and
4. The Operator's Emergency Action Plan if required to file one
state law.
B. The Operator shall provide a copy of any "incident reports" o
submitted to the RRCor any other state or federal agency within
operator has notice of the existence of such reports or complaints. This includes the
recording of both reportable and non-reportable events as noted
Code, Title 30.
.
41
C. Beginning the January after each well is spud, and continui
thereafter until the operator notifies the Oil and Gas Inspector that the well has been
plugged and abandoned and the Drilling and Production Site resto
prepare a written report to the Oil and Gas Inspector identifyi
information that was included in the application for the applica
have not been previously reported to the City.
D. The Operator must provide a copy to the Oil and Gas Inspecto
with the TCEQ in connection with an installed vapor recovery uni
35.22.5.A.2.n. The Operator shall also provide the City with co
provided by TCEQ. Such reports and responses shall be kept on t
Production Site and shall be available for inspection when reque
Inspector.
E. The Operator shall provide the City with copies filed with t
reports for setting surface casing, blowout preventer (BOP) pres
testing, pressure relief valve testing, and level control testin
provide the City with copies of any responses provided by the RR
reports and responses shall be kept on the Drilling and Producti
available for inspection when requested by the Oil and Gas Inspe
F. The Operator shall submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis
35.22.5.A.2.q upon request by the Oil and Gas Inspector.
G. In addition to the records listed in Subsections 35.22.5.A.6.
Operator shall provide the City with a copy of all records filed
by the Operator or by third parties. Copies of such records sha
and Production Site and shall be available for inspection when r
Gas Inspector.
35.22.12. - Notice of Activities.
A. Any Operator who intends to perform the following activities
work a well using a drilling rig; (3) to fracture stimulate a we
operations; (5) plug a well; (6) perform any other maintenance at a Drilling and
Production Site; or (7) to conduct seismic exploration not invol
shall give written notice to the City at least two (2) days bef
Damage Remediation Fees shall be paid to the City and submitted
Activities.
B. All dwellings within one thousand (1,000) feet of a well shal
forty-eight (48) hours prior to the activities.
1. The notice shall identify where the activities will be condu
activities in reasonable detail, including but not limited to th
and the time of day they will be conducted.
42
2.The notice shall also provide the address and twenty-four (24)
the person conducting the activities.
C.The Operator responsible for the activities shall post a si
Drilling and Production Site giving the public notice of the act
address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of the person co
D. If upon receipt of the notice the City determines that an ins
Inspector is necessary, the operator will pay the City's customa
inspection.
E. Surface Casing.
1. The Operator shall notify the Inspector within 24 hours of se
2. Casing procedures shall follow RRC Rule 3.13, or any success
F.If a proposed Drilling and Production Site is located within o
protected use, the Operator shall also host a public meeting at
convenient to surrounding property owners and residents at least
more than forty-five (45) days, prior to either: (1) the public
and Zoning Commission in connection with an SUP application, or
a Gas Well Development Site Plan if an SUP is not required. The
written notice of the meeting to all property owners located wit
feet of the proposed Drilling and Production Site. A mailing li
property and property owner shall be submitted to the Oil and Ga
compliance with this requirement. The meeting should provide in
planned activities and timelines for the site and must provide a
to ask questions about the proposed site. All notification and
borne by the Operator.
G.All surrounding property owners, businesses and residents with
feet of a Drilling and Production Site shall be notified a minim
hours prior to fracturing of a wellhead. In addition, at least
fracturing operations commence, the Operator shall post a sign a
advising the public of the date the operations will begin and se
35.22.13. - Amended Gas Well Permits.
A. AnOperator may submit an application to the Oil and Gas Insp
Gas Well Permits to:
1. Commence drilling from a new drill site that is not shown on
reference as part of) the existing permit;
2. To relocate a drill site or operation site that is shown on (or incorporated by reference
as part of) the existing Gas Well Permit; or
43
3. To otherwise amend the existing Gas Well Permit, for land sub
approved Gas Well Development Site Plan.
B. Applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be in writing
provided by the Department of Planning and Development, shall be
operator, and shall include the following:
1.The application fee as set by City ordinance;
2.A description of the proposed amendments;
3.Any changes to the information submitted with the application
Well Permit (if such information has not previously been provide
4.Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
demonstrate compliance with the applicable Gas Well Development
applicable SUP or PD District; and
5. Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
prevent imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
C. All applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be filed
Planning and Development, and the Department shall immediately f
applications to the Oil and Gas Inspector for review. Incomplete applications may be
returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall provide
deficiencies; however, the City may retain a processing fee as d
Gas Inspector. The City may return any application as incomplete
pending before the RRC regarding the determination of the Operat
D. If the activities proposed by the amendment are not materiall
activities covered by the existing Gas Well Permit or Gas Well D
and if the proposed activities are in conformance with the appli
Protection Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, applicable SU
PD District, or site-specific authorization in a MPC District, then the Oil and Gas
Inspector shall approve the amendment within ten (10) days after
E. If the activities proposed by the amendment are materially di
covered by the existing gas well permit, and if the proposed act
with the applicable Watershed Protection Permit, Gas Well Develo
applicable SUP or Detailed Plan in a PD District, or site-specif
District, then the Oil and Gas Inspector shall approve the amen
days after the application is filed. In addition, if the activit
are materially different or, in the judgment of the Oil and Gas
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons th
the activities covered by the existing permit or that was not ot
44
consideration by the existing permit, the Oil and Gas Inspector
amendment to be processed as a new Gas Well Permit application.
F. The failure of the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
amended Permit to be deemed approved.
G. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an amendme
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision. The oper
denial in accordance with Section 35.22.16.A.1.
35.22.14. - Transfer of Gas Well Permits.
A Gas Well Permit may be transferred by the Operator with the written consent of the City if
the transfer is in writing signed by both parties, if the transf
terms and conditions of the transferred Permit, if all information previously provided to the
City as part of the application for the transferred Permit is up
and if the transferee provides the insurance and security requir
Section 35.22.9. The insurance and security provided by the tran
copy of the written transfer is provided to the City and all oth
subsection are satisfied. The transfer shall not relieve the transferor from any liability to the
City arising out of any activities conducted prior to the transf
35.22.15. - Inspection.
A. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to issue a
required to carry out the intent and purpose of this Subchapter.
comply with any such order or directive shall constitute a viola
B. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to enter a
covered by the provisions of this subchapter, to determine compl
and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, or direc
federal authority.
C. Pursuant to inspection authority granted by the Texas Clean A
Code, the Oil and Gas Inspector shall conduct periodic inspectio
under this Subchapter.
D. Inspections may include periodic evaluations of air quality,
of, Drilling and Production Sites. Inspections will also includ
conformance with their Hazardous Materials Management Plan and o
requirements to their site.
45
35.22.16. Appeals and variances.
A. Procedures.
1.The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals of order
determinations made by the Oil and Gas Inspector relative to the
interpretation of this Subchapter, except for those matters desc
35.22.4.F.3 and 35.22.17; furthermore the Board of Adjustment sh
requests for variances to the provisions of this Subchapter unde
set forth below. The Board may also grant a special exception ex
expiration date of a Gas Well Development Site Plan or a Gas Wel
period not to exceed one year pursuant to the criteria set forth
who desires to appeal the type of action described in this subse
variance may file an appeal or variance to the Board of Adjustm
procedural process outlined in Section 35.3.6 of the DDC. Appeal fees shall be
required for every appeal or variance request. The Board of Adj
the appeal or variance and any other related information.
a. Standard of review for appeals. The members of the Board of
have and exercise the authority to hear and determine appeals wh
there is error or abuse of discretion regarding the approval or
Development Site Plan, or the issuance or non-issuance of a Gas
b. Standard of review for variances. In deciding variance req
Adjustment shall consider, where applicable, the following relev
i. Whether there are special circumstances existing on the property on which the
application is made related to size, shape, area, topography, su
conditions and location that do not apply generally to other pro
vicinity;
ii. Whether a variance is necessary to permit the applicant the
use of his property that are presently enjoyed by other similarl
properties, but which rights are denied to the property on which
application is made;
iii. Whether the granting of the variance on the specific property will adversely
affect any other feature of the comprehensive master plan of the
iv. Whether the variance, if granted, will be of no material det
welfare or injury to the use, enjoyment, or value of property in
46
v. Whether the operations proposed are reasonable under the circ
conditions prevailing in the vicinity considering the particular
character of the improvements located there;
vi. Whether the drilling of the maximum number of potential well
proposed drill site would conflict with the orderly growth and d
the town;
vii. Whether there are other alternative well site locations;
viii. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with the he
welfare of the public when and if conducted in accordance with t
combined well permit conditions to be imposed;
ix. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with protecti
integrity and environmental quality, including protection of sur
ground water sources, of potentially impacted environmentally se
x. Whether there is reasonable access for town fire personnel an
equipment, including the ability to safely evacuate potentially
residents;
xi. Whether the impact upon the adjacent property(ies) and the g
operations conducted in compliance with the oil, gas, or combine
conditions are reasonable and justified, balancing the following
1. The reasonable use of the mineral estate by the mineral estat
explore, develop, and produce the minerals; and
2. The availability of alternative drilling sites; and
xii. Where a variance is requested to reduce separation standar
in addition to other relevant criteria, the extent to which owne
Uses, or freshwater wells currently in use, or previously platte
where one or more lots have habitable structures, have consented
reduction in separation standards in writing.
c. The Board of Adjustment shall determine whether to grant an e
expiration date for a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well
upon whether there are circumstances reasonably beyond the contr
47
Operator, including any delay on the part of the City in issuing
permits, that justify an extension of the Site Plan or Permit, in order that the
Operator may enjoy the same rights in the use of the property th
enjoyed by other similarly situated properties, but which rights
property for which the Site Plan or Permit expires.
2. The Board of Adjustment may reverse or affirm, in whole or i
Oil and Gas Inspector's order, requirement, decision or determin
appeal is taken and make the correct order, requirement, decisio
from which an appeal is taken and make the correct order, requir
determination. The Board of Adjustment may issue a variance to t
the criteria referenced in Subsection A.1.b., and may grant a sp
the criteria referenced in A.1.c. Any action under this subsect
three-fourths majority vote of the entire Board of Adjustment.
3. Any Operator aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjus
court of record a petition, duly verified, stating that such dec
or in part, and specifying the grounds of the alleged illegality. Such petition shall be
presented within ten days after the date on which the decision o
Adjustment was rendered and not thereafter, and judicial review
be pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 211.011, as amende
B. Watershed Permit Appeals.
1.The applicant may appeal the denial or conditional approval of
Protection Permit on grounds pertaining to the standards in Subs 35.22.5.A.6
and 35.22.5.A.8 to the Planning and Zoning Commission within ten (10) calen
days of the decision by the DRC. In deciding the appeal, the Pl
Commission shall decide the appeal based upon the standards ma
permit by Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
2.The applicant may file a petition for review pursuant to Subse 35.22.5.A.6 and
35.22.5.A.8 on grounds therein specified to the City Council within ten
days of the decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The
decide the petition based upon the criteria in Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
C. Preemption Appeal.
1.. The regulation of gas well drilling and production in this s
Purpose
potentially overlaps with regulation of gas well drilling and pr
Texas and the United States of America. The purpose of this sec
48
Operators the opportunity to demonstrate to the City that one or
procedures contained in this subchapter are preempted by state o
2.. An Operator who is aggrieved by the promulgation or
Petition Contents
application of the standards or procedures in this subchapter an
or more such standards or procedures are preempted by state or f
submit a petition to the Oil and Gas Well Inspector explaining t
bases upon which the Operator relies to support his contention t
subchapter is preempted. The petition shall be accompanied by an
waiver of any statutory time periods or time periods established
review of any filed applications which are the subject of the pe
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
a. The name, mailing address, phone number and fax number of th
person's duly authorized agent);
b. Identification of all property owned or under the control of
affected by the preemption claim;
c. Identification of the permit applications for which the appl
this section;
d. Identification of all regulations in this subchapter that th
not apply to the project due to preemption of the subject matter
law;
e. For each regulation in this subchapter that is the subject o
preemption claim, specification of the state or federal law, sta
administrative rule or order that allegedly preempts the regulat
an explanation of why such law, standard, administrative rule or
the regulation.
3.
Procedure and Decision.
The Oil and Gas Inspector shall first determine whether the appl
to DDC section 35.16.8. Once the application has been determine
complete, the Director shall forward the preemption petition, to
supporting information or documentation, to the City Manager and
respective reviews. Prior to rendering his final determination
a pre-determination conference with the petitioner to discuss th
ensure that the nature of the claim is fully and completely unde
The City Manager, after consultation with the City Attorney, sha
administrative determination that grants the relief requested in
part, or denies the requested relief in whole or in part within
is complete. The City Managers determination shall include a s
the decision, and shall identify the regulations that are preemp
to the petitioners permit application(s) for approval under thi
49
Manager may also recommend to the City Council that one or more
this subchapter should be repealed or modified so as to avoid ot
35.22.17. - Remedies of the City.
A. If an Operator (or its officers, employees, agents, contracto
representatives) fails to comply with any requirement of a Gas W
any requirement incorporated by reference as part of the Permit), the Fire Marshal or Oil
and Gas Inspector may, in connection with or separate from 35.2
to the operator specifying the nature of the alleged failure and
reasonable time to cure, taking into consideration the nature an
failure, the extent of the efforts required to cure, and the pot
safety, and welfare of the community. The Operator shall respon
forty-eight (48) hours and indicate how the violation(s) shall b
however, shall the cure period be less than thirty (30) days unl
presents a risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to
alleged failure involves the operator's failure to provide perio
Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector may issue a Stop Work Order und
B. If the Operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Fire Marshal and/or Oi
notify the RRC and request that the RRC take appropriate action
notice provided to the operator), and the City may pursue any ot
C. If the operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Oil and Gas Inspector
recommendation of the Health and Building Standards Commission
1. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be sus
alleged failure is cured; or,
2. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be rev
suspension the Operator does not cure the alleged failure.
D. The decision of the Fire Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector
or revocation of a Gas Well Permit shall be provided to the Oper
ten (10) days before any action by the City Council unless the a
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
E. If a Gas Well Permit is revoked, the Operator may submit info
Well Inspector evidencing that the alleged failure resulting in
Well Permit have been corrected, and an application for a new Ga
submitted for the same well.
35.22.18. - Enforcements, Right of Entry.
50
A. The Fire Marshal and the Oil and Gas Inspector are authorized
this Subchapter and the provisions of any Gas Well Permit. Whene
enforce any provision of this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit, o
reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of this S
Permit, the Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector, may enter upo
by this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit at any reasonable time t
duty imposed by this Subchapter. If entry is refused, the City s
remedy provided by law and equity to gain entry.
B. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to do the
1. Engage in any activity not permitted by the terms of a Gas We
this Subchapter;
2. Fail to comply with any conditions set forth in a Gas Well Pe
Subchapter; or
3. Violate any provision or requirement set forth under this Sub
C. The enforcement and penalty provision under Subsection 35.1.1
violation of this Subchapter.
D. The Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector is authorized to is
court for violations of this Subchapter or Gas Well Permit.
E. The City may also notify the EPA, TCEQ, RRC or other applicab
agency in connection with violations of this Subchapter.
51
2.docx
s:\planning\cc related\year 2013\01- jan\01.08.13\staff reports\dca12-0005 subchapter 22\dca12-0005 subchapter 22_exhibit
Exhibit 2
Clean Ordinance Version
35.22.1. - Purpose, Authority and Applicability.
A.. The drilling and production of gas and the development of gas
Purpose
within the corporate limits of the City necessitate promulgation
to prevent devaluation of property; to protect watersheds; to pr
groundwater resources that actually or potentially threaten the
proximity to drilling and production activities; to prevent or
of gases that potentially threaten the health of nearby resident
injury to persons and property; to ensure that gas well drillin
are compatible with adjacent land uses throughout the duration o
assure that such activities conform to The Denton Plan. The regu
Subchapter are designed to protect the health, safety, and gener
and to assure that the orderly and practical development of mine
compatible with the quiet enjoyment of affected surface estates.
contained in this Subchapter are designed to implement the purpo
subsection and are supported by the following findings of fact:
1.Gas well drilling and production activities create externaliti
the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or wo
proximity to such operations.
2.Gas well drilling and production activities, in the absence of
may generate noxious aerial emissions, introduce contaminants in
emit high noise levels, produce large volumes of dust, congest l
fire hazards and produce other deleterious effects, all of which
on adjacent land uses, and which can result individually or cumu
persons and destabilization of property values in the vicinity o
3.The City of Denton recognizes that the United States and the S
gas well drilling and production activities for the purpose of i
quality and water quality goals. The regulations in this Chapte
supplement such standards in order to implement compatible local
assure the health, safety and general welfare of the Citys resi
B.. This Subchapter is adopted pursuant to authority vested under
Authority
constitution and laws of the United States, the State of Texas a
Each authorization identified in this Subchapter shall be constr
City's zoning powers, pursuant to the Denton City Charter, Texas
Code Chapters 211 and 212 and the provisions of Subchapter 35.5
Development Code (DDC).
C. The provisions of this Subchapter apply only within the corpora
Applicability.
of the City of Denton, except as otherwise stated in section 35.
35.22.2. - Definitions.
All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling
specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attribu
operators in the gas industry. For the purposes of this Subchapt
without regard to whether the defined terms are capitalized when
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
An all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environ
Ambient Noise Level.
composite of sounds from all sources (excluding the noise in que
approximate time at which a comparison with the noise in questio
the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing level
location. The ambient noise level is established by recording so
the noise in question) over a continuous seventy-two (72) hours
drilling. The seventy-two (72) hour time span shall include at l
reading during either a Saturday or Sunday.
A mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic apparatus, or combination
Blowout Preventer (BOP).
such apparati, that can be secured over top of an open wellbor
that,, via remote actuators, can be actuated remotely in the ev
situation arises. The primary function of the BOP is to shut th
control of the formation fluids from blowing out of the well.
A system that uses a combination of solids control equipment
Closed-loop mud system.
incorporated in a series of steel tanks that eliminates the use
The reflection of either "Spud Well" or "Nipple Up" the
Commencement of Drilling Activities.
Blow Out Protectors (BOP) by the drilling contractor on the IADC
Form maintained by the Operator's tool pusher on the pad site.
. Any ignition device, installed horizontally or vertically, us
Completion combustion device
in exploration and production operations to combust otherwise ve
completions.
The date the work is completed for
Completion of drilling, re-drilling and re-working.
drilling, re-drilling, or re-working, and the crew is released b
by its employer.
Any substance capable of contaminating a non-related homogeneou
Contaminant.
fluid, gas or environment. The period from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Daytime.
Friday; and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
2
. A well drilled in order to determine the boundary of a field
Delineation well
reservoir.
Term used to typically describe the means by which the earth
Drilling.
pathway to formations containing hydrocarbons to allow for their
can employ various types of mobilized drilling equipment to crea
incorporating drilling fluids to cool the bit, to condition the
most critically, to maintain an overbalanced pressure gradient a
contained inherently pressurized well fluids.
Drilling and Production Site (A/K/A Gas Well Park, Gas Well Pad
The area dedicated to all gas well drilling or production act
Production Area).
including the drilling and production area , all structures, clo
parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, tank battery (
drilling rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utiliti
contemplated for use during and after gas well drilling or produ
the Gas Well Development Plat or Gas Well Development Site Plan.
definition are gathering and transmission lines and compressor s
The area used for drilling, completing, or re-working a well.
Drill Site.
A written document which includes a set of procedures
Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
intended to guide an organizations response to an accident or e
Geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited
Exploration.
seismic exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or othe
Natural gas extracted from a production well prior to entering
Field Natural Gas.
of processing, such as dehydration.
The process of allowing fluids to flow from a natural gas well
Flowback.
either in preparation for a subsequent phase of treatment or in
returning the well to production. The flowback period begins whe
well during the treatment returns to the surface immediately fol
refracturing. The flowback period ends with either well shut in
continuously to the flow line or to a storage vessel for collect
A private water well used by a protected use.
Freshwater Well.
Gas or natural gas, as such terms are used in the rules, regula
Gas.
Typically, a naturally-occurring gaseous substance primarily com
light, gaseous hydrocarbons.
A processing site engaged in the extraction of natural gas liq
Gas Processing Facility.
field natural gas, or the fractionation of mixed natural gas liq
combination of both.
3
The phase that occurs after successful exploration,
Gas Production (A/K/A Production).
drilling and development involving operations including, but not
dehydrators, separators, mud pits, ponds, tank batteries or asso
during which hydrocarbons are extracted from the gas field, excl
facilities as defined and regulated by the Pipeline Safety Act o
60137.
Any well drilled for the production of gas or classified as a g
Gas Well.
Natural Resources Code.
Any written license granted by the City of Denton for the explo
Gas Well Permit.
drilling, development, production, and operation of natural gas,
regulations of this Subchapter. A Gas Well Permit is required f
Structures suitable for human habitation or occupation for whic
Habitable Structure.
Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection Certificate is requ
single or multi-family dwellings, accessory guest houses, hotels
buildings, and enclosed buildings used for commercial or industr
structure shall not include accessory buildings, barns, garages
The hazardous materials management plan and
Hazardous Materials Management Plan.
hazardous materials inventory statements required by the Fire Co
The process of directing pressurized fluids containing any com
Hydraulic Fracturing.
of water, proppant, and any added chemicals to penetrate tight f
formations, that subsequently require high rate, extended flowba
solids during completions.
Conducting a subsequent hydraulic fracturing operation at a wel
Hydraulic Refracturing.
has previously undergone a hydraulic fracturing operation.
A mechanized device that compresses gas prior to its introducti
Lift Compressor.
for use in lifting well liquids to the surface.
An integrated system designed to ground metal equipment on a
Lightning Protection System.
rig, well pad or at a tank battery location for protection again
due to lightning.
An electrical or gas-powered-pumping device that increases the
Line Compressor.
natural gas so that its pressure exceeds that of the inherent line pressure of the pipe to which it is
being introduced.
In pit construction, a liner is an impervious material, either
Liner.
used to line the interior of a pit to prevent pit fluids from leaking or leaching into the
environment. In well construction, a liner is a tubular sheath
4
purposes, such as isolating a particular zone, repairing casing
the hole size, among others.
. A well with reservoir pressure and vertical well depth such t
Low pressure gas well
times the reservoir pressure (in psia) minus 0.038 times the ver
67.578 psia is less than the flow line pressure at the sales met
A well bore drilled from surface or new lateral wellbore drille
New Well.
vertical pilot hole at a depth different from other laterals in
existing well that is purposefully deviated or kicked-off arou
the initial hole. Not to be confused with recompletion.
The period commencing at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 a.m., Mon
Nighttime.
Friday and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
The process of assembling well-control or pressure-control equi
Nipple Up.
wellhead.
An inspector designated by the City of Denton that is
Oil and Gas Inspector or Inspector.
responsible for evaluating the impacts of exploration, developme
gas wells. Responsibilities include environmentally sensitive ar
inspection, monitoring, and evaluating compliance with federal,
Also responsible for processing and approving Gas Well Developme
Development Site Plan and Gas Well Permit applications.
The person(s) in charge and in control of drilling, maintainin
Operator.
or controlling any well or pipeline including without limitation
A person familiar with and educated in the oil and gas industry
Petroleum Specialist.
been retained by the City.
A temporary or permanent containment for circulated fluids. A
Pit.
Completion/Workover pit: Pit used for storage or disposal of sp
workover fluids and drilling fluid, silt, debris, water, brine,
materials which have been cleaned out of the wellbore of a well
worked over.
Drilling fluid disposal pit: Pit, other than a reserve pit, use
fluid.
Fresh makeup water pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling r
used to make up drilling fluid.
5
Mud circulation pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig
currently being used in drilling operations.
Reserve pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig for coll
cuttings, sands, and silts; and wash water used for cleaning dri
at the well site. Reserve pits are sometimes referred to as slus
Saltwater disposal pit:
Pit used for disposal of produced saltwater.
Washout pit: Pit located at a truck yard, tank yard, or disposa
disposal of oil and gas waste residue washed out of trucks, mobi
tanks.
Water Condensate pit: Pit used in conjunction with a gas pipeli
station for storage or disposal of fresh water condensed from na
Plugging as defined by the RRC and includes the plugging of
Plugging and Abandonment.
the well, abandoned, orphaned or otherwise, and restoration of t
as required by this Subchapter.
Any dwelling, church, public park, public library, hospital, p
Protected Use.
kindergarten or elementary, middle or high school, public pool,
center, public recreation center, hotel or motel.
The Railroad Commission of Texas.
Railroad Commission (RRC).
A well completion following fracturing or refracturing where
Reduced emissions completion.
gas flowback that is otherwise vented is captured, cleaned, and
collection system, re-injected into the well or another well, us
for other useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material w
to the atmosphere.
Re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existi
Re-working.
deepening or sidetrack operations which do not extend more than
from the existing well bore, or replacement of well liners or ca
means the prior approval by ordinance of City Council, of one o
Site-specific authorization
more specifically located and defined gas well site locations, s
development, regulatory and permitting requirements, as set fort
within the site approval ordinance (or both), as applicable.
The first time the drill bit enters the ground for gas well dri
Spud.
A natural or man-made container, covered or uncovered, in which
Tank.
liquids or hydrocarbons used or produced in conjunction with the
production operations of an oil or gas well.
6
Such person(s) familiar with and educated in the oil and gas in
Technical advisor.
law as it relates to oil and gas matters who may be retained fro
Denton.
A hole or bore drilled to any horizon, formation, or strata for
Well.
natural gas, or liquid hydrocarbons.
The process that allows for the flowback of petroleum or natur
Well completion.
newly drilled wells to expel drilling and reservoir fluids and t
characteristics, which may vent produced hydrocarbons to the atm
tank.
. Any well completion with fracturing or refracturing occurring
Well completion operation
gas well affected facility.
A well outside known fields or the first well drilled in an oil
Wildcat well.
other oil and gas production exists.
Work performed on a well after its initial completion to secure
Workover Operation.
production where there has been none, to restore production that has ceased, or to enhance or
increase production within the zone originally completed.
35.22.3. - Zoning District Classifications for Gas Well Drilling
A.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits of the City shall be
permitted by right within the Rural Residential (RD-5) or within
City that is subject to the use regulations of the RD-5 District
Neighborhood Residential 1 (NR-1), Neighborhood Residential 2 (N
Center Commercial Neighborhood (RCC-N), Regional Center Commerci
(RCC-D), Employment Center Commercial (EC-C), Employment Center
I), Industrial Center Employment (IC-E) and Industrial Center Ge
Districts, except as provided in subsection B, and subject to co
requirements of this Subchapter.
B.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits
zoning districts shall be permitted only by Specific Use Permit pursuant to subchapter
35.6, or through approval of a Detailed Plan in a Planned Develo
site-specific authorization in Master Planned Community (MPC) district.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A, approval of a Sp
shall be required for gas well drilling and production on any la
year flood fringe or within one thousand, two hundred (1,200) f
elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville.
1.An application for a Specific Use Permit, or site-specific aut
development district (PD) or master planned community district (
7
drilling and production of a gas well shall be filed by the pers
authority to do so. That person is presumed to be the record own
the duly authorized agent of either the record owner or the mine
Director of Planning and Development may require an applicant to
information of authority to file an application.
2. The Chairman of the DRC has the authority to establish requir
in the Application Criteria Manual. No application shall be accepted for filing until it
is complete and the fee established by the City Council of the C
been paid. Incomplete applications shall be returned less a fee
determined by the Director of Planning and Development.
3.Approval of a SUP, a detailed plan in a PD District or site-sp
MPC district, shall be conditioned on compliance with the requir
Subchapter.
35.22.4. - Required Authorization for Gas Well Drilling and Prod
A. No gas well drilling or production activities may commence wi
the following authorizations have been obtained, in the followin
1. Approval of a Specific Use Permit, where required by Section
a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or site-specific authorization
2. Approval of a Watershed Protection Permit, where location of
production activities is proposed on land in the flood fringe or
Sensitive Area (ESA), subject to the application requirements an
Section 35.22.5.A.8;
3. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan, subject to the
requirements and standards of Section 35.22.6; and
4.Approval of a Gas Well Permit, subject to the application requ
of Section 35.22.7.
B. An application for any authorization for gas well drilling an
Subsection A may be submitted simultaneously with any other list
applications must be approved in the numerical order listed. No
shall be determined to be complete and hereby is deemed to be in
required prior applications have been approved, and no completen
be made until such prior applications have been approved.
C. Approved applications for gas well drilling and production sh
following circumstances:
8
1. A Specific Use Permit, or site-specific authorization in a P
expires according to its terms;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit expires with the expiration of
Development Site Plan.
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan expires unless a complete ap
Well Permit has been filed within one (1) years of the date of a
plan.
4. A Gas Well Permit expires if gas well drilling activities hav
six (6) months of the date of approval of the Gas Well Permit.
5.The expiration of any subsequent application results in the expiration of all prior
approved applications for the same activity.
D.Approved applications for gas well drilling and production may
expiration. Following expiration of an approved application for
production, a new application must be submitted, which shall be
standards and procedures then in effect.
E. The authorizations required by this Subchapter are in additio
permits that may be required by any other provision of the Dento
other government agency.
F. Legal Non-Conformity; Exceptions.
The provisions of Subchapter 11 are applicable to gas well drill
1.
activities. For purposes of Subchapter 11, the drilling of a ne
associated production activities do not constitute an existing u
Drilling and Production Site that has been annexed into the City
Drilling and Production Site within 30 days of the effective dat
Unless the City determines that an exemption provided under Texa
2.
Government Code, Section 245.004 or successor statute applies to
the standards and procedures in DDC Subchapters 35.16, 35.22 and
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 otherwise is inapplicab
gas well drilling and production, such standards or procedures,
necessary to give effect to this subsection F, do not apply to the authorizations
identified in subsection 35.22.4.A, if, on the effective date of
ordinance, the following circumstances existed:
a. For a specific use permit, an application was pending on the
amendatory ordinance; or
9
b. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
application for the detailed plan was pending on the effective d
amendatory ordinance; or
c. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance, an application for the detailed
plan submitted after the effective date of the amendatory ordina
to a conceptual plan for development approved with the ordinance
the PD district that identifies the location and the nature and
activities to be developed on land designated for future gas wel
production; or
d. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or
e. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance for a Drilling an
that was the subject of: (1) a specific use permit approved or p
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or (2) a detailed pl
created on or after April 27, 2005, but before the effective dat
ordinance, that identifies the location and the nature and extent of the activities to
be developed on land designated for future gas well drilling or
an MPC district created on or after April 27, 2005, but before t
the amendatory ordinance, that identifies the location and the n
the activities to be developed on land designated for future gas
production.
f. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was pending on the effe
amendatory ordinance; or
g. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was submitted after the
amendatory ordinance pursuant to a Gas Well Development Site Pla
Development Plat approved or pending on the effective date of th
ordinance that identifies the Drilling and Production Site to wh
applies.
3. Authorizations or applications excepted under this subsection
well drilling and production standards in effect immediately pri
of the amendatory ordinance, and to any standards effected by th
ordinance which the City determines to be exempt from the applic
Local Government Code Chapter 245.
4. To the extent that any exception provided under this subsecti
application pending on the effective date of an amendatory ordin
application must have been approved subsequently in order for th
apply.
10
5. Any person who has been denied an exception under Subsecti
pending applications, or who otherwise claims that he has obtai
pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 or other ap
law for such applications, may request a determination pursuant
the DDC.
35.22.5. - Standards for Gas Well Drilling and Production.
A. The drilling and production of gas wells within the City limi
following standards.
1. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
Separation standards.
a. No Drilling and Production Site may be located within one tho
of any Protected Use, or freshwater well currently in use at the
application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan is filed, or wi
(1,000) feet of any lot within a previously platted residential
one (1) or more lots have one (1) or more habitable structures.
b. Except where more stringent separation distances are specifie
separation distance between a Drilling and Production Site and a
structures other than those listed in 35.22.5.A.1.a, shall be fi
c. The minimum separation requirement established in 35.22.5.A.1
reduced via the granting of a variance by the Zoning Board of Ad
that the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not reduce the minimum
distance any less than five hundred (500) feet.
d. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a Pro
within a previously platted residential subdivision where one (1
one (1) or more habitable structures may be located as close as
(250) feet of a pre-existing Drilling and Production Site, provi
Protected Use is not served by a freshwater well that is located
thousand (1,000) feet of the drilling and production area.
e. Separation distances shall be measured from the boundary of t
Production Site identified on the Gas Well Development Site Pl
line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, to the closest exterior
point of any structure occupied by a Protected Use, or freshwate
use at the time a complete application for a gas well developmen
filed, or the closest lot line of any undeveloped lot within a p
residential subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1)
2. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
On-site requirements.
11
a. An entrance gate shall be required. Street lighting shall be
Section 26-76 of the Utility Code of the Code of the City of Den
sign identifying the entrance to the drill site or operation site shall be reflective.
b. Fencing, buffering, landscaping and screening shall be requir
Production Sites. All required fencing, landscaping, buffering
be installed in accordance with the approved Landscape Plan with
and eighty (180) days after initial drilling of the first approv
Operator decide to fence in gathering and transmission lines or
stations, or both, Operator shall install the fencing in accorda
the DDC.
c. No refining process, or any process for the extraction of pro
be carried on at a Drilling and Production Site, except that a d
separator may be maintained on a Drilling and Production Site fo
of liquids from gas. Any such dehydrator or separator may serve
well. Gas Processing Facilities shall require a Specific Use Per
d. Permanent weatherproof signs reading "DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOW
in both English and Spanish, in a minimum of four-inch lettering
at the entrance of each Drilling and Production Site. The sign s
development or operating company that is currently responsible f
plat or site plan, the RRC Well Identification Number and the Am
Petroleum Institute number for the well, the phone number for em
services (911), the number for the operator, and any other well
required by the RRC in two-inch lettering.
e. No person shall place, deposit, or discharge (or cause or al
deposited, or discharged) any oil, naphtha, petroleum, diesel, g
tar, hydrocarbon substance, or any refuse, including wastewater
any gas operation or the contents of any container used in conne
operation in, into, or upon any public right-of-way, storm drain
sanitary drain or sewer, any body of water, or any private prope
corporate limits of the City of Denton.
f. All installed, mounted, and/or permanent equipment on Drillin
Sites shall be coated, painted, and maintained at all times, inc
gas processing units, pumping units, storage tanks, above-ground
appurtenances, buildings, and structures, in accordance with app
adopted by The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). In addit
following standards are applicable:
i. Protective coatings and paints shall comply with any applicable State or City
requirements. In absence of any such requirement, protective co
paints shall be of a neutral color that is compatible with the s
environment.
12
ii. All exposed surfaces of the identified equipment must be coa
and free from rust, blisters, stains, or other defects.
g. All electric lines to production facilities shall be located in a manner compatible
to those already installed in the surrounding areas or subdivisi
h. All fire suppression and prevention equipment required by any
state, or local law shall be provided by the Operator, at the Op
maintenance and upkeep of such equipment shall be the responsibi
Operator.
i. No Operator shall excavate or construct any lines for the con
water, or minerals on, under, or through the streets or alleys o
City without an easement or right-of-way license from the City,
agreed upon, and then only in strict compliance with this Subcha
ordinances of the City, and with the specifications established
Department.
j. The digging up, breaking, excavating, tunneling, undermining,
damaging of any public street or leaving upon any public street
materials is prohibited. Construction activities or deposition o
objects creating an obstruction within limits of public right-of
are prohibited unless the Operator has first obtained written ap
Engineering Department and, if applicable, has filed a right-of-
agreement, and then only if in compliance with specifications es
Department.
k. No Gas Well Permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled
streets or alleys of the City and/or streets or alleys shown by
1999-2020 and no street shall be blocked or encumbered or closed
exploration, drilling, or production activities unless prior con
the City Manager, and then only temporarily.
l. All pits shall be lined and shall be designed, constructed, a
accordance with the liner standards set forth by the RRC. Any n
Production Sites proposed after December 18, 2012 shall utilize
mud system.
m. Any Drilling and Production Sites shall be screened with an o
masonry fence that shall be no less than eight (8) feet in heigh
i. In lieu of this requirement, an alternative fence that is co
surrounding the Drilling and/or Production Site may be approved
Director of Planning and Development.
13
ii. Required fencing must be located within three hundred (300)
equipment necessitating fencing requirements under this Subchapt
n. Vapor Recovery Units.
i. Vapor recovery equipment is required for facilities not inclu
Rule§106.352 of TAC Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 106, Subchapter O;
successor regulation.
ii. An Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector within tw
the first sale of gas from a well.
o. Any lift compressor which is installed within an approved Dr
Site shall be located at least twenty-four (24) feet from the ou
site.
p. Commencing on the December 18, 2012, except as provided in s
of this section, for each well completion operation with hydraul
i. For the duration of flowback, recovered liquids shall be rout
more storage vessels or re-injected into the well or another wel
recovered gas shall be routed into a gas flow line or collection
injected into the well or another well, used as an on-site fuel
for another useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material
with no direct release to the atmosphere. If this is infeasible, the requirements
in sub-paragraph (iii) of this paragraph shall be followed.
ii. All salable quality gas shall be routed to the gas flow line
practicable. In cases where flowback emissions cannot be directe
line, the requirements in sub-paragraph (iii) of this section sh
iii. Flowback emissions shall be captured and directed to a comp
combustion device, except in conditions that may result in a fir
explosion, or where high heat emissions from a completion combus
may negatively impact waterways. Completion combustion devices m
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source over the dur
flowback.
iv. Releases to the atmosphere during flowback and subsequent re
minimized.
v. The requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall not app
1. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for wildcat or delineation well.
14
2. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for non-wildcat low pressure gas well or no
delineation low pressure gas well.
q. Soil sampling: Pre- and post-drilling; periodic soil sampli
be required for all new Drilling and Production Sites. Soil sam
subject to the following requirements:
i.Upon application for an Oil and Gas Well Permit, soil sampling
conducted prior to the commencement of any drilling at the propo
and Production Site to establish a baseline study of site condit
minimum of one soil sample shall be taken at the location of any
equipment to be utilized at the Drilling and Production Site to
existing conditions at the Drilling and Production Site.
ii.A licensed third party consultant shall be utilized to collec
pre-drilling and post-drilling soil analyses. The cost of such
be borne by the Operator.
iii.Soil samples must be collected and analyzed utilizing proper
laboratory protocol from a United States Environmental Protectio
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved laboratory.
results of the analyses will be addressed to the City and a copy
shall be provided to the Operator and surface estate owner. The
include the following analyses at a minimum: TPH, VOCs, SVOCs,
Barium, Chromium and Ethylene Glycol.
iv.Post-drilling soil samples shall be collected and analyzed af
of drilling of each well. Subsequent to the drilling of each wel
samples shall be taken as determined by the Oil and Gas Inspecto
inspection events to document soil quality data at the Drilling
Site. Samples shall include, but not be limited to, areas where
equipment was located. Results of the analyses shall be provide
in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
v.Whenever abandonment occurs pursuant to the requirements of th
as referenced in 35.22.5.A.6.k, the Operator so abandoning shall
production soil sampling within three (3) days after equipment h
removed from the Drilling and Production Site to document that t
conditions are within regulatory requirements. Results of the a
provided as described in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
vi.If any soil sample results reveal contamination levels that exceed the
minimum state or federal regulatory levels, the City shall submi
sample results to the appropriate state or federal regulatory ag
enforcement.
15
r. Any rubbish or debris that might constitute a fire hazard sh
distance of at least 150 feet from the vicinity of any well, tan
s. An Operator shall not maintain or use any pit for storage of
oil field fluids, or for storage or disposal of oil and gas wast
3.The following requirements
Operations and equipment practices and standards.
apply only within City limits.
a. Adequate nuisance prevention measures shall be taken to preve
offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration.
b. Directional lighting shall be provided for the safety of gas
completion and production operations and shall be installed and
fashion designed to disturb adjacent developments in the least
c. The Operator shall at all times comply with the applicable ru
the RRC including but not limited to all applicable Field Rules.
d. To address noise concerns, only electric motors shall be used
drilling, transferring or blending chemicals, compressing gas, l
wells, The Oil and Gas Inspector may approve the use of an alter
produces lower noise levels than an electric motor.
e. There shall be no venting or flaring of gases in residential
by the RRC or TCEQ. If venting or flaring is allowed by the RRC
activities shall not be located closer than one thousand (1,000)
protected use, unless: (1) a setback variance has been granted p
or (2) if practical and if approved by the City Fire Marshal, gr
wholly enclosed or screened with a masonry wall. .
f. Vehicles, equipment, and machinery shall not be placed or loc
and Production Site (or on any public street, alley, driveway, o
of-way) in such a way as to constitute a fire hazard or to unreasonably obstruct or
interfere with fighting or controlling fires.
g. Only Light Sand Fracture Technology or fracture stimulations
RRC shall be used to fracture stimulate a well.
h. Fracing operation shall be scheduled to occur during daylight
Operator has notified the Oil and Gas Inspector that fracing will occur before or
after daylight hours to meet safety requirements.
i.Pneumatic drilling shall not be permitted.
16
j. Any notices required herein shall be made pursuant to Subsect
k. Except in the case of an emergency, gas well flaring shall on
during day-time hours.
4. The following requirements apply only within City
Storage tanks and separators.
limits.
a. An Operator is allowed to construct, use, and operate such st
separation equipment as shown on the approved Gas Well Develop
Plan, except that permanent storage equipment and separation equ
exceed eight (8) feet in height.
b. The use of centralized tank batteries is permitted as shown on the applicable Gas
Well Development Site Plan.
c. No Drilling and Production Site is allowed in the FEMA design
(100) year floodway. A Drilling and Production Site is allowed w
thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of
Roberts or Lake Lewisville with an approved Specific Use Permit.
d. No storage tanks or separation facilities shall be placed in
other ESA except in accordance with Subsection 35.22.5A.8.
.
5.
Flow lines and gathering lines.
a. Each Operator shall place pipeline marker sign at each point
gathering line crosses a public street or road.
b. Each Operator shall place a warning sign for lines carrying H
Sulfide) gas as required by the Railroad Commission.
c. All flow lines and gathering lines within the corporate limits of the City
(excluding City utility lines and franchise distribution systems
transport oil, gas, and/or water shall be limited to the maximum
operating pressure applicable to the pipes installed and shall b
least the minimum cover or backfill specified by the American Na
Institute Code, as amended.
6. The provisions of this section
Additional safety and environmental requirements.
shall apply within the corporate limits of the City of Denton.
a. The drilling and production of gas and accessing the Drilling
shall be in compliance with all state and federal environmental
gas well development or activity is allowed in the FEMA designat
(100) year floodway. Drilling within Flood Fringe or other ESA s
17
Map adopted by the City is allowed under the restrictions set fo
35.22.5A.8.
.
b. Erosion and sediment control practices shall be conducted for
Operator shall comply with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
by the City.
c. As an exception to 35.22.5.A.6.a. or a Specific Use Permit re
gas wells may have a target location or bottom-hole location tha
floodway, an ESA or within one thousand two hundred (1,200) fee
pool elevation of lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville when the g
directionally from a location outside such areas.
d. Each well shall be equipped with an automated valve that clos
event of an abnormal change in operating pressure. All wellheads
emergency shut off valve to the well distribution line.
e. Each storage tank shall be equipped with a level control devi
automatically activate a valve to close the well in the event of
accumulation in the tank.
f. All storage tanks shall be anchored for stability.
g. All storage tanks shall be equipped with either steel or conc
containment systems including lining with an impervious material
containment system shall be of a sufficient height to contain on
(1½) times the contents of the largest tank in accordance with t
pots shall be provided at pump out connections to contain the li
storage tank.
h. Outside storage areas shall be equipped with a secondary cont
designed to contain a spill from the largest individual vessel.
rainfall, secondary containment shall be designed to include the
twenty-four (24)-hour rainfall as determined by a twenty-five (2
provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of ground water
i. Drilling and Production Sites shall be equipped with a ligh
system, in accordance with the Citys Fire Code and the National
Associations NFPA-780. In addition, tank battery facilities sh
with a remote foam line and a lightning arrestor system.
j. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan shall be on file with t
Any updates or changes to this plan shall be provided to the Fir
three (3) working days of the change. All chemicals and/or hazar
shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent, contain, and fac
remediation and cleanup of any accidental spill, leak, or discha
18
material. Operator shall have all material safety data sheets (M
hazardous materials on site. All applicable federal and state re
requirements for the proper labeling of containers shall be foll
pollution prevention actions shall be required and include, but
chemical and materials raised from the ground (e.g., wooden pall
storage, installation and maintenance of secondary containment s
protection from storm water and weather elements.
k. All wells shall be plugged and abandoned in accordance with t
RRC; however, all well casings shall be cut and removed to a dep
(10) feet below the surface unless the surface owner submits a w
otherwise. Three (3) feet shall be the minimum depth. In additi
shall:
i. Submit a copy of its RRC Form W-3A (Notice of Intention to
Abandon) and Form W-3 (Plugging Record) to the Inspector within
business days of filing with the RRC;
ii. Notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of the intention to plug a
at least twenty-four (24) hour prior to commencing activities; a
iii. Submit to the Oil and Gas Inspector the surface hole locati
acceptable Geographic Information System (GIS) format to accurat
and track well locations. The GIS data may be submitted with an
Well Permit application or with the annual administrative report
of GIS location data is only required once.
iv. Submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis as required by Sub
35.22.5.A.2.q.
l. Operators must close each Drilling and Production Site in a m
minimizes the need for care after closure. To achieve this requ
shall be reclaimed to the condition identified on the Site Recla
nearly as practicable. In the event development encroaches up t
after drilling and production activities, a reasonable rehabilit
be approved by the City to ensure the reclaimed site is compatib
surrounding properties.
m. No gas well drill sites shall be allowed on slopes greater th
n. No Class II injection wells shall be located within the City
o. No gas well permit will be issued for any well where the Dril
Site is located within one thousand (1,000) feet of an existing
unless a variance, or consent from neighboring property owners,
obtained per 35.22.5.A.1.
19
p. Pits shall always be operated with a minimum of at least two
above the contents within it.
q. For safety reasons, fencing shall be installed to restrict ac
other type of open pit utilized in gas well drilling operation a
the corporate limits of the City.
r. Drip pans, catchment basins and other secondary containment d
absorbing materials shall be placed or installed underneath all
pumps, lubricating oil systems, engines, fuel and chemical stora
valves, connections, and any other areas or structures that coul
discharge, or otherwise spill hazardous or solid materials. .
s. After the well has been completed, or plugged and abandoned,
clean and repair all damage to public property caused by such op
thirty (30) days.
t. After any spill, leak or discharge, the Operator shall remove
removed all contamination and associated waste materials. Clean-
shall begin immediately.
u. The Drilling and Production Site and site access road shall a
free of debris, pools of water or other liquids, contaminated so
trash or other waste material outside the Drilling and Productio
v. All pits associated with Drilling and Production Sites shall
requirements.
i. The type of pit used in drilling operations shall be specifie
permitting. The Oil and Gas Inspector may perform a contaminatio
assessment for any reserve pit, completion/work-over pit, drilli
disposal pit, fresh makeup water pit, mud circulation pit, washo
condensate pit. The following concentrations for contaminants wi
determine if contamination exists within any materials in the pi
Compound Concentration limit
TPH15 mg/L
BTEX500 µg/L
20
Benzene50 µg/L
From 30TAC 321.131.138
If concentrations exceeding these values are detected, the opera
remove, cause to be removed, or otherwise remediate contaminants
the limits provided herein. Cleanup operations shall begin immed
Cleanup activities that do not begin within twenty-four (24) hou
notification by the oil and gas inspector shall be considered a
Subchapter.
ii. Only freshwater-based mud systems shall be permitted. Saltwater-based mud
systems and oil-based mud systems are prohibited.
iii. Chloride content of fluids held in pits may not exceed thre
milligrams per liter.
iv. No metal additives may be added to any drilling fluids.
v. All fluid produced from the well during completion of product
held in enclosed containers while stored on the property.
vi. All fluids shall be removed ("de-watering") from the pits wi
days of completion of drilling operations.
vii. The pit and its contents shall be removed from the premises
days after completion of the drilling of a well; provided, howev
permittee may apply for a ninety (90)-day extension from such re
based on showing of good cause, necessity to maintain said pit,
weather, or other factors. The City may designate a period of ti
the ninety (90)-day extension set out herein.
w. All pits shall be backfilled in accordance with the following
Director of Planning and Development may grant permission for a
the site if the surface property owner submits a written request
i. Reserve pits and mud circulation pits shall be dewatered wi
and backfilled and compacted within ninety (90) days of cessatio
drilling activities.
ii. All completion/workover pits used when completing a well sh
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of well completion.
21
iii. All completion/workover pits used when working over a well
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of completion of re-work opera
iv. Basic sediment pits, flare pits, fresh mining water pits, a
condensate pits shall be dewatered, backfilled, and compacted wi
hundred and twenty (120) days of final cessation of use of the p
x. Each operator must submit to the City a water conservation pl
The plan must provide information in response to each of the fol
i. A description of the use of the water in the production proce
the water is diverted and transported from the source(s) of supp
water is utilized in the production process, and the estimated q
consumed in the production process and therefore unavailable for
discharge, or other means of disposal;
ii. If long-term, five (5) to ten (10) years, water storage is a
five-year and ten-year targets for water savings and the basis f
development of such goals;
iii. A description of the device(s) and/or method(s) within an a
minus 5.0% to be used in order to measure and account for the am
water diverted from the source of supply;
iv. Leak-detection, repair, and accounting for water loss in the
system;
v. Application of state-of-the-art equipment and/or process modi
improve water use efficiency; and
vi. Any other water conservation practice, method, or technique
shows to be appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals o
conservation plan.
y. No gas well drilling and production shall be permitted withi
(1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or
unless the Operator first obtains a SUP.
7. Supplemental drilling.
a. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the conditions for the applicable S
or underlying zoning classification that permits gas development
operator shall provide the Oil and Gas Inspector a copy of addit
that allow drilling to a deeper depth.
22
b. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the approved Gas Well Permit for th
with the City.
8. Watershed Protection Requirements for Wells located in Flood
ESA's.
The standards in this subsection are adopted pursuant to the aut
Texas Local Government Code, Section 551.002 and are intended to
adverse impacts on areas within the Flood Fringe or ESA, reduce
lessen the potential for contaminating surface water or any wate
a. The provisions of 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8 shall apply to a Drilling and
..
Production Site required to have a Watershed Protection Permit w
corporate limits of the City of Denton. The provisions of 35.2
to a Drilling and Production Site required to have a Watershed P
located within the corporate limits of the City of Denton or wit
City of Denton.
b. Drilling and Production Sites shall be located outside ESAs w
to minimize adverse impacts on these areas, reduce flood damage,
potential for contaminating surface water or any water supply.
c. Prior to location of any gas well in the Flood Fringe or ESA,
or applicant shall first obtain approval of an application that
the Application Criteria Manual for a Watershed Protection Permi
comply with the provisions of 35.22.5.
d. A Watershed Protection Permit containing an ESA assessment of
Production Site shall be approved by the Department of Environme
i.For all ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Well Development
1. If a riparian buffer is designated as "fair" to "excellent"
designated protective stream buffer width as specified in Subcha
the Denton Development Code shall apply, and no encroachments sh
allowed.
2. Within all areas except unstudied floodplains, if the stream
as a "poor" ESA, the designated width of the protective stream b
`shall be decreased by either fifty (50) percent or to the limit
floodway whichever is greater, but in no instance shall the prot
stream buffer width be decreased below twenty-five (25) feet mea
each direction from the centerline of the existing channel.
23
ii. For all flood fringe ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Wel
Site Plan or Plat.
e. Tree mitigation for gas wells located in an ESA shall be requ
calculated on a one to one replacement value for one hundred (10
dbh of trees removed from the Drilling and Production Site. Tree
be accomplished by planting replacement trees, within a floodpla
site with similar tree species or by payment into a Tree Mitigat
Mitigation Funds that are specific to ESA's will be kept separat
Mitigation Funds and will only be used to either acquire wooded
riparian property that remains in a naturalistic state in perpetuity, or to purchase
conservation easements within riparian or floodplain areas. Fund
purchase, plant, and maintain trees on public property, as long
property is within a riparian area or floodplain.
f. The Watershed Protection Permit application shall contain the
information and such information as may be required by the Devel
Committee which is reasonably necessary to review and determine
proposed development and required facilities meet the requiremen
Subchapter and as required by the Application Criteria Manual. T
that is required for the Watershed Protection Permit shall inclu
limited to:
i.A Tree Inventory Plan shall show the location of ESAs on any p
Drilling and Production Site.
ii. Any request to remove tree(s) shall be accompanied by a lett
certified geologist or engineer that indicates why the well site
located to avoid the trees. If Operator has chosen to pay into
Mitigation Fund, such funds shall be paid prior to final approva
and Production Site within an ESA.
iii. Show location of ESAs on proposed Drilling and Production S
g. Only one (1) well head may be placed in the Flood Fringe or E
following conditions:
i. Storage tanks or separation facilities shall be constructed
(18) inches above the established Base Flood elevation plus the
depth for encroachment to the limits of the floodway having a on
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year.
ii. A hydrologic and hydraulic engineering study shall be perfor
Registered Professional Engineer. The study shall be submitted to the
Engineering Department in a technical report for review by the C
or his designated representative. The report shall demonstrate t
24
proposed facilities will have no adverse impacts on the carrying
the adjacent waterway nor cause any increases to the elevations
for the floodplain. When the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) o
subject site is designated as "Zone A" on the FIRM Panel, or the
identified on the FIRM Panel, the following approximate method m
to evaluate the impacts from gas well development. A flow rate s
calculated using procedures set forth in the City of Denton Drai
Manual. Using Manning's Equation with an estimate of the average
the stream, measurements of a single irregular cross-section geo
well site, and the one hundred (100) year discharge rate, the av
and normal depth may be calculated. Calculations shall be provid
unaltered existing channel cross-section and for the proposed mo
channel cross-section and submitted to the City for review and a
to construction within these areas.
iii. No more than ten (10) percent of the floodplain, within the
Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, may be
h. If evidence from water quality monitoring efforts indicates t
occurring from gas wells, the Operator shall remove, cause to be
otherwise remediate contamination, as required by the oil and ga
including but not limited to Waste Minimization Practices establ
RRC. Cleanup operations shall begin immediately. A re-inspection
charged as established by the City Council and published in the
Criteria Manual.
B. Drilling and Production Sites shall comply with all federal,
applicable to gas well drilling, production and operations.
C. Noise Management Standards. The following standards apply to
production in the City limits.
1. The Operator shall submit with its Gas Well Site Plan a conti
hour pre-drilling Ambient Noise Level measured three hundred (30
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site. The seventy-two
shall include at least one (1) twenty-four-hour reading during e
Sunday.
2. No gas well drilling equipment, production equipment, re-dril
other associated equipment shall be operated at any Drilling and
within the City in such a manner so as to create any noise level
(65) decibels.
The dB level shall be measured at a distance of one thousand (1
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site or one hundred (1
25
any Protected Use setback line, whichever distance is nearer to
Production Site.
3. The distances described in 35.22.5.C.2 shall be measured from
Drilling and Production Site depicted on the Gas Well Developmen
Development Site Plan, in a straight line, without regard to int
objects, and outward from the boundary of the Drilling and Produ
4.If the ambient noise level that was established and submitted
accordance with 35.22.5.C.1 is higher than the levels set forth
noise generated from the Drilling and Production Site may not e
ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels during daytim
decibels during nighttime hours, except as provided by 35.22.5.C
5. The following adjustments to the noise standards as set forth
intermittently during daytime hours only, except in the case of
Maximum Permitted Increase above 65 dB or established ambient, Maximum Duration
ambient exceeds 65 dB (minutes)*
10 dB 5 minutes
15 dB 1 minute
20 dB Less than 1 minute
*Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
6. Acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or other alternati
by the City may be used to ensure noise limitation compliance. A
shall comply with accepted industry standards and be subject to
7. The sound level meter used in conducting noise evaluations sh
National Standard Institute's Standard for sound meters or an in
associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
8. The noise level generated during gas drilling activities shal
monitored by the Operator to ensure compliance with the noise li
established herein, if the Drilling and Production Site is withi
26
feet of a Protected Use. The cost of such monitoring shall be bo
In addition, the Operator shall also provide the following data:
i. The continuous noise monitoring data shall include an audio
identify the source of sound level fluctuations throughout the l
continuous noise monitoring equipment shall be capable of remote
real-time noise and audio data in a format acceptable to the Ins
the real-time data shall be made available to the Oil and Gas Inspector;
ii. The continuous noise monitoring data shall be summarized in
and submitted to the Oil and Gas Inspector each Monday for the p
through Sunday reporting week, which may be combined with the su
week if the number of monitoring days for any given week is thre
The report shall be in an electronic format or other format spec
Gas Inspector. The weekly report shall contain all noise data,
tones and low frequency readings, and shall be averaged in twent
intervals; and
iii. The weekly noise report shall state whether the Drilling a
compliance with acceptable noise standards. If the report identifies that the
Drilling and Production Site is not compliant, then the report s
measures being taken to return the site to compliance and the ti
implementing these remedial measures.
9. For Drilling and Production Sites not continuously monitored,
received after the commencement of drilling activities by either
City, the Operator shall immediately upon receipt of the complai
monitor the exterior noise level generated by the gas well drilling or production for a
seventy-two (72) hour period and take the action necessary to ab
violation exists. The monitoring shall be performed in accordan
and ii.
10. In the event of a violation of this subsection, the City may
citation to the Operator for the violation.
35.22.6. - Gas Well Development Site Plan and Watershed Protecti
A. Applicability.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be approved for any la
limits before a Gas Well Permit may be issued or any gas well dr
activities may occur. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Pl
processing of a complete application for a Gas Well Permit. If
he
Watershed Protection Permit application shall accompany the appl
Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, but shall be
27
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be approved prior to appr
Development Site Plan, Gas Well Development Plat, or Gas Well Pe
land in any floodplain or ESA within the corporate limits of the
Watershed Protection Permit authorizes the processing of a compl
Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, as
that includes land in a floodplain or ESA.
B. Application RequirementsGas Well Development Site Plan.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not
complete or deemed complete until:
a. Any required Specific Use Permit has been approved by the Cit
b. A complete application for a Watershed Protection Permit, whe
been filed with the City pursuant to this subchapter. Any condit
approval of the Watershed Protection Permit shall be deemed inco
the conditions of approval for the Gas Well Development Site Pla
2. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan authorizes the h
Site Plan to apply for a Gas Well Permit.
3. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan, in addit
forth in Subsection 1, shall:
a. Clearly delineate the boundaries of the gas well drilling or
metes and bounds description, and list the exact acreage of the
drilling and production activities shall be limited to this area
b. Identify all ingress and egress points.
c. Show the location of all floodplains and ESAs.
d. Show the location of all freshwater wells currently in use at the time of filing of
the application within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Drilling
Site.
e. Show the location of all structures with a protected use with
(1,000) feet of the Drilling and Production Site;
f. Identify and show proposed method of erosion and sediment con
g. Identify the location of proposed lease lines;
h. Identify the location of all proposed gas wells, mud pits, po
equipment;
28
i.Label distances between gas wells and property lines;
j. Provide site specific well schematics showing layout during d
completion of drilling;
k. Show location of all existing and proposed underground pipeli
drawings shall be filed with the City (in a digital form as spec
and as a condition of maintaining the annual operating permit).
proposed in public rights-of-way shall require a Right-of-Way Us
The City Manager shall have the authority to enter into a Right-
Agreement;
l. Show the location of all pipelines and identify if pipelines connect with a Gas
Distribution System;
m. Identify the height, size, bulk and location of all structure
dehydrators, parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, t
rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utilities, and a
objects contemplated within the boundaries of the gas well drill
area;
n. Provide a Tree Protection Plan demonstrating compliance with
Preservation Code;
o. Provide a Signage Plan, complying with this Subchapter for bo
and pipelines;
p. A Screening, Fencing, and Landscape Plan, in accordance with
established for Industrial land uses in Subchapter 13 of the DDC
compliance with all landscape and screening measures to be taken
irrigate all landscaping including the water source for irrigati
efforts to replace dead or dying screening vegetation; and
q. A Noise Mitigation Plan that includes:
i.A description of the proposed facility/operation;
ii.The established ambient noise level;
iii.An analysis of any significant sources of noise generated on
Production Site; and
iv.An analysis of any abatement measures necessary to bring the
activity into compliance with the Citys noise standards.
29
r. A Site Reclamation Plan that establishes the existing conditi
prior to drilling activities. The Site Reclamation Plan shall
and Post-Closure Plans.
i. Closure Plan. Site closure includes well plugging and abandon
equipment removal, and site clean-up. This plan should describe
Drilling and Production Site will be closed, how the proposed fi
closure will be achieved, and a detailed description of the clos
ii. Post-Closure Plan. Post-closure care includes any subsequent
necessary to minimize the need for care after closure and should
anticipated work activities necessary to achieve this objective.
s. The Operator shall submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Pla
with the applicable City Criteria Manual.
t. The Operator shall notify all private freshwater well owners in writing that they
have the right to have their wells tested. Proof of such writte
submitted to the City as part of the Site Plan application.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection35.22.6.B.3.u.iiibelow,areportdetailingall
privatewaterwellswithin1,500feetoftheDrillingandProductionSites
boundaryandmethodforwhichsuchinformationwasobtained.Thereport
shouldincludefreshwaterwellsamplingpre-drillinganalysisthatmeetsthe
followingrequirements:
i.Water sampling must be collected and analyzed in accordance with
established federal sampling and laboratory protocol. All labor
TCEQ or EPA certified laboratories. Pre-approval by the Citys
Environmental Services Director, or designee, of all sampling me
preservationtechniques, analytical methods and contract laboratories is
required. This information is required to be submitted with the
Permit application.
ii.At a minimum, the following parameters shall be tested for: meth
chloride, sodium, barium, strontium, total dissolved solids, total suspended
solids, and pH. Other parameters may be required at the discret
Citys Environmental Services Director, or designee.
iii.This freshwater well sampling requirement may be partly or entird if
a well(s) is(are) abandoned, or if one or more of the freshwater
within 1,500 feet of the Drilling and/or Production Site deny th
request to have the well(s) sampled. The Operator must produce
evidence to supportthat the well(s) is(are) abandoned or that their sample
request(s) was(were) denied by the freshwater well owner(s).
30
u. The Operator shall submit a deed, lease, contract or similar
evidencing the location of the Drilling and Production Site, whi
be filed with the County Records Department upon approval of the
Development Site Plan.
v. The Operator shall provide a copy of its Emergency Action Pla
prepare one pursuant to federal or state law.
w. Any other information deemed necessary by the Oil and Gas Ins
compliance with these standards.
C. Processing of Applications.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be
manner for an application for a gas well development plat, as pr
35.16.19 of the DDC.
, and shall be decided by the Oil and Gas Inspector
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be processed in accordanc
a. All applications for Watershed Protection Permits shall be fi
Department, who shall immediately forward all applications to th
review. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applica
the City shall provide a written explanation of the deficiencies
applicant. The City shall retain a processing fee determined by
The City may return any application as incomplete if there is a
before the Railroad Commission regarding the determination of th
application shall be deemed accepted for filing until the applic
b. The DRC may attach such conditions to approval of a Watershed
Permit as are necessary to assure that the requirements of Subse
met.
c. Each Watershed Protection Permit approved by the DRC shall:
i.Identify the name of each well subject to the permit;
ii.Specify the date on which the Permit was issued;
iii.Incorporate by reference all applicable standards of approva
iv. Incorporate by reference all applicable conditions of approv
D. Criteria for Approval.
1.No Gas Well Development Site Plan shall contain more than one
Production Site, and the Drilling and Production Site shall not
31
acres in size. All standards in Section 35.22.5 shall be met, an
to prior approvals shall be incorporated in the approval of the Gas Well Development
Site Plan.
2. The following standards apply to an application for a Watersh
a. For land inside the City limits, all conditions imposed by an
MPC District or a PD District for the land subject to the Waters
Permit.
b. Standards in Subsection 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8.
..
3. An Operator shall submit an amended Gas Well Development Site
approval if the items required by 35.22.6.B.3, subsections b.,
different than those contained in the earlier approved Gas Well
Plan. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall review the amended Gas We
Site Plan in accordance with this Subsection D.
E. Expiration.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall automatically expire o
date of approval, unless a Gas Well Permit has been issued by th
site.
a. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not be extended unless
exception has been approved by the Board of Adjustment pursuant
35.22.16. The applicant may submit a new Gas Well Development Si
application for review and approval in accordance with all appli
requirements of the DDC then in effect.
b. If the Gas Well Development Site Plan expires, then all permi
or simultaneous with the site plan for the same activity shall l
the same date.
2. An associated Watershed Protection Permit shall expire with t
Well Development Site Plan and may not be extended prior to expi
35.22.7. - Gas Well Permit Required.
A. Any person, acting for himself or acting as an agent, employe
or servant for any person, shall not engage in the drilling and
within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining
under this Subchapter.
B. When a Gas Well Permit has been issued covering a well, the P
authority for drilling, operation, production, gathering of prod
32
re-working, testing, site preparation consisting of rigs or tank
abandonment, and any other activity authorized by this Subchapte
drilling or production by the Operator and their respective empl
contractors. A Gas Well Permit shall also constitute authority f
of all facilities reasonably necessary or convenient in connecti
gathering lines and discharge lines, by the Operator and its res
contractors and subcontractors.
C. A Gas Well Permit shall not be required for exploration for g
geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited t
exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or other sub-su
seismic permit is required for impact-based exploration.
D. A Gas Well Permit shall not, however, constitute authority fo
of a plugged and abandoned well. Re-entry and drilling of a plug
shall require a new Gas Well Permit.
E. Applications for Gas Well Permits shall be in accordance with
1. Shall be in writing;
2. Shall be on forms provided by the City;
3. Shall be signed by the Operator;
4. Shall include the application fee;
5.Shall include a copy of the applicable SUP, PD District, or Ga
Site Plan; and
6. Shall include the information required by the Application Criteria Manual unless such
information has been previously provided to the City.
35.22.8. - Insurance and Indemnification.
The Operator shall provide or cause to be provided the insurance
well for which a Gas Well Permit is issued, such insurance to co
abandoned and the site restored. The operator may provide the re
"blanket basis for multiple wells". Such coverage shall be appro
the City of Denton.
A.
General Requirements. Indemnification and Express Negligence Pro
1. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the City shall include the fol
Operator does hereby expressly release and discharge, all claims
judgments, and executions which it ever had, or now have or may
33
may have, or claim to have, against the City of Denton, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, successors, assigns, sponsors, volun
created by, relating to or arising out of personal injuries, kno
injuries to property, real or personal, or in any way incidental
the performance of the work performed by the operator under a Ga
the Operator caused by or arising out of, that sequence of event
the Gas Well Permit, and work performed by the Operator shall fu
indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, employees, successors, assigns, spon
from and against each and every claim, demand, or cause of actio
liability, damages, obligations, judgments, losses, fines, penal
expenses incurred in defense of the City of Denton, Texas, and/o
agents, officers, servants, or employees, including, without lim
injuries and death in connection therewith which may be made or
Operator, its agents, assigns, or any third parties on account o
any way incidental to or in connection with the performance of t
by the Operator under a Gas Well Permit and, the Operator agrees
hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or its departments,
agents, servants, employees, successors, assigns, sponsors, or v
liabilities or damages suffered as a result of claims, demands,
against the City and/or, its departments, it's officers, agents,
created by, relating to or arising out of the acts or omissions
occurring on the Drilling and Production Site or operation site
of inspecting and permitting the gas wells INCLUDING, BUT NOT LI
CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON OCCURRING ON THE
DRILLING AND PRODUCTION SITE IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF
INSPECTING AND PERMITTING THE GAS WELLS. IT IS UNDERSTOOD
AND AGREED THAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION IS
AN INDEMNITY EXTENDED BY THE OPERATOR TO INDEMNIFY AND
PROTECT THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS,
AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR EMPLOYEES FROM THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR
EMPLOYEES, WHETHER THAT NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE
RESULTANT INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR DAMAGE. LIABILITY FOR THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF ITS
DUTY TO INSPECT AND PERMIT THE GAS WELL IS LIMITED TO THE
MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF RECOVERY UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT.
2. All policies shall be endorsed to read "this policy will not
renewed without thirty (30) days advanced written notice to the
except when this policy is being cancelled for nonpayment of pre
ten (10) days advance written notice is required".
34
3. Liability policies shall be written by carriers licensed to d
with companies with A: VIII or better rating in accordance with
Rating Guide, or with nonadmitted carriers that have a financial
carriers licensed to do business in Texas approved by the City.
4. Liability policies shall name as "Additional Insured" the Cit
employees, and volunteers.
5. Certificates of insurance shall be presented to the City evid
endorsements required by this Section 35.22.8, and the acceptanc
without the required limits and/or coverage's shall not be deeme
requirements.
6. Claims made policies will not be accepted except for excess p
otherwise provided by this Subchapter.
B.
Required Insurance Coverages.
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance.
a. Coverage should be a minimum Combined Single Limit of one mil
($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damag
coverage shall include premises, operations, blowout or explosio
completed operations, blanket contractual liability, underground
broad form property damage, independent contractors protective l
personal injury.
b. Environmental Impairment (or Seepage and Pollution) shall be
the coverage or written as separate coverage. Such coverage shal
damage to the lease site. If Environmental Impairment (or Seepag
Coverage is written on a "claims made" basis, the policy shall p
retroactive date applicable precedes the effective date of the i
Permit. Coverage shall apply to sudden and non-sudden pollution
resulting from the escape or release of smoke, vapors, fumes, ac
chemicals, liquids or gases, waste material or other irritants,
pollutants.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance. Minimum Combined Single Limit
dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Proper
coverage shall include owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
3. Worker's Compensation Insurance. In addition to the minimum s
requirements, coverage shall include Employer's Liability limits
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each accident, one hundr
($100,000) for each employee, and a one million dollars ($1,000,
occupational disease, and the insurer agrees to waive rights of
35
City, its officials, agents, employees, and volunteers for any w
City by the operator.
4. Excess (or Umbrella) Liability Insurance. Minimum limit of te
($10,000,000) covering in excess of the preceding insurance poli
5. Control of Well Insurance.
a. Minimum limit of five million dollars ($5,000,000) per occurr
b. Policy shall cover the Cost of controlling a well that is out
or Restoration expenses, Seepage and Pollution Damage. Damage to
the Operator's Care, Custody, and Control with a sub-limit of fi
thousand dollars ($500,000) may be added.
35.22.9. - Security.
A. A security instrument that covers each well shall be delivere
Inspector before the issuance of the Gas Well Permit for the wel
provide that it cannot be cancelled without at least thirty (30)
the City and, if the instrument is a performance bond, that the
without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice for non-pay
instrument shall secure the obligations of the operator related to the well to:
1. Repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, to p
but not limited to bridges, caused by the operator or by the ope
agents, contractors, subcontractors or representatives in the pe
activity authorized by or contemplated by the Gas Well Permit;
2. Comply with the insurance and security provisions set forth i
Section 35.22.9;
3. Pay fines and penalties imposed upon the operator by the City for any breach of the
Gas Well Permit; and
4. Comply with Site Reclamation requirement.
B. The security instrument may be in the form of an irrevocable
bond issued by a bank or surety approved by the City. The instru
City for the benefit of the City, shall become effective on or b
Permit is issued, and shall remain in effect until the well is a
restored.
C.A certificate of deposit may be substituted for the letter of
certificate shall be issued by a bank in Denton County, Texas, s
City, shall be payable to the order of the City to secure the obligations of the Operator
36
described above, and shall be pledged to the bank with evidence
the Director of Planning and Community Development. Interest on the certificate shall be
payable to the operator.
E.The security instrument may be provided for an individual well
each Drilling and Production Site. The amount of the security sh
City Engineer, with due regard to the costs and risks to be secu
above, either on a per-application basis, or as administratively
in the Application Criteria Manual, in the minimum amount of on
dollars ($100,000.00) for a single well on the site, two hundred
($200,000) for two (2) to four (4) wells on the same site, or t
dollars ($300,000.00) for 5 or more wells on the same site. Th
when the Oil and Gas Inspector confirms in writing that one of t
occurred:
1. The Gas Well Permit is transferred, and the Operator-transfe
security that complies with this section; or
2. The well is plugged and abandoned and the site restored.
F. An appeal of the determination of the amount of security req
may be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommenda
Council for final determination of the amount of security.
35.22.10. - Review of Permits for Gas Well Drilling and Producti
A. All applications for Gas Well Permits shall be filed with the
immediately forward all applications to the DRC for review. Inco
shall be returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall
explanation of the deficiencies if requested by the applicant. T
processing fee determined by ordinance. The City may return any
incomplete if there is a dispute pending before the Railroad Com
determination of the operator. No Gas Well Permit shall be approved under this Section
unless the property owner or applicant first receives approval o
1. A SUP, where required, a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or a
authorization in a MPC district;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit, where applicable; and
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan.
Denial or conditional approval of any such applications shall be
conditional approval of the Gas Well Permit.
37
B. The DRC shall review each application consistent with the pro
and shall determine:
1.Whether the application includes all of the information requir
2.Whether the application is in conformance with the applicable
Development Site Plan, applicable SUP, MPC Zoning District or PD
and
3. Whether the application is in conformance with the insurance
requirements set forth in Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.2
.
C. The Oil and Gas Inspector may not release the approved Gas We
Operator has provided:
1. The security required by Subsection 35.22.9;
2. Upon the Operator entering into a Road Damage Remediation Ag
obligate the operator to repair damage excluding ordinary wear a
public streets, including but not limited to, bridges caused by
operator's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or rep
performance of any activity authorized by or contemplated by the
Permit; and
3.A copy of the recordable instrument filed with the County Reco
required by Subsection 35.22.6.B.3.u.
D.The failure of the DRC or the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue a Gas Well
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
Permit to be deemed approved.
E. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the Oil and Gas Inspector shal
1. Identify the name of each well and its Operator;
2. Specify the date on which the Oil and Gas Inspector issued ea
4.Specify the date by which drilling shall commence, otherwise t
(such date shall not be less than 6 months after the date of iss
4. Specify that if drilling is commenced before the Permit expir
continue until the well covered by the Permit is abandoned and t
5. Incorporate, by reference, the insurance and security require
Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.22.9
;
38
6.Incorporate, by reference, the requirement for periodic report
35.22.11 and for Notice of Activities set forth in Subsection 35
7.Incorporate the full text of the release of liability provisio
35.22.8.A.1;
8.Incorporate, by reference, the conditions of the applicable Wa
Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, and applicable SUP, MPC
or PD Zoning District, and Gas Well Ordinance applicable at the
well drilling and production project;
9.Incorporate, by reference, the information contained in the Pe
10.Incorporate, by reference, the applicable rules and regulatio
the applicable "field rules";
11.Specify that no drilling operations (including the constructi
access roads) shall commence until the operator has provided the
Subsection 35.22.9;
12.Contain the name, address, and phone number of the person des
notices from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas
person or by registered or certified mail;
13.Incorporate by reference all permits and fees required by the
14.Incorporate the wells RRC permit number and the American Pet
(API) number;
15.Incorporate, by reference all other applicable provisions set
16.Contain a notarized statement signed by the Operator, or desi
information is, to the best knowledge and belief of the Operator
and correct.
17.Contain a statement that the Operator is required to comply w
and state laws and regulations, which the City will verify compliance as part of its
periodic inspections.
F. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an applicat
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision.
G. If an application for a Gas Well Permit is denied by the Oil
herein contained shall prevent a new Permit application from bei
for the same well.
39
H. Expiration of Gas Well Permit.
1. A Gas Well Permit is valid for six (6) months and shall autom
gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to expirat
2. If a Gas Well Permit has been issued by the City but gas well
have not commenced prior to the expiration of the permit, the pe
extended unless a special exception has been approved by the Boa
pursuant to 35.22.16; however, the Operator may reapply for a ne
3. If gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to t
Well Permit issued by the City, the permit shall continue, and O
subject to an Annual Inspection and Administration fee.
4. If gas well drilling and production have commenced following
Permit by the City before the expiration date, the approved Dril
Site and all activities shall be subject to inspections by the C
with terms and conditions of the Gas Well Permit and all applica
DDC.
35.22.11. - Periodic Reports.
A. The Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of any ch
information within one (1) business day after the change occurs.
1.The name, address, and phone number of the Operator;
2.The name, address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of t
supervisory authority over the Drilling and Production Site;
3.The name, address, and phone number of the person designated t
from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas that ca
or by registered or certified mail; and
4. The Operator's Emergency Action Plan if required to file one
state law.
B. The Operator shall provide a copy of any "incident reports" o
submitted to the RRC or any other state or federal agency within
operator has notice of the existence of such reports or complaints. This includes the
recording of both reportable and non-reportable events as noted
Code, Title 30.
C. Beginning the January after each well is spud, and continuing
until the operator notifies the Oil and Gas Inspector that the well has been plugged and
40
abandoned and the Drilling and Production Site restored, the ope
written report to the Oil and Gas Inspector identifying any chan
was included in the application for the applicable Gas Well Perm
previously reported to the City.
D. The Operator must provide a copy to the Oil and Gas Inspector
with the TCEQ in connection with an installed vapor recovery uni
35.22.5.A.2.n. The Operator shall also provide the City with co
provided by TCEQ. Such reports and responses shall be kept on t
Production Site and shall be available for inspection when reque
Inspector.
E. The Operator shall provide the City with copies filed with t
reports for setting surface casing, blowout preventer (BOP) pres
testing, pressure relief valve testing, and level control testin
provide the City with copies of any responses provided by the RR
reports and responses shall be kept on the Drilling and Producti
available for inspection when requested by the Oil and Gas Inspe
F. The Operator shall submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis
35.22.5.A.2.q upon request by the Oil and Gas Inspector.
G. In addition to the records listed in Subsections 35.22.5.A.6.
Operator shall provide the City with a copy of all records filed
by the Operator or by third parties. Copies of such records sha
and Production Site and shall be available for inspection when r
Gas Inspector.
35.22.12. - Notice of Activities.
A. Any Operator who intends to perform the following activities
work a well using a drilling rig; (3) to fracture stimulate a we
operations; (5) plug a well; (6) perform any other maintenance at a Drilling and
Production Site; or (7) to conduct seismic exploration not invol
shall give written notice to the City at least two (2) days bef
Damage Remediation Fees shall be paid to the City and submitted
Activities.
B. All dwellings within one thousand (1,000) feet of a well shal
forty-eight (48) hours prior to the activities.
1. The notice shall identify where the activities will be condu
activities in reasonable detail, including but not limited to th
and the time of day they will be conducted.
41
2.The notice shall also provide the address and twenty-four (24)
the person conducting the activities.
C. The Operator responsible for the activities shall post a sign
and Production Site giving the public notice of the activities,
and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of the person conducting
D. If upon receipt of the notice the City determines that an ins
Inspector is necessary, the operator will pay the City's customa
inspection.
E. Surface Casing.
1. The Operator shall notify the Inspector within 24 hours of s
2. Casing procedures shall follow RRC Rule 3.13, or any success
F.If a proposed Drilling and Production Site is located within o
protected use, the Operator shall also host a public meeting at
convenient to surrounding property owners and residents at least
more than forty-five (45) days, prior to either: (1) the public
and Zoning Commission in connection with an SUP application, or
a Gas Well Development Site Plan if an SUP is not required. The
written notice of the meeting to all property owners located wit
feet of the proposed Drilling and Production Site. A mailing li
property and property owner shall be submitted to the Oil and Ga
compliance with this requirement. The meeting should provide in
planned activities and timelines for the site and must provide a
to ask questions about the proposed site. All notification and
borne by the Operator.
G.All surrounding property owners, businesses and residents with
feet of a Drilling and Production Site shall be notified a minim
hours prior to fracturing of a wellhead. In addition, at least
fracturing operations commence, the Operator shall post a sign a
advising the public of the date the operations will begin and se
35.22.13. - Amended Gas Well Permits.
A. An Operator may submit an application to the Oil and Gas Insp
Gas Well Permits to:
1. Commence drilling from a new drill site that is not shown on
reference as part of) the existing permit;
42
2. To relocate a drill site or operation site that is shown on (or incorporated by reference
as part of) the existing Gas Well Permit; or
3. To otherwise amend the existing Gas Well Permit, for land sub
approved Gas Well Development Site Plan.
B. Applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be in writing
provided by the Department of Planning and Development, shall be
operator, and shall include the following:
1.The application fee as set by City ordinance;
2.A description of the proposed amendments;
3.Any changes to the information submitted with the application
Well Permit (if such information has not previously been provide
4.Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
demonstrate compliance with the applicable Gas Well Development
applicable SUP or PD District; and
5. Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
prevent imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
C. All applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be filed
Planning and Development, and the Department shall immediately f
applications to the Oil and Gas Inspector for review. Incomplete
returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall provide
deficiencies; however, the City may retain a processing fee as d
Gas Inspector. The City may return any application as incomplete
pending before the RRC regarding the determination of the Operat
D. If the activities proposed by the amendment are not materiall
activities covered by the existing Gas Well Permit or Gas Well D
and if the proposed activities are in conformance with the appli
Protection Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, applicable SU
PD District, or site-specific authorization in a MPC District, then the Oil and Gas
Inspector shall approve the amendment within ten (10) days after
E. If the activities proposed by the amendment are materially di
covered by the existing gas well permit, and if the proposed act
with the applicable Watershed Protection Permit, Gas Well Develo
applicable SUP or Detailed Plan in a PD District, or site-specif
District, then the Oil and Gas Inspector shall approve the amend
days after the application is filed. In addition, if the activit
are materially different or, in the judgment of the Oil and Gas
43
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons th
the activities covered by the existing permit or that was not ot
consideration by the existing permit, the Oil and Gas Inspector
amendment to be processed as a new Gas Well Permit application.
F. The failure of the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue
within the time limits specified above shall not cause the application for the amended
Permit to be deemed approved.
G. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an amendmen
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision. The oper
denial in accordance with Section 35.22.16.A.1.
35.22.14. - Transfer of Gas Well Permits.
A Gas Well Permit may be transferred by the Operator with the written consent of the City if
the transfer is in writing signed by both parties, if the transf
terms and conditions of the transferred Permit, if all information previously provided to the
City as part of the application for the transferred Permit is up
and if the transferee provides the insurance and security requir
Section 35.22.9. The insurance and security provided by the tran
copy of the written transfer is provided to the City and all oth
subsection are satisfied. The transfer shall not relieve the transferor from any liability to the
City arising out of any activities conducted prior to the transf
35.22.15. - Inspection.
A. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to issue a
required to carry out the intent and purpose of this Subchapter.
comply with any such order or directive shall constitute a viola
B. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to enter a
covered by the provisions of this subchapter, to determine compl
and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, or direc
federal authority.
C. Pursuant to inspection authority granted by the Texas Clean A
Code, the Oil and Gas Inspector shall conduct periodic inspectio
under this Subchapter.
D. Inspections may include periodic evaluations of air quality,
of, Drilling and Production Sites. Inspections will also includ
conformance with their Hazardous Materials Management Plan and o
requirements to their site.
44
35.22.16. Appeals and variances.
A. Procedures.
1.The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals of order
determinations made by the Oil and Gas Inspector relative to the
interpretation of this Subchapter, except for those matters desc
35.22.4.F.3 and 35.22.17; furthermore the Board of Adjustment sh
requests for variances to the provisions of this Subchapter unde
set forth below. The Board may also grant a special exception ex
expiration date of a Gas Well Development Site Plan or a Gas Wel
period not to exceed one year pursuant to the criteria set forth
who desires to appeal the type of action described in this subse
variance may file an appeal or variance to the Board of Adjustme
procedural process outlined in Section 35.3.6 of the DDC. Appea
required for every appeal or variance request. The Board of Adj
the appeal or variance and any other related information.
a. Standard of review for appeals. The members of the Board of
have and exercise the authority to hear and determine appeals wh
there is error or abuse of discretion regarding the approval or
Development Site Plan, or the issuance or non-issuance of a Gas
b. Standard of review for variances. In deciding variance req
Adjustment shall consider, where applicable, the following relev
i. Whether there are special circumstances existing on the property on which the
application is made related to size, shape, area, topography, su
conditions and location that do not apply generally to other pro
vicinity;
ii. Whether a variance is necessary to permit the applicant the
use of his property that are presently enjoyed by other similarl
properties, but which rights are denied to the property on which
application is made;
iii. Whether the granting of the variance on the specific property will adversely
affect any other feature of the comprehensive master plan of the
iv. Whether the variance, if granted, will be of no material det
welfare or injury to the use, enjoyment, or value of property in
45
v. Whether the operations proposed are reasonable under the circ
conditions prevailing in the vicinity considering the particular
character of the improvements located there;
vi. Whether the drilling of the maximum number of potential well
proposed drill site would conflict with the orderly growth and d
the town;
vii. Whether there are other alternative well site locations;
viii. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with the he
welfare of the public when and if conducted in accordance with t
or combined well permit conditions to be imposed;
ix. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with protecti
integrity and environmental quality, including protection of sur
ground water sources, of potentially impacted environmentally se
x. Whether there is reasonable access for town fire personnel an
equipment, including the ability to safely evacuate potentially
residents;
xi. Whether the impact upon the adjacent property(ies) and the g
operations conducted in compliance with the oil, gas, or combine
conditions are reasonable and justified, balancing the following
1. The reasonable use of the mineral estate by the mineral estat
explore, develop, and produce the minerals; and
2. The availability of alternative drilling sites; and
xii. Where a variance is requested to reduce separation standard
in addition to other relevant criteria, the extent to which owne
Uses, or freshwater wells currently in use, or previously platte
where one or more lots have habitable structures, have consented
reduction in separation standards in writing.
c. The Board of Adjustment shall determine whether to grant an e
expiration date for a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well
upon whether there are circumstances reasonably beyond the contr
46
Operator, including any delay on the part of the City in issuing
permits, that justify an extension of the Site Plan or Permit, in order that the
Operator may enjoy the same rights in the use of the property th
enjoyed by other similarly situated properties, but which rights
property for which the Site Plan or Permit expires.
2. The Board of Adjustment may reverse or affirm, in whole or i
Oil and Gas Inspector's order, requirement, decision or determin
appeal is taken and make the correct order, requirement, decisio
from which an appeal is taken and make the correct order, requir
determination. The Board of Adjustment may issue a variance to t
the criteria referenced in Subsection A.1.b., and may grant a sp
the criteria referenced in A.1.c. Any action under this subsect
three-fourths majority vote of the entire Board of Adjustment.
3. Any Operator aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjus
court of record a petition, duly verified, stating that such dec
or in part, and specifying the grounds of the alleged illegality. Such petition shall be
presented within ten days after the date on which the decision o
Adjustment was rendered and not thereafter, and judicial review
be pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 211.011, as amende
B. Watershed Permit Appeals.
1.The applicant may appeal the denial or conditional approval of
Protection Permit on grounds pertaining to the standards in Subs
and 35.22.5.A.8 to the Planning and Zoning Commission within ten
days of the decision by the DRC. In deciding the appeal, the Pl
Commission shall decide the appeal based upon the standards ma
permit by Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
2.The applicant may file a petition for review pursuant to Subse
35.22.5.A.8 on grounds therein specified to the City Council wit
days of the decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The
decide the petition based upon the criteria in Subsection 35.22.
C. Preemption Appeal.
1.. The regulation of gas well drilling and production in this s
Purpose
potentially overlaps with regulation of gas well drilling and pr
Texas and the United States of America. The purpose of this sec
47
Operators the opportunity to demonstrate to the City that one or
procedures contained in this subchapter are preempted by state o
2.. An Operator who is aggrieved by the promulgation or
Petition Contents
application of the standards or procedures in this subchapter an
or more such standards or procedures are preempted by state or f
submit a petition to the Oil and Gas Well Inspector explaining t
bases upon which the Operator relies to support his contention t
subchapter is preempted. The petition shall be accompanied by an
waiver of any statutory time periods or time periods established
review of any filed applications which are the subject of the pe
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
a. The name, mailing address, phone number and fax number of th
person's duly authorized agent);
b. Identification of all property owned or under the control of
affected by the preemption claim;
c. Identification of the permit applications for which the appl
this section;
d. Identification of all regulations in this subchapter that th
not apply to the project due to preemption of the subject matter
law;
e. For each regulation in this subchapter that is the subject o
preemption claim, specification of the state or federal law, sta
administrative rule or order that allegedly preempts the regulat
an explanation of why such law, standard, administrative rule or
the regulation.
3.
Procedure and Decision.
The Oil and Gas Inspector shall first determine whether the appl
pursuant to DDC section 35.16.8. Once the application has been
is deemed complete, the Director shall forward the preemption pe
the required supporting information or documentation, to the Cit
Attorney for their respective reviews. Prior to rendering his
City Manager may request a pre-determination conference with the petitioner to
discuss the preemption claim and to ensure that the nature of th
completely understood by the City Manager. The City Manager, a
with the City Attorney, shall render a final administrative dete
the relief requested in the petition in whole or in part, or denies the requested relief in
whole or in part within 30 days of the date the petition is comp
Managers determination shall include a statement of the reasons
shall identify the regulations that are preempted on their face
48
petitioners permit application(s) for approval under this subch
Manager may also recommend to the City Council that one or more
contained in this subchapter should be repealed or modified so a
preemption claims.
35.22.17. - Remedies of the City.
A. If an Operator (or its officers, employees, agents, contracto
representatives) fails to comply with any requirement of a Gas W
any requirement incorporated by reference as part of the Permit), the Fire Marshal or Oil
and Gas Inspector may, in connection with or separate from 35.2
to the operator specifying the nature of the alleged failure and
reasonable time to cure, taking into consideration the nature an
failure, the extent of the efforts required to cure, and the pot
safety, and welfare of the community. The Operator shall respon
forty-eight (48) hours and indicate how the violation(s) shall b
however, shall the cure period be less than thirty (30) days unl
presents a risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to
alleged failure involves the operator's failure to provide perio
Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector may issue a Stop Work Order und
B. If the Operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Fire Marshal and/or Oi
notify the RRC and request that the RRC take appropriate action
notice provided to the operator), and the City may pursue any ot
C. If the operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Oil and Gas Inspector
recommendation of the Health and Building Standards Commission
1. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be sus
alleged failure is cured; or,
2. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be rev
suspension the Operator does not cure the alleged failure.
D. The decision of the Fire Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector
or revocation of a Gas Well Permit shall be provided to the Oper
ten (10) days before any action by the City Council unless the a
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
E. If a Gas Well Permit is revoked, the Operator may submit info
Well Inspector evidencing that the alleged failure resulting in
Well Permit have been corrected, and an application for a new Ga
submitted for the same well.
49
35.22.18. - Enforcements, Right of Entry.
A. The Fire Marshal and the Oil and Gas Inspector are authorized
this Subchapter and the provisions of any Gas Well Permit. Whene
enforce any provision of this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit, o
reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of this S
Permit, the Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector, may enter upo
by this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit at any reasonable time t
duty imposed by this Subchapter. If entry is refused, the City s
remedy provided by law and equity to gain entry.
B. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to do the
1. Engage in any activity not permitted by the terms of a Gas We
this Subchapter;
2. Fail to comply with any conditions set forth in a Gas Well Pe
Subchapter; or
3. Violate any provision or requirement set forth under this Sub
C. The enforcement and penalty provision under Subsection 35.1.1
violation of this Subchapter.
D. The Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector is authorized to is
court for violations of this Subchapter or Gas Well Permit.
E. The City may also notify the EPA, TCEQ, RRC or other applicab
agency in connection with violations of this Subchapter.
50
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013Questions concerning this
acquisition may be directed
DEPARTMENT:
Materials Management to Phil Williams 349-8487
ACM:
Bryan Langley
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance rejecting any and all competitive proposals for RFP 4859-
Solar Generated Energy and Facilities for the City of Denton, or take other appropriate action
with regard to such proposals; and providing an effective date.
BACKGROUND
On December 21, 2011, Denton Municipal Electric (DME) issued Request for Proposals (RFP)
4859 to solicit proposals for solar generated energy and associated Renewable Energy Credits
(REC) for the City of Denton, Texas. The RFP also required a minimum of 15 kW of solar
demonstration projects to be located within the Denton city limits and the locating of a solar
panel and/or solar component manufacturing facility within the Denton city limits (per the
specific criteria outlined in the RFP).
From the responses received for RFP 4859, none have been identified by DME staff as viable to
present to the Public Utility Board or City Council for awarding of a contract for solar generated
energy for the City of Denton. DME staff is requesting that the City Council reject all proposals
received and provide staff direction to possibly develop a new Request for Proposals for solar
generated energy for the City of Denton, to be issued at a later time.
The Council has been briefed, and discussions and deliberations took place on this electric
competitive and financial matter in Closed Session earlier today.
RECOMMENDATION
Reject all proposals.
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
The Public Utility Board was briefed on January 14, 2013, December 18, 2012, September 10,
2012, August 27, 2012, June 25, 2012, and January 23, 2012.
The City Council was briefed on December 18, 2012, September 18, 2012, July 17, 2012, and
February 7, 2012.
FISCAL INFORMATION
There is no fiscal impact.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Proposed Ordinance
Respectfully submitted:
Antonio Puente, Jr., 349-7283
Assistant Director of Finance
Prepared by:
__________________________
Mike Copeland, Utility Attorney
1-AIS-File 5152
9ãwz,z·
ORDINANCE NO. ________________
AN ORDINANCE REJECTING ANY AND ALL COMPETITIVE PROPOSALS FOR RFP
4859-SOLAR GENERATED ENERGY AND FACILITIES FOR THE CITY OF DENTON, OR
TAKE OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION WITH REGARD TO SUCH PROPOSALS; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City has solicited, received and tabulated competitive proposals for solar
generated energy and facilitiesRFP Number 4859 in accordance with the procedures of State
laws and City ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City that
the herein described proposals should be rejected; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The following competitive proposals for solar generated energy and
facilitiesRequest for
Purchasing Agent are hereby rejected:
RFP
NUMBER PROPOSER
4859 Juwi
4859 First Solar
4859 NRG Energy
4859 Green Ox Energy Solutions
4859 Blackland Prairie Solar Farm
4859 Rosendin Electric
4859 Recurrent Energy
4859 Solar Reserve
4859 Lincoln Renewable Energy
4859 New Generation Power
SECTION 2. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute all necessary documents
for the rejection of said proposals.
SECTION 3. The City Council of the City of Denton, Texas hereby expressly delegates
the authority to take any actions that may be required or permitted to be performed by the City of
Denton under RFP 4859 to the City Manager of the City of Denton, Texas, or his designee.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the _____ day of _________, 2013.
____________________________________
MARK A. BURROUGHS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY: __________________________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: _________________________________
2-ORD-RFP 4859
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Economic Development
ACM:
John Cabrales
SUBJECT
Consider approval of a resolution of the City Council of the City of Denton, Texas approving the
2012 Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Number One (Downtown TIF) Annual
Report; and declaring an effective date.
BACKGROUND
On December 7, 2010, City Council adopted an ordinance creating the Tax Increment Financing
Reinvestment Zone Number One (Downtown TIF). An annual report is required to be submitted
. Staff has drafted a report
(attached) for consideration by the Council.
During calendar year 2011, $15,871 was collected; no funds were distributed. During calendar
year 2012, $54,820 was collected; no funds were distributed.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
The TIF Board reviewed the 2012 Annual Report on December 7, 2012, and recommends
approval (5-0)
EXHIBITS
2012 Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Number 1 Annual Report
Respectfully submitted
Julie Glover
Economic Development Program Administrator
EXHIBIT A
Tax Increment Financing Reinvestment Zone Number One
(Downtown TIF)
2012 Annual Report
City of Denton
Economic Development Office
215 E. McKinney Street
Denton, Texas 76201
940-349-7775
www.dentonedp.com
January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012
Table of Contents
3. Map
4. Mission Statement
4. District Accomplishments
4. Value and Increment Summary
4-5. Summary of TIF Board meetings
5. Budget and Spending Status
5. 2012 Work Program
Reinvestment Zone Number One
Downtown Tax Increment Financing District
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE
: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT
: Airport
ACM:
Jon Fortune
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance approving assignment of a Commercial Operator Airport
Lease Agreement between the City of Denton, Texas and John K. Selvidge dated March 7, 1995
to Pedron Aircraft Works, L.L.C.; and providing an effective date. Council Airport Committee
recommends approval (3-0).
BACKGROUND
The original property lease for this lot at 926 Aeronca on the north end of Denton Airport was
for a period of thirty (30) years beginning March 7, 1995. The remaining term is twelve (12)
years and two (2) months effective January 15, 2013. Pedron Aircraft Works is a current tenant
at Denton Airport in a facility leased from JVC Real Estate, L.L.C. (John Vann) and the
Company is purchasing the hangar owned by John K. Selvidge to operate their aircraft
maintenance business.
The proposed lease transfer amends the existing lease to authorize operation of the aircraft
only. The right of the new owner, Pedron Aircraft Works, to negotiate an extension of the current
lease is, also, confirmed as a term of the lease.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The current property lease rate for this lot is $3,470.40 annually ($0.129 per square foot for the
26,805 square foot lot). The Assignor, John K. Selvidge, will pay a $500 transfer fee to the
Airport upon approval of the lease transfer.
RECOMMENDATION
Airport staff recommends approval of the lease transfer.
Respectfully submitted:
Quentin Hix
Director of Aviation
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013Questions concerning this
acquisition may be directed
DEPARTMENT:
Materials Management to Emerson Vorel 349-7460
ACM:
Bryan Langley
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas providing for, authorizing, and
approving the expenditure of funds for the purchase of certified softball officiating services from
the North Texas Umpire Association (NTUA), which are available from only one source and in
accordance with Chapter 252.022 of the Texas Local Government Code such purchases are
exempt from the requirements of competitive bidding; and providing an effective date (File
5152-Agreement with NTUA in the amount per game as specified in the agreement in the
estimated annual award of $85,000 for a three year estimated expenditure of $255,000).
FILE INFORMATION
Each year, the Parks and Recreation Department contacts the Amateur Softball Association
(ASA)
umpire adult softball league games in Denton. This year and in previous years, NTUA has been
the only association available for officiating sanctioned adult softball league play in Denton.
Section 252.022 of the Local Government Code provides that procurement of items that are only
available from one source, are not subjected to competition.
The NTUA will officiate approximately 1,100 softball games for the Parks and Recreation
Department during the 2012-13 fiscal year. The Association will provide two ASA umpires and
one scorekeeper per game.
RECOMMENDATION
Award to the NTUA in the amount per game specified in the attached Agreement (Exhibit 2) in
the estimated annual award of $85,000 for a three year estimated expenditure of $255,000).
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
North Texas Umpire Association (NTUA)
Denton, TX
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
The initial term of this contract is for one year ending January 15, 2014. The City and NTUA
shall have the option to renew this contract for two (2) additional one year periods.
FISCAL INFORMATION
This Agreement will be funded from Parks and Recreation account 411170.7868. Requisition
number 111549 has been entered in the Purchasing software system.
EXHIBITS
1: Sole Source Letter from Texas ASA District 13 Commissioner
2. Agreement between City of Denton and North Texas Umpire Association
Respectfully submitted:
Antonio Puente, Jr., 349-7283
Assistant Director of Finance
1-AIS-File 5152
Exhibit 1
Exhibit 2
January4,2013
TerryHunt
President-NTUA
940-390-3641
sbumpire00@hotmail.com
Exhibit D
ORDINANCE NO. ____________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS PROVIDING FOR,
AUTHORIZING, AND APPROVING THE EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FOR THE
PURCHASE OF CERTIFIED SOFTBALL OFFICIATING SERVICES FROM THE
NORTH TEXAS UMPIRE ASSOCIATION (NTUA), WHICH ARE AVAILABLE
FROM ONLY ONE SOURCE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 252.022 OF
THE TEXAS LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE SUCH PURCHASES ARE EXEMPT
FROM THE REQUIREMENTS OF COMPETITIVE BIDDING; AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE (FILE 5152-AGREEMENT WITH NTUA IN THE AMOUNT
PER GAME AS SPECIFIED IN THE AGREEMENT IN THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL
AWARD OF $85,000 FOR A THREE YEAR ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF
$255,000).
WHEREAS, Section 252.022 of the Local Government Code provides that
procurement of items that are only available from one source, including; items that are
only available from one source because of patents, copyrights, secret processes or natural
monopolies; films, manuscripts or books; electricity, gas, water and other utility
purchases; captive replacement parts or components for equipment; and library materials
for a public library that are available only from the persons holding exclusive distribution
rights to the materials; need not be submitted to competitive bids; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to procure one or more of the items
mentioned in the above paragraph; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The following purchase of materials, equipment or supplies, as
ffice of the Purchasing Agent,
and the license terms attached are hereby approved:
FILE
NUMBER VENDOR AMOUNT
5152 North Texas Umpire Association $255,000
SECTION 2. The acceptance and approval of the above items shall not
constitute a contract between the City and the person submitting the quotation for such
items until such person shall comply with all requirements specified by the Purchasing
Department.
SECTION 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized to execute any contracts
relating to the items specified in Section 1 and the expenditure of funds pursuant to said
contracts is hereby authorized.
SECTION 4. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage
and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the _________ day of ____________, 2013.
______________________________
MARK A. BURROUGHS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY: ________________________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: _________________________________
4-ORD-File 5152
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013 Questions concerning this
acquisition may be directed
DEPARTMENT:
Human Resources to Carla Romine-Haggmark at 349-8344
ACM:
Bryan Langley
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting sealed proposals and awarding a contract for
drug/alcohol testing services and physicals for the City of Denton; and providing an effective
date (RFP 5019-Drug/Alcohol Testing Services and Physicals awarded to Occupational
Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center in the annual estimated amount of $34,930 for a five
year estimated expenditure of $174,650).
RFP INFORMATION
Request for Proposal (RFP) 5019 sought proposals for a Third Party Administrator for drug and
alcohol testing, and post offer physicals. Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical
Center has been providing these services for the City since 2007. The current contract expires on
February 1, 2013, thus necessitating the RFP process.
The City received four (4) responses to RFP #5019 from the vendors listed below:
1.Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center
2.CareNow
3.Pinnacle Health Technologies Inc.
4.Any Lab Test Now
The four (4) proposals were reviewed by an evaluation team comprised of employees from the
Human Resources and Utility Safety & Training Departments who currently have oversight and
drug and alcohol testing, and post offer physicals. The proposals
were evaluated based on the following criteria:
50% - Capability to provide services requested and information contained in attachments
25% - Background and experience of the facility and personnel
10% - Economic evaluation of the proposed fee schedule
10% - Ability to provide preferences outlined in request
5% - Responsiveness to the RFP
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
RFP INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
The evaluation committee ranked Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center as
providing the best overall value to the City. Exhibit 2 shows the final evaluation and scoring.
After receiving the Best and Final Offer (BAFO) from Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional
Medical Center (Exhibit 1), it was determined that Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional
Medical Center proposed the lowest cost. Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical
Center also has the most experienced staff and will provide the requested services which include
instant testing, electronic reporting, 24-hour service, etc.
The City has worked with Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center over the
past (five) 5 years. We are familiar with their processes, and Occupational Medicine, Denton
Regional Medical Center understands our expectations.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends awarding a one year initial contract to Occupational Medicine, Denton
Regional Medical Center for Drug/Alcohol Testing Services and Physicals in the annual
estimated amount of $34,930, with the option to extend for four (4) additional one (1) year
periods for a five year estimated expenditure of $174,650.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center
Denton, TX
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
The new contract with Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center will begin
February 1, 2013.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The cost for the administration of the random drug and alcohol testing program is paid by Risk
Management and allocated to each department. All other drug and alcohol testing and physicals
are billed directly to each department.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Evaluation/Scoring Sheet
Exhibit 2: Best and Final Offer from Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Medical Center
Exhibit 3: Contract
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 3
Respectfully submitted:
Antonio Puente, Jr., 349-7283
Assistant Director of Finance
1-AIS-RFP 5019
ORDINANCE NO. _________________
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING SEALED PROPOSALS AND AWARDING A CONTRACT FOR
DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING SERVICES AND PHYSICALS FOR THE CITY OF DENTON;
AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (RFP 5019-DRUG/ALCOHOL TESTING SERVICES
AND PHYSICALS AWARDED TO OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE, DENTON REGIONAL
MEDICAL CENTER IN THE ANNUAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $34,930 FOR A FIVE
YEAR ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF $174,650).
WHEREAS, the City has solicited, received and evaluated competitive sealed proposals for
Drug/Alcohol Testing Services and Physicals for the City of Denton in accordance with the
procedures of State law and City ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager or a designated employee has received and reviewed and
recommended that the herein described proposals are the most advantageous to the City considering
the relative importance of price and the other evaluation factors included in the request for proposals;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has provided in the City Budget for the appropriation of funds
to be used for the purchase of the materials, equipment, supplies or services approved and accepted
herein; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The items in the following numbered request for proposal for materials,
for
Purchasing Agent, are hereby accepted and approved as being the most advantageous to the City
considering the relative importance of price and the other evaluation factors included in the request
for proposals.
RFP
NUMBER VENDOR AMOUNT
5019 Occupational Medicine, Denton Regional Hospital $174,650
SECTION 2. By the acceptance and approval of the above numbered items of the
submitted proposals, the City accepts the offer of the persons submitting the proposals for such items
and agrees to purchase the materials, equipment, supplies or services in accordance with the terms,
specifications, standards, quantities and for the specified sums contained in the Proposal Invitations,
Proposals, and related documents.
SECTION 3. Should the City and person submitting approved and accepted items and of the
submitted proposals wish to enter into a formal written agreement as a result of the acceptance,
approval, and awarding of the proposals, the City Manager or his designated representative is hereby
authorized to execute the written contract; provided that the written contract is in accordance with
the terms, conditions, specifications, standards, quantities and specified sums contained in the
Proposal and related documents herein approved and accepted.
SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of Denton, Texas hereby expressly delegates the
authority to take any actions that may be required or permitted to be performed by the City of Denton
under RFP 5019 to the City Manager of the City of Denton, Texas, or his designee.
SECTION 5. By the acceptance and approval of the above enumerated proposals, the City
Council hereby authorizes the expenditure of funds therefor in the amount and in accordance with
the approved bids.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of , 2013.
______________________________
MARK A. BURROUGHS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY:____________________________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: _________________________________
5-ORD-RFP 5019
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013Questions concerning this
acquisition may be directed
DEPARTMENT:
Materials Management to Kevin Gunn at 349-8595
ACM:
Bryan Langley
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance accepting sealed proposals and awarding a contract to provide
Software and Related Services with SHI Government Solutions, Inc., a Microsoft Certified Large
Account Reseller with the City of Denton; and providing an effective date (RFP 5121- Microsoft
Software Reseller and Related Services awarded to SHI Government Solutions, Inc. in the
annual estimated amount of $95,000 for City of Denton expenditures, and a three year estimated
expenditure of $285,000).
RFP INFORMATION
The City of Denton utilizes Microsoft Corporation (Microsoft) software to support daily
operations, communication, and services to the community. The City leverages a number of
different Microsoft software products including Windows server and desktop operating systems,
Microsoft Office, Exchange, Lync, SQL Server, SharePoint, Internet Information Server, Visio,
and Project. Microsoft does not sell software directly to enterprise organizations therefore, it
created a group of software resellers called Large Account Resellers (LARs) who are certified to
manage large customer software licensing needs.
The City of Denton issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 5121-Microsoft Reseller and Related
Services to solicit proposals
requirements at the best value for the City. The RFP solicited proposals for Microsoft Reseller
and Related Services, which provide the Microsoft Government Select, Microsoft Enterprise, and
Microsoft Subscription Enterprise Agreements. In addition, since there is a limited number of
LARs certified by Microsoft to sell to municipal government entities, the City of Denton
designed the RFP to allow other governmental entities in the State of Texas to utilize the City of
Denton contract to purchase Microsoft software products as allowed under the Interlocal
Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government Code.
The RFP was sent to thirteen certified LARs that were on a list provided by Microsoft. The RFP
was issued November 13, 2012 with a deadline for submission on December 11, 2012. Three
LARs submitted proposals: Insight Enterprises, Inc., SHI Government Solutions, Inc. and Zones,
Inc.
Insight Enterprises, Inc. was not included in the tabulation of proposals because the response did
not comply with RFP requirements and pricing was no more competitive than submissions that
did comply with RFP requirements.
Agenda Information sheet
January 15, 2012
Page 2
SHI Government Solutions, Inc. provided the lowest price proposal that complied with the RFP
requirements as shown on the attached pricing sheet (Exhibit 1). Therefore, SHI Government
Solutions, Inc. provides the best value for the City of Denton.
Staff is in the process of finalizing the contract with SHI Government Solutions, Inc. We
anticipate contract completion after Council approval.
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING
There are limited purchasing options in the State of Texas for governmental entities to purchase
Microsoft software licenses from LARs based on large purchase volumes. In order to provide
governmental entities with options when purchasing Microsoft software licenses, the City of
Denton designed the RFP to allow other governmental entities the ability to purchase Microsoft
software licenses as provided in the Interlocal Cooperation Act, Chapter 791, Texas Government
Code.
In order to recover the expense associated with managing the master contract and interlocal
agreements, an administrative fee of one-half percent will be added to purchases completed
under this contract. The awarded Reseller will assess and collect all administrative fees and
remit the funds collected to the Material Management division.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends awarding a contract to provide Software Reseller and Related Services to the
City of Denton and all other governmental entities within the State of Texas to SHI Government
Solutions, Inc. Staff estimates expenditures of $95,000 per year with a three year total of
$285,000.
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS
SHI Government Solutions, Inc.
Austin, TX
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE OF PROJECT
This is a one year contract with the option to renew for two (2) additional one (1) year periods.
Agenda information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 3
FISCAL INFORMATION
Funds for Microsoft purchases are budgeted in fiscal year 2012-13 Technology Service
Operating Budget Account #830400.6504.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit 1: Evaluation Sheet
Respectfully submitted:
Antonio Puente, Jr., 349-7283
Assistant Director of Finance
ORDINANCE NO. __________________
AN ORDINANCE ACCEPTING SEALED PROPOSALS AND AWARDING A CONTRACT TO
PROVIDE SOFTWARE AND RELATED SERVICES WITH SHI GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS,
INC., A MICROSOFT CERTIFIED LARGE ACCOUNT RESELLER WITH THE CITY OF
DENTON; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE (RFP 5121- MICROSOFT SOFTWARE
RESELLER AND RELATED SERVICES AWARDED TO SHI GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS,
INC. IN THE ANNUAL ESTIMATED AMOUNT OF $95,000 FOR CITY OF DENTON
EXPENDITURES, AND A THREE YEAR ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF $285,000).
WHEREAS, the City has solicited, received and evaluated competitive sealed proposals for
Microsoft Reseller and Related Services for the City of Denton in accordance with the procedures of
State law and City ordinances; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager or a designated employee has received and reviewed and
recommended that the herein described proposals are the most advantageous to the City considering
the relative importance of price and the other evaluation factors included in the request for proposals;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council has provided in the City Budget for the appropriation of funds
to be used for the purchase of the materials, equipment, supplies or services approved and accepted
herein; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. The items in the following numbered request for proposal for materials,
for
Purchasing Agent, are hereby accepted and approved as being the most advantageous to the City
considering the relative importance of price and the other evaluation factors included in the request
for proposals.
RFP
NUMBER VENDOR AMOUNT
5121 SHI Government Solutions, Inc. $285,000
SECTION 2. By the acceptance and approval of the above numbered items of the
submitted proposals, the City accepts the offer of the persons submitting the proposals for such items
and agrees to purchase the materials, equipment, supplies or services in accordance with the terms,
specifications, standards, quantities and for the specified sums contained in the Proposal Invitations,
Proposals, and related documents.
SECTION 3. Should the City and person submitting approved and accepted items and of
the submitted proposals wish to enter into a formal written agreement as a result of the acceptance,
approval, and awarding of the proposals, the City Manager or his designated representative is hereby
authorized to execute the written contract; provided that the written contract is in accordance with
the terms, conditions, specifications, standards, quantities and specified sums contained in the
Proposal and related documents herein approved and accepted.
SECTION 4. The City Council of the City of Denton, Texas hereby expressly delegates the
authority to take any actions that may be required or permitted to be performed by the City of Denton
under RFP 5121 to the City Manager of the City of Denton, Texas, or his designee.
SECTION 5. By the acceptance and approval of the above enumerated bids, the City
Council hereby authorizes the expenditure of funds therefor in the amount and in accordance with
the approved bids.
SECTION 6. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and
approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the day of , 2013.
______________________________
MARK A. BURROUGHS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY:____________________________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: _________________________________
3-ORD-RFP 5121
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Economic Development
ACM:
John Cabrales
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas approving a Lease Agreement
between the City of Denton, Texas and VOW 210 Hickory Partners, LLC for the lease of a
portion of land located at the southwest corner of East Hickory and Industrial Streets, being
situated within the H. Sisco Survey, Abstract Number 1184 and being described as part of Lot 3,
Block 20 of the Original Town of Denton, for the construction, occupancy and maintenance of
an outdoor patio, and providing an effective date.
BACKGROUND
VOW 210 Hickory Partners, has requested permission to lease a 1089
square foot) tract of land owned by the City of Denton in order to construct an outdoor patio and
to increase seating for a proposed restaurant tenant. VOW 210 Hickory Partners owns the
property at 210-214 East Hickory, which has been developed for commercial use. The subject
lease tract is located at the southwest corner of the intersection of East Hickory and Industrial
Streets.
The tract to be leased is a sloping grassy area that is bounded to the east by the western property
line being the western wall of the building owned by VOW 210 Hickory Partners. The area to be
leased is currently maintained by the Parks Department.
The subject lease tract in question is located within the boundaries of the Downtown
Implementation Plan District, and is zoned DCG (Downtown Commercial General).
The lease term is ten years. The Lease will require the lessee to submit construction plans to the
Building Official as well as the Director of Economic Development for review and approval
prior to issuing a building permit.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the ordinance.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
The City Council authorized the execution of a lease to ARG in 2009 covering the lands subject
to the current proposed lease agreement (Ordinance # 2009-129), but the offer of the lease was
never accepted by ARG, nor was the lease ever executed.
The current ordinance under consideration terminates and revokes Ordinance # 2009-129.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The lease would be set at $1 per square foot, annually, for a total of $1089 per year for ten (10)
years. Contingent on the passage of this ordinance, the first lease payment would cover the first
three (3) years of the lease term, for a total of $3,267; thereafter, lease payments are to be made
on an annual basis for the remaining lease term (7 years).
EXHIBITS
1.Location Map
2.Concept Drawing
3.Photo of site
4.Ordinance and Lease
Respectfully submitted
_____________
Julie Glover
Economic Development Program Administrator
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VOW 210 Hickory Partners
Proposed Lease Area
0' 100' 200'
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
ACM: John Cabrales
SUBJECT Villages of Carmel, Phase III Development Agreement for Perimeter Wall
Consider adoption of an ordinance approving a development agreement with HMH Lifestyles,
L.P., securing the costs to construct the unbuilt portions of the required perimeter wall for the
Villages of Carmel, Phase III Subdivision of the City of Denton, Texas, pursuant to previously
approved plans and permits, and authorizing permitting and construction of houses and
infrastructure on the remaining unbuilt lots in that subdivision, in accordance with applicable
building and development requirements; delegating authority to the City Manager to execute said
Development Agreement on behalf of the City; and declaring an effective date.
BACKGROUND
The subject property is platted as Lots 1-5, Block 2; Lots 11-24, Block 5; Lots 15-19, Block 6
and Lots 1-4, Block 7 of the Villages of Carmel, Phase III Addition and is within the Planned
Development (PD-132) zoning district. The applicant proposes an 8-foot tall decorative fence,
approximately 1,552 linear feet in length consisting of masonry and stone columns along the
aforementioned lots to bring the Villages of Carmel, Phase III into conformance with the
approved Detailed Plan (PD-132), as approved and amended by City Council via Ord. No. 2005-
024 and 2006-137.
Although this requirement was a condition of the original ordinance, the developer has sold lots
that have been constructed but failed to construct the fence. The City has since received
numerous complaints from these residents concerning this requirement. The purpose of this
ordinance is to accept funds secured for the cost to construct the perimeter fence and hold them
into escrow to ensure completion of this requirement.
The following is a bulleted history of the Villages of Carmel and The Preserve at Pecan Creek
planned development (PD-132):
On December 18, 1984 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 84-180 a Planned
Development District for 17.1 acres (PD-88) along Swisher Road. (Z-1694)
That prior to the issuance of any certificate of occupancy for the use of any building or
structure within the planned development district the following conditions shall be met:
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
1. Perimeter street paving requirements shall be imposed along the entire frontage of
Paige Road;
2.Estate road conditions will be imposed on Swisher Road pavement width of twenty-
four 24 feet without curbs is allowed for one acre lots with one hundred 100 feet or
more frontage for single family use ;
3. A six 6 foot solid fence will be erected along the south boundary line of this
development where it abuts Shiloh Cemetery.
On December 18, 1984 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 84-181 a Planned
Development District for 49.41 acres (PD-89) north of Shady Shores Road and east of
Swisher Road. (Z-1695)
On October 18, 1988 the City Council repealed by Ordinance No. 88-166 the approved
site plan and conditions applicable to PD-88 and PD-89 and approved a rezoning for 348
acres from Agricultural (A) to Planned Development (PD) with inclusion of the 66.51
acres from PD-88 and PD-89. The newly created Southview Planned Development
District (PD-132) included concept plan approval for the entire 414.9 acres. (Z-1861)
That the district herein approved shall be subject to the following conditions:
1.Information for Detailed Plans. All information that was not required to be shown on
the concept plan, as otherwise required by article 11 of Appendix B Zoning of the
Code of Ordinances, shall be submitted with any detailed plan for any property within
the district.
2.Land Uses. The permitted land uses for each detailed plan submitted for any tract of
land shall be as defined or shown in this ordinance and the approved concept plan.
The general site plan requirements for tracts designated for general retail,
waived at the concept plan stage. The uses provided for herein for nonresidential
tracts shall be permitted in accordance with the detailed plans approved for those
tracts, in accordance with article 11 of Appendix B Zoning, as amended. The
detailed plans submitted for the nonresidential tracts shall be subject to the following
conditions and restrictions:
a.General Retail. For any tract designated for general retail (GR) use on the
concept plan, the following uses shall be permitted in accordance with the
detailed plans approved for those tracts:
Auto Laundry
Auto sales and repair (in building)
Gasoline service station
New auto parts sales stores
Antique shop
Bakery or confectionary shop (retail)
Cafeteria
Cleaning and pressing small shop and pickup
Custom personal service shop
Drapery, needlework or weaving shop
Florist or garden shop
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 3
Greenhouse or plant nursery (retail)
Handicraft shop
Household appliance service and repair
Laundry or cleaning (self service)
Mimeograph, stationary, or letter shop
Mortuary or funeral parlor
Offices, professional or administrative
Licensed private club
Restaurant
Retail stores and shops
Studio for photographer, musician, artist or health
Secondhand store, used furniture or rummage sale
b. Neighborhood Service. For any tract of designated for neighborhood service
(NS) use on the concept plan, the following uses shall be permitted in
accordance with the detailed plans approved for those tracts:
Bakery or confectionary shop retail
Cleaning and pressing small shop and pickup
Custom personal service shop
Drapery, needlework or weaving shop
Florist or garden shop
Handicraft shop
Laundry or cleaning (self service)
Offices, professional and administrative
Retail stores and shops (4,000 square feet or less)
Studio for photographer, musician, artist, or health
c.Community Facility. For any tract designated for a community facility (CF)
use on the concept plan, the following uses shall be permitted in accordance
with the detailed plans approved for those tracts:
Art gallery or museum
Cemetery
Church, rectory, or institution of religious or philanthropic nature
Public or private school, college, or university
Child care facility
Hospital, nursing home, or residence home for aged
Park, playground, or public community center
Public building for governmental use
Other similar uses approved on detailed plan
3.Park or School Sites. Tracts 8 and 13, designated for park or park and school sites on
the concept plan, shall each be respectively conveyed to the city, free and clear of all
liens or encumbrances, upon approval of the first final plat approved for any tract of
land included within the particular phase of development in which the designated
park or park and school site is located, as shown in the concept plan. So as to provide
for a building site on Tract 13, excess soil material excavated during the construction
of that portion of Lakeview Boulevard located in the same phase of development as
Tract 13, shall be placed upon Tract 13 in the quantities and locations approved by
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 4
the City Engineer. A minimum of three contiguous acres outside the 100-year
floodplain shall be provided in Tract 8 prior to conveyance.
4.Road Utility District. No road utility district shall be created or utilized to fund any
construction of any street location within the planned development district herein
defined.
On August 15, 1989 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 89-101 an amended
concept plan for Southview PD-132. The ordinance also approved a detailed plan for
184.2 acres of PD--(Z-89-003)
On December 19, 1989 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 89-190 an amended
development phasing schedule for Southview PD-132. (Z-90-003)
On September 4, 1990 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 90-126 an amended
development phasing schedule for Southview PD-132. (Z-90-003)
On November 17, 1998 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 98-393 a rezoning
of 15.088 acres from Agricultural (A) to Planned Development (PD-132). The subject
property was east of Swisher Road and west of the intersection of Swisher Road and
Edwards Road. (Z-98-011)
On November 17, 1998 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 98-394 an amended
concept plan for 427.616 acres within renamed The Preserve Planned Development (PD-
132). The subject site is located within Area C, approximately 20 acres, which allows for
multifamily development. (Z-98-011)
Subject to the following conditions:
1.Prior to the issuance of any building permits for lots on Tracts, C, H, I, J, K, L, M, O,
P, as identified on the concept plan, adequate transportation infrastructure in
accordance with the approved Traffic Impact Analyses (TIA) shall be constructed.
2.
in the alignment of the spine road and the configuration of adjacent tracts, the
maximum number of units/lots within each effected tract shall be allowed to increase
or decrease accordingly, while the cumulative total for all effected tracts shall be no
greater than originally permitted by the concept plan.
On November 17, 1998 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 98-395 a detail plan
for 138.992 acres located within PD-132. The subject property is located north of Shady
Shores Road just north of I-35 East and east of Swisher Road. (Z-98-037)
Approved with the following condition:
Tract D shall require a new Detail Plan if any portion is developed as any land use
other than a public school and/or public park.
On November 16, 1999 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 99-429 an
amendment to the area regulations as they pertain to the definition
Ordinance 98-394.
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 5
(Z-99-067)
1.Front Yard for Single-family Lots. Yard, front means an open, unoccupied space on
a lot facing a street existing across the front of a lot between side lot lines and from
the main building line. On all single-family lots, porches with structural support
(columns) shall be allowed to exten-
associated roof overhang and/or similar special architectural feature shall be allowed
-
overhang and/or similar special architectural features, the front yard shall not be
obstructed from a point forty-
guardrail, fend or other object, except as provided for roof overhang or similar
special architectural features or plant material.
2.Porch. Porch means an open, unenclosed, unobstructed, and non-habitable space
with structural supports (columns) attached to the front of a single-family dwelling
facing a public street and used for a purpose customarily identical to the main
structure, not including those allowed in accessory buildings (e.g. garage or carport),
in a residential district
3.Guardrail. Guardrail means a system of building components located along the open
the possibility of an
accidental fall from the elevated surface to the lower level.
On September 26, 2000 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2000-359 an
amendment to ordinance 98-394, to provide for a detailed plan for 14.76 acres located
within PD-132. The subject property being generally located on the east side of
Lakeview Boulevard approximately 2500 feet northeast of the intersection of Lakewood
Boulevard and Swisher Road. (Z-00-012)
Subject to the following condition:
Site design for houses will be no less strict than the houses shown in the photographs
that were introduced into the record at the City Council public hearing on September
26, 2000 for Zoning Case No. Z-00-11
On November 7, 2000 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2000-416 an
amendment to Ordinance No. 98-394, to provide for a detailed plan for 8.29 acres located
within PD-132. The subject property being generally located on the east side of
Lakeview Boulevard approximately 2500 feet northeast of the intersection of Lakewood
Boulevard and Swisher Road. (Z-00-016)
Subject to the following condition:
Lighting on the property shall be designed and maintained so as not to shine on or
otherwise disturb surrounding residential property or to shine and project upward to
prevent the diffusion in the night sky.
On May 1, 2001 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2001-189 an amendment to
Ordinance No. 98-394 and 98-395, to provide a change in the required transportation
improvements for PD-132. (Z-01-0003)
Subject to the following condition:
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 6
The temporary road connection between Pockrus Page Road and Lakeview Boulevard
will remain in place until such time that the proposed extension of Edwards Road to
Lakeview Boulevard is completed.
On May 4, 2004 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2004-139 a detail plan for
229.1 acres located within PD-132. The subject property is located on the east side of
Swisher Road, approximately 900 feet north of Chaparral Court. (Z03-0033)
On January 18, 2005 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2005-024 a detail plan
for 24.8 acres located with PD-132. The subject property is generally located on the
south side of Pockrus Page Road, on the east side of Lakeview Boulevard. (Z04-0024)
Subject to the following conditions:
1.Perimeter walls will be constructed in accordance with the standards set forth in the
Development Code. The developer will be responsible for construction and the
also be required to obtain necessary Right-of-Way Agreements prior to construction
of wall located within right-of-way;
2.Landscaping, including street trees, will conform to the standards set forth in the
Development Code;
3.Sidewalks will be provided along all public and residential streets. The sidewalks
within this development shall conform to standards set forth within the Development
Code. Both four (4) and five (5) foot sidewalks will be provided and shall conform to
the sidewalks on either side of the development. The change from four (4) foot
sidewalks to five (5) foot sidewalks shall occur at intersections and/or driveways.
4.Signs will conform to the standards set forth within the Development Code. The
developer will also be required to obtain the necessary Right-of-Way Agreements
prior to wall construction of signs located within right-of-way.
5.The developer shall permanently close the temporary access at Pockrus Page and
Indian Paint Way with the first phase of development.
On May 16, 2006 the City Council approved by Ordinance No. 2006-137 correcting an
inadvertent mistake in Ordinance No. 2005-024 providing for approval of a detail plan
for 24.8 acres located with PD-132. The subject property is generally located on the
south side of Pockrus Page Road, on the east side of Lakeview Boulevard. (Z04-0024)
WHEREAS, there was an inadvertent mistake in the drafting of Ordinance 2005-024
o
as the ordinance failed to conform to the information provided to City Council at the
meeting when the ordinance was approved as such information clearly provided that
the Detailed Plan and the Property would be developed for single-family detached
lots pursuant to the standards contained in the Neighborhood Residential 6 (NR-6)
zoning classification, except as otherwise provided in the conditions contained in the
ordinance.
PD-132 is amended by approving the Detailed Plan for the Property to allow for the
o
development of single-family detached lots under the standards set forth in the NR-6
zoning classification, with the following conditions.
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 7
1.Perimeter walls will be constructed in accordance with the standards set forth
in the Development Code. The developer will be responsible for construction
developer will also be required to obtain necessary Right-of-Way Agreements
prior to construction of wall located within right-of-way;
2.Landscaping, including street trees, will conform to the standards set forth in
the Development Code;
3.Sidewalks will be provided along all public and residential streets. The
sidewalks within this development shall conform to standards set forth within
the Development Code. Both four (4) and five (5) foot sidewalks will be
provided and shall conform to the sidewalks on either side of the
development. The change from four (4) foot sidewalks to five (5) foot
sidewalks shall occur at intersections and/or driveways.
4.Signs will conform to the standards set forth within the Development Code.
The developer will also be required to obtain the necessary Right-of-Way
Agreements prior to wall construction of signs located within right-of-way.
5.The developer shall permanently close the temporary access at Pockrus Page
and Indian Paint Way with the first phase of development.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
1.October 18, 1988, City Council, Ordinance No. 88-166
2.August 15, 1989, City Council, Ordinance No. 89-101
3.December 19, 1989, City Council, Ordinance No. 89-190
4.September 4, 1990, City Council, Ordinance No. 90-126
5.November 17, 1998, City Council, Ordinance No. 98-393
6.November 17, 1998, City Council, Ordinance No. 98-394
7.November 17, 1998, City Council, Ordinance No. 98-395
8.November 16, 1999, City Council, Ordinance No. 99-429
9.September 26, 2000, City Council, Ordinance No. 2000-359
10.November 7, 2000, City Council, Ordinance No. 2000-416
11.May 1, 2001, City Council, Ordinance No. 2001-189
12.May 4, 2004, City Council, Ordinance No. 2004-139
13.January 18, 2005, City Council, Ordinance No. 2005-024
14.May 16, 2006, City Council, Ordinance No. 2006-137
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 8
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the Development Agreement, as per the ordinance.
EXHIBITS
1.Ordinance No. 2005-024
2.Ordinance No. 2006-137
3.Ordinance
4.Development Agreement
Respectfully submitted:
Brian Lockley, AICP, CPM
Director,
Planning and Development Department
Prepared by:
Erica Marohnic, AICP
Planning Supervisor
STATE OF TEXAS§
§
COUNTY OF DENTON§
DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
This Development Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between the
City of Denton,Texasa municipal corporation chartered under the constitution of the
State of Texas, and located withinDenton County, Texas (hereinafter called "City"),
acting by and through its duly authorized officers, and HMH Lifestyles, LP(hereinafter
called "Developer"), acting by and through its duly authorized officers, and concerns a
development located withinDenton, Texas,plattedand filed of record as the Villages of
Carmel, Phase III (hereinafter called the “Development”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2004,Holigan Land Development, Ltd. (a Texas Limited
Partnership), as the original developerof this Development (hereinafter, “Holigan”)
requested approval ofa Detailed Plan for approximately 28 acres of land located within
zoning district PD-132of the City of Denton, Texas; and
WHEREAS,on January 18, 2005, the City Council of Denton, Texas adopted
Ordinance No. 2005-024,which approved Developer’s request for a Detailed Plan with
conditions,and subsequently approved on May 16, 2006 Ordinance No. 2006-137
amendingOrdinanceNo. 2005-024,with no change to the previous conditions; and
WHEREAS, the conditions relevant to this Agreement are set forth in Section 2 of
OrdinanceNos 2005-024 and 2006-137, whichstatesin relevant part:
"1. Perimeter walls will be constructed in accordance with the standards set forth
in the Development Code. The developer will be responsible for construction and
the Home Owner Associate will be responsible for maintenance. The developer
will also be required to obtain the necessary Right-of-Way Agreements prior to
construction of walls located within right-of-way."; and
WHEREAS, requirements for perimeter walls then in effect, per Section
35.13.9.B. of the Denton Development Code,readsin relevant part:
"Subdivision Perimeter Fence/Walls Standards
Along
a. Walls shall be made of any combination of wrought iron, masonry, stone or
decorative concrete panels.
b. Decorative stone, masonry or stucco pilasters are required at a minimum of 50'
on center.
Page 1of 7
c. The use of a cap is strongly encouraged with other design elements to
modulate the top of the wall.
Along the right-of-way of aLocal Street
a. Walls shall be made of any combination of wrought iron and wood. If wood is
used, it shall be constructed with steel posts and a decorative cap with the good
side out.
b. Decorative stone, masonry, wood or stucco pilasters are required at a
minimum 50' on center.
Construction
Perimeter fences located within 50' of a public or private right-of-way excluding
local streets or alleys shall be constructed of masonry material.
The framework for newly constructed fences and walls shall face towardthe
builder's property, except where fences are jointly constructed.
Fences shall not lean at an angle from the vertical plane any greater than five
(5%) percent.
The use of barbed wire, razor wire or electrified wire in a fence construction is
prohibited, except for permitted agricultural and industrial uses.
Vision Clearance Area
A vision clearance area shall be provided at intersections which meets the
standards contained in the Transportation Criteria Manual."; and
WHEREAS, the staff report for the January 18, 2008City Council meeting
identifiedHoligan as the applicant for the above mentioned Detailed Plan request,and
statesinrelevant part:
“Masonry Walls
The applicant proposes to construct a continuous eight (8) foot masonry wall
along the east and west right-of-way lines for Lakeview Boulevard. The applicant
also proposes to construct a continuous six (6) foot masonry wall along the south
right-of-way line for Pockrus Page Road. Both walls will be constructed in
accordance with the standards set forth in the Development Code. The developer
will be responsible for construction and the Home Owner’s Associate will be
responsible for maintenance. The developer will also be required to obtain the
necessary Right-of-Way Agreements prior to construction of walls located within
right-of-way.”; and
Page 2of 7
WHEREAS, the Amended Plat for Villages of Carmel, Phase III was filed for
record in Denton County on August 14, 2006 in Cabinet X, Page 253,and is further
located within the Gideon Walker Survey, Abstract No. 1330, City of Denton, Denton
County, Texas; and
WHEREAS, Holiganand its affiliated entitiessold,or were issued permits for
constructionofhouses on approximately 106 of the 116lots inthe Development;
however, Holiganfailed to complete construction of the required perimeter walls; and
WHEREAS, City’s development code provides that building permits may not be
issued or approved as completed until all requirements of the development code have
been satisfied; and
WHEREAS, Holigan, together with a number of other affiliated entities, filed for
bankruptcy protection, and Developer has since assumed Holigan’s rights, duties and
obligationswith respect to the Development; and
WHEREAS, Developeracknowledges that, as a consequence of City’s
development regulations, Developer must assure timely completion ofsaid perimeter
walls, prior to the issuance of building permits for the Development; and
WHEREAS, Developer has arrangedfor construction of these required perimeter
wallsbyNorth Texas Hardscapes, Inc. (“Contractor”), pursuant to the designs, maps
and elevations attached hereto, and incorporated herein as Exhibit A(hereinafter, the
“Walls”),has obtained necessary approvals and building permits for construction of the
Walls, and construction has commenced.
WHEREAS, Contractor desires to initiate construction of homes onthe final ten
(10)lots of the Development (the "Unbuilt Lots"), prior to completing the Walls, and as
consideration for City’s agreement to allow construction to begin on the Unbuilt Lots
prior to completion of the Walls, has arranged to post security for timely completion of
the Walls. Specifically, Developer has proposed that, pursuant to a separate agreement
with Holiganapproved by the Bankruptcy Court, HFG Magtex, L.P. willpost the
estimated cost of construction for the Walls into an escrow account, with Plains Capital
Bank serving as the escrow agent, and Contractor as the beneficiary.
Page 3of 7
NOW THEREFORE
, in consideration of the mutual covenants and obligations
herein,the parties agree as follows:
SECTION 1.DEVELOPER PARTICIPATION
Developerand its successors and assigns, if any,agree to construct the Walls in
accordance with the terms and conditionsstated herein,andin accordance with the
following schedule:
A.Reference is made to the attached Exhibit A, consistingof: a proposal,for the
construction of the Walls; an application and building permit issued to North Texas
Hardscape, Inc.,for construction of the Walls; andthe designapproved in the
permit. Prior to the issuance of any building permits for the Unbuilt Lots,Developer
will arrange for the deposit (whether funded pursuant to a collateral agreement by
HFG Magtex, L.P.,or otherwise) the full amount of $166,362.65in escrow,with
Plains Capital Bank serving as the escrow agent and Contractor as beneficiary,
under terms to be reviewed and approved in advance by the City, from which funds
will be released to the North Texas Hardscape, Inc.by the escrow agent, pursuant to
the terms of the escrow agreement, as construction of the Wallsprogresses.
Developer shall arrange for payment of all escrow fees and any additional costs of
construction (whether funded pursuant to a collateral agreement by HFG Magtex,
L.P.,or otherwise).
B.For the limited purpose of issuing building permits on the Unbuilt Lots, City agrees
that Developer’s depositof funds as specified in Section 1.Aof this Agreement shall
satisfy Developer’s obligation to install the Walls, provided that the escrow
agreement remains funded, and is supplemented as necessary, in an amount
sufficient to ensure timely completion of the Wallsby Contractor.Developer shall
ensure that the Wallsare completed per the design and in satisfaction of all
regulatory standards and requirements,no later than March 1, 2013, and that all
permit close-out requirements are fully satisfied.
SECTION 2.TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE
Timeis of the essence in Developer’s construction of the Walls.
SECTION 3.TERM
The term of this Agreement shall begin on the date of execution, and end upon the
complete performance of all obligations and conditions precedent by the parties to this
Agreement.
SECTION 4.VENUE AND GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement is performable in Denton County, Texas, and venue of any action
arisingout of this Agreement shall be exclusively in Denton County, Texas. This
Agreement shall begoverned and construed in accordance with the laws and court
decisions of the State of Texas.
Page 4of 7
SECTION 5.NOTICES
Any notice required by this Agreement shall be deemed to be properly served if
depositedin the U.S. Mail by certified letter, return receipt requested, addressed to the
recipient at therecipient's address shown below, subject to the right of either party to
designate a differentaddress by notice given in the manner just described.
If intended for City, to:If intended for the Developer, to
:
City ManagerBruce French, Vice President
City HallHMH Lifestyles, L.P.
215 E. McKinney9001 Airport Freeway
Denton, Texas 7620INorth Richland Hills, TX 76180
SECTION 6.APPLICABLE LAWS
This Agreement is made subject to the provisions of the Charter and ordinances of City,
as amended, and all applicable state and federal laws.The parties stipulate that this
Agreement does not satisfy any other development obligation under law or City
ordinances; particularly, it does not satisfy any applicable impact fee requirements or
development exactions to construct required public infrastructure improvements,
including those associated with transportation, storm sewer, water, sanitary sewer, or
utilities.The parties further stipulate that with respect to the limited scope of this
agreement, the funds provided are not disproportionate to the burdens of the
development. The parties stipulate that this Agreement does not constitute a permit for
development under Chapter 245 of the Texas Local Government Code.
SECTION 7.LEGAL CONSTRUCTION
In case anyone or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any
reason be held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity,
illegality, orunenforceability shall not affect any other provision thereof and this
Agreement shall beconsidered as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had
never been contained in thisAgreement.
SECTION 8.COUNTERPARTS
This Agreementmay be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be
deemed an original and constitute one and the same instrument.
SECTION 9.CAPTIONS
The captions to the various clauses of this Agreement are for informational purposes
onlyand shall not alter the substance of theterms and conditions of this Agreement.
SECTION 10.SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS
The terms and conditions of this Agreement are binding upon the successors and
assignsof the parties to this Agreement, and stand as obligations running with the land
Page 5of 7
until satisfied infull, regardless of whether the Property is developed as the
Development, or as any otheralternative use.
EXECUTED this ____________ day ofJanuary, 2013, by the City, signing by
andthrough its City Manager, and by the Developer, acting through itsduly authorized
officers.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
ANITA BURGESSBy: George C. Campbell,City Manager
City Attorneyon behalf of the City, pursuant to delegated
authority
BY: ___________________BY: _____________________
City AttorneyCity Manager
HMH LIFESTYLES, L.P., a Texas
Limited Partnership, DEVELOPER
By: BNMJR, Inc., its general partner
By: _____________________________
Name: Bruce French
Title:Vice President
on behalf of said entities
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
STATE OF TEXAS§
§
COUNTY OF DENTON§
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _______ day of
___________, 2013by George C. Campbell, being CityManager of the City of Denton,
Texas, a Texas municipality, on behalf of said municipality.
Name:
Notary Public, State of Texas
My Commission expires:
Page 6of 7
STATE OF TEXAS§
§
COUNTY OF§
This instrument was acknowledged before me on the _______ day of January,
2013by Bruce French,on behalf of BNMJR, Inc., as its Vice President, as general
partner for, and on behalf of, HMH Lifestyles, L.P., a Texas Limited Partnership
(“Developer” herein).
Name:
Notary Public, State of Texas
My Commission expires:
Page 7of 7
NORTH TEXAS HARDSCAPE, INC.
8/30/12
Date
9284 HUNTINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 100
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS 76182
1 of 1
Sheet
(817) 281-0700 PHONE
(817) 281-0772 FAX
PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO:WORK TO BE PERFORMED AT:
History Maker HomesVillages of Carmel Phase III
Attn: Bruce FrenchDenton, Texas
We Hereby Propose To Furnish The Materials and Perform The Labor
ItemDescriptionQuantityUnitUnit CostExtension
0018' Thinwall to Include the Following:1,552L.F.$81.00$125,712.00
1) Stacked Bond Thinwall Columns 12' O.C. Max With Brick Rowloc
2) Running Bond Panels Capped With a Standing Soldier Course Be
on the Concrete Mow Strip
3) 6" x 12" Concrete Mow Strip With 6" Void Box
>Note: This Wall Design Eliminates the Need for the Galvanized A
0028'-9" Stone / Brick Column With Cast Stone Cap39EA.$515.00$20,085.00
003Remove / Haul Off Existing 6' Wood Fence at Back of Lots1,289L.F.$2.40$3,093.60
004Install Temporary 6' Chain Link Fence1,289L.F.$2.75$3,544.75
005Reinstall Sideyard Fence Panels to New Thinwall Fence26Panels$42.00$1,092.00
006Remove Pier / Grade Beam Spoils from Site1EA$3,480.00$3,480.00
>Location Lots 1 - 5 & 15 - 24 / Lots 1 - 4 Blk 7 & Lots 15 - 19
0072' x 8' Cast Stone Signs4EA$1,195.00$4,780.00
008Demo & Haul Off 68 LF of Existing 8' Thinwall1EA$2,575.00$2,575.00
009Pot Hole Existing Utilities1EA$2,000.00$2,000.00
TOTAL$166,362.35
Notes:
1) North Texas Hardscape, Inc. to Furnish Engineering Design an
2) Brick Allowance - Acme King Size Prairie Land at $299 Per 1,
Note: This Brick Has Replaced Acme Southwestern, and is N
3) Stone Type - Rattlesnake Limestone With Random Ashlar Patter
4) Brick Mortar Color - Gray
5) Stone Mortar Color - Buff
Exclusions / Limitations:
1) North Texas Hardscape, Inc. Will Not be Held Liable for Any
That May Occur During the Wall Construction Process
By Owner:
1) Finished Grades to be Established Along Wall Line Prior to t
2) Property Line Stakeout
3) Notify Homeowners of Work Start Date In Order to Allow Them
the Day of Fence Removal
4) Remove Existing Street Paving & Establish Grades
Extras:
Extra Cost Will Be Incurred Should Any Of The Following Circumst
1) Special Pier Drilling Truck Required To Drill Underneath Abo
Grade, Where Rock Is Encountered. Extra Charge Will Be $17
2) Cased Piers Required Due To Abnormal Underground Water Condi
3) Spreadfooting Required Due To Underground Utility Conflict W
4) Spreadfooting Required Due To Underground Utility Conflict I
Excavation Spoils:
1) Excluded From Above Pricing is the Removal of Excavation Spo
All material is guaranteed to be as specified. The above work i
specifications submitted for the above work, and will be complet
Respectfully Submitted By:
Brett Albritton, President
North Texas Hardscape, Inc.
NOTE: THIS PROPOSAL MAY BE WITHDRAWN IF NOT ACCEPTED WITHIN 30
The above price, specifications, and conditions are satisfactory
the work as specified. Payment will be made as outlined above.
Signature:Date:
Any alteration or deviation from specifications involving extra
above the estimate. All agreements are contingent upon strikes,
insurance upon above work. Workers Compensation and Public Liabi
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Utilities
ACM:
Howard Martin, 349-8232
______________________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire fee
simple to a 0.388 acre tract, located in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract Number 927,
City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit “A”, attached
hereto and made a part hereof, located generally in the 200 block of North Mayhill Road (the
“Property Interests”), for the public use of expanding and improving Mayhill Road, a municipal
street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to (1)
Kenneth L. Stoudt and wife, Gladys F. Stoudt (collectively the “Owner”); (2) successors in
interest to the Owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests,
as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of Twenty Five
00
Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Seven Dollars and No Cents ($25,377.), and other
consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), as attached hereto
and made a apart hereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; and
providing an effective date. (Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project – Parcel M074)
BACKGROUND
In accord with the current Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project initiative (the
Project), staff is undertaking the identification of the additional land rights necessary to
accommodate the construction and operation of the improved roadway. Pyles-Whatley
Corporation has been engaged to provide real estate appraisal services in regard to those
identified tracts that will be directly impacted by the project.
In respect to the tract owned by Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt, the Project requires the acquisition of a Fee
Tract for street purposes, no compensable improvements exist within the Fee Tract
Pyles-Whatley Corporation has provided a real estate appraisal report in regard to Mr. and Mrs.
Stoudt’s property tract and the land rights necessary for the Project. Their findings constitute the
present offer to purchase.
OPTIONS
1.Approve the proposed Ordinance.
2.Decline to approve the proposed Ordinance.
3.Table for future consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the Ordinance.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
No prior action or review regarding the identified acquisition tracts affecting property owned by
Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The overall Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project is being funded with a
combination of Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds, Denton County Transportation Road
Improvement Program (TRIP ‘08) funds and City of Denton local match funds. The purchase
00
offer price of $25,377. plus closing costs, as prescribed in the Agreement, and any eligible
relocation assistance benefits are to be funded through a combination of these funding sources.
BID INFORMATION
Not applicable
EXHIBITS
1.Location Map
2.Ordinance Respectfully submitted,
Frank G. Payne, P.E.
Prepared by, City Engineer
Paul Williamson,
Real Estate Manager
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Utilities
ACM:
Howard Martin, 349-8232
______________________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire (I) fee
simple to a 0.147 acre tract; and (II) a temporary construction, grading and access easement,
encumbering a 0.071 acre tract, all tracts located in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract
Number 927, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit
“A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof, located generally in the 200 block of North Mayhill
Road (the “Property Interests”), for the public use of expanding and improving Mayhill Road, a
municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to
(1) Kenneth L. Stoudt and wife, Gladys F. Stoudt (collectively the “Owner”); (2) successors in
interest to the Owner to the Property Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests,
as may be applicable, to purchase the Property Interests for the purchase price of Twenty Four
00
Thousand Seven Hundred Twelve Dollars and No Cents ($24,712.), and other consideration, as
prescribed in the Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”), as attached hereto and made a apart
hereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the expenditure of funds therefor; authorizing relocation
expenditures; and providing an effective date. (Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements
project – Parcel M075)
BACKGROUND
In accord with the current Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project initiative (the
Project), staff is undertaking the identification of the additional land rights necessary to
accommodate the construction and operation of the improved roadway. Pyles-Whatley
Corporation has been engaged to provide real estate appraisal services in regard to those
identified tracts that will be directly impacted by the project.
Pyles-Whatley Corporation has provided a real estate appraisal report in regard to Mr. and Mrs.
Stoudt’s property tract and the land rights necessary for the Project. Their findings constitute the
present offer to purchase.
In respect to the tract owned by Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt, the Project requires the acquisition of a Fee
Tract for street purposes. The proposed west right-of-way line of the Project bisects the
residential structure owned by Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt, presently under lease. As a result, the
residential structure bisected by the Fee Tract would be in such a condition that it cannot be
adequately reconstructed at its present location. A Temporary Construction, Grading and Access
Easement is required to provide work space for the contractor to demolish, remove and dispose
the Owner’s bisected residential structure, as a component part of the Project.
As per state statute changes precipitated by the passage of Senate Bill 18, the occupants of the
residential structure situated within the subject acquisition tract are entitled to a Residential
Relocation Assistance benefit package, separate and apart from the land rights acquisition
initiative. An element to the change in state law requires condemning authorities to formally
establish a relocation assistance program in conformance with the Federal Uniform Relocation
Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions Policy Act of 1970, 42 U.C.S.A. 4601 et. seq., and
regulations promulgated pursuant thereto (49 CFR §§24.1-24.603), as each may be amended
from time to time (the “Federal Act”). The Denton City Council, at the meeting of April 17,
2012, adopted Ordinance 2012-073 to satisfy that requirement.
OPTIONS
1.Approve the proposed Ordinance.
2.Decline to approve the proposed Ordinance.
3.Table for future consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the Ordinance.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
No prior action or review regarding the identified acquisition tracts affecting property owned by
Mr. and Mrs. Stoudt.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The overall Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project is being funded with a
combination of Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds, Denton County Transportation Road
Improvement Program (TRIP ‘08) funds and City of Denton local match funds. The purchase
00
offer price of $24,712. plus closing costs, as prescribed in the Agreement, and any eligible
relocation assistance benefits are to be funded through a combination of these funding sources.
BID INFORMATION
Not applicable
EXHIBITS
1.Location Map
2.Ordinance Respectfully submitted,
Frank G. Payne, P.E.
Prepared by, City Engineer
Paul Williamson,
Real Estate Manager
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE:
January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT:
Utilities
ACM:
Howard Martin, 349-8232
______________________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
Consider adoption of an ordinance finding that a public use and necessity exists to acquire (I) fee
simple to a 0.106 acre tract; and (II) a temporary construction, grading and access easement,
encumbering a 0.106 acre tract, all tracts located in the M.E.P. & P.R.R. Co. Survey, Abstract
Number 927, City of Denton, Denton County, Texas, as more particularly described on Exhibit
“A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof, located generally in the 200 block of North Mayhill
Road (the “Property Interests”), for the public use of expanding and improving Mayhill Road, a
municipal street and roadway; authorizing the City Manager or his designee to make an offer to
(1) Kenneth L. Stoudt (the “Owner”); (2) successors in interest to the Owner to the Property
Interests; or (3) any other owners of the Property Interests, as may be applicable, to purchase the
Property Interests for the purchase price of Thirty Three Thousand One Hundred Three Dollars
00
and No Cents ($33,103.), and other consideration, as prescribed in the Purchase Agreement
(the “Agreement”), as attached hereto and made a apart hereof as Exhibit “B”; authorizing the
expenditure of funds therefor; authorizing relocation expenditures; and providing an effective
date. (Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project – Parcel M076)
BACKGROUND
In accord with the current Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project initiative (the
Project), staff is undertaking the identification of the additional land rights necessary to
accommodate the construction and operation of the improved roadway. Pyles-Whatley
Corporation has been engaged to provide real estate appraisal services in regard to those
identified tracts that will be directly impacted by the project.
Pyles-Whatley Corporation has provided a real estate appraisal report in regard to Mr. Stoudt’s
property tract and the land rights necessary for the Project. Their findings constitute the present
offer to purchase.
In respect to the tract owned by Mr. Stoudt, the Project requires the acquisition of a Fee Tract for
street purposes. The proposed west right-of-way line of the Project is within a few feet of a
residential structure situated upon the remainder of the Stoudt property tract, under lease to a
tenant. Equity and fairness necessitates that compensation to the Owner include the full value of
the residential improvements upon the remainder tract and demolition, removal and disposal of
same. Leaving the residential structure so near the travelled way would create a hazard to the
roadway and endanger human life, safety and welfare. Therefore, a Temporary Construction,
Grading and Access Easement is required to provide work space for the contractor to demolish,
remove and dispose the Owner’s remaining residential structure, as a component part of the
Project.
As per state statute changes precipitated by the passage of Senate Bill 18, the occupants of the
residential structure slated for removal are entitled to a Residential Relocation Assistance benefit
package, separate and apart from the land rights acquisition initiative. An element to the change
in state law requires condemning authorities to formally establish a relocation assistance program
in conformance with the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions
Policy Act of 1970, 42 U.C.S.A. 4601 et. seq., and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto (49
CFR §§24.1-24.603), as each may be amended from time to time (the “Federal Act”). The
Denton City Council, at the meeting of April 17, 2012, adopted Ordinance 2012-073 to satisfy
that requirement.
OPTIONS
1.Approve the proposed Ordinance.
2.Decline to approve the proposed Ordinance.
3.Table for future consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the Ordinance.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (Council, Boards, Commissions)
No prior action or review regarding the identified acquisition tracts affecting property owned by
Mr. Stoudt.
FISCAL INFORMATION
The overall Mayhill Road Widening and Improvements project is being funded with a
combination of Regional Toll Revenue (RTR) funds, Denton County Transportation Road
Improvement Program (TRIP ‘08) funds and City of Denton local match funds. The purchase
00
offer price of $33,103. plus closing costs, as prescribed in the Agreement, and any eligible
relocation assistance benefits are to be funded through a combination of these funding sources.
BID INFORMATION
Not applicable
EXHIBITS
1.Location Map
2.Ordinance Respectfully submitted,
Prepared by, Frank G. Payne, P.E.
City Engineer
Paul Williamson,
Real Estate Manager
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT: Planning and Development
ACM: John Cabrales
SUBJECTNeighborhood Empowerment Program
Neighborhood Empowerment Advisory Board , criteria and guidelines for the approval of
matching contributions under applications by eligible persons under the program; setting forth
additional details in relation to the program, providing a savings clause; and providing an
effective date.
BACKGROUND
On January 16, 2001, City Council approved Ordinance No. 2001-035 (Exhibit 1) amending
Chapter 14 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances, which established Article VI
Empowerment Program.
The Neighborhood Empowerment Program (NEP) provided matching grant funds to qualified
neighborhood organizations or groups for neighborhood projects which promote long term,
public benefit to neighborhoods and to citizens of Denton. Neighborhood projects were funded
based on their ability to:
Improve the appearance of the neighborhoods and promote maintenance and
;
Establish community pride in the neighborhoods by involving neighborhood residents
more directly in all phases of the neighborhood development;
Improve public safety by establishing traffic control devices, monuments and other
improvements; and
Improve public health by preserving and enhancing the environment, promote the public
health, welfare and safety.
The goals of the NEP were implemented through two funding sources, the Neighborhood Project
Matching Grant and the Neighborhood Micro-Grant. The Neighborhood Project Matching Grant
was managed by neighborhood organizations or groups who were formally organized and had
the capacity to develop projects and establish partnerships for projects up to $10,000. However,
the Neighborhood Micro-Grant was devised to assist neighborhoods in creating new
neighborhood organizations or solicit additional membership to an existing one. Grant funding
for the Neighborhood Micro-grant was up to $100.00.
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 2
As adopted, the NEP was administered through the Community Development Director with
other departments serving on the Advisory Board and participating in the review of project
applications. Since adoption of this ordinance in 2001, several neighborhood projects were
funded. For an example, the Nette Schulz Neighbors raised money and worked collaboratively
with Parks and Recreation to install the perimeter sidewalk at Nette Schulz Park. They used NEP
funds to place a backboard at the existing tennis court for solo players and later purchased (from
Parks
equipment from the hot summer sun.
The Fiscal Year 2012-2013 adopted budget allocated to the City of Denton Neighborhood
Planning Program (CDNPP) $84,000 in total funding. Of this amount, $34,000 is used for
existing CDNPP services such as the annual Neighborhood Empowerment Summit, Engage
Denton, and the development of neighborhood small area plans. The remaining $50,000 will be
used for the NEP to offer grants to qualified neighborhood organizations or groups for
neighborhood projects which promote long term, public benefit to neighborhoods and to citizens
of Denton. Instead of implementing a new program, the CDNPP will augment the existing NEP
to effectively disperse grant monies.
To this end, staff has reviewed the existing ordinance and will make recommendations in the
form of amendments to Ordinance No. 2001-035. These amendments will allow more creativity
and broad based neighborhood projects and programs to be crafted amongst area neighborhood
organizations and groups that will be eligible for funding.
The amendment to the ordinance includes these broad categories as described:
Physical improvements to neighborhood entryways, perimeter areas, street borders and
medians, parks, playgrounds, tot lots, and other neighborhood amenity areas. Such
improvements may include landscaping, tree plantings, signage, equipment, decorative
structures, and similar beautification or enhancement projects. Physical improvement
Projects must be performed in a public right-of-way or on public property. Projects on
property owned by a neighborhood or homeowners association will be considered on a case
by case basis, if it is shown to provide a communal benefit to the neighborhood.
Public safety programs or initiatives, such as safety training, crime or fire prevention
programs, traffic deterrent or calming projects or studies.
Cultural, educational, and recreation programs including literacy programs, leadership
training, computer labs, after-school enrichment programs, cultural arts programs, and
summer camps.
Neighborhood master plan or comparable studies that focus on enhancing the neighborhood.
These must not contain plans currently being developed by the City.
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 3
Eligible projects must include the following criteria as appropriate:
Provide long term, public benefit to the neighborhood
Be located on publicly accessed property (right-of-way, neighborhood common area,
etc.)
Have demonstrated neighborhood support
Be compatible with adjacent properties
Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases
Have goals which can be accomplished normally in 12 months or less
Must demonstrate appropriate long-term maintenance
codes
In addition, the Neighborhood Empowerment Program Advisory Board will be comprised of
Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Planning, Police, Community Development, Economic
Development, and Code Enforcement staff representatives. This Board will review and evaluate
each application and make recommendations to the City Manager for final approval. The
Planning and Development Department will update the City Council on the issuance of grant
funds and approved projects at the conclusion of each application cycle.
In order to thoroughly review submittals in an equitable manner staff has developed criteria, each
with a weighted score, to evaluate applications. Each application will be evaluated on the
following criteria:
Criteria Category Scoring Weight Explanation of Criteria
Project Description and 40 Precise description of project, which
Statement of Qualifications includes needs, benefits to the
neighborhood, and sound budget
Implementation Tasks And 35 Clear demonstration of how the
Schedule project will be accomplished
Volunteers, Participation, 25 Demonstrated participation of
Donations, and registered residents in the project and
with the CDNPP documented match in forms of
letters, in-kind services or donations
Maximum Number of Points 100 The highest score received on the
evaluation form.
Project proposals that received an evaluation score of 30 points or less will not be considered for
funding, but may be resubmitted for the next award cycle. Furthermore, each non award
proposal will have the opportunity to meet with the Advisory Board to discuss project,
application, and partnerships. Before each review cycle, staff will host a grant training workshop
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 4
to advise interested groups and individuals of eligible projects and program and application
requirements.
In the event a grant proposal is denied by the Board, other than for a lack of funding in which no
appeal is authorized,
either the
Advisory Committee.
The Human Services Advisory Committee will review appeals associated with:
1.Public safety programs or initiatives, such as safety training, crime or fire prevention
programs, traffic deterrent or calming projects or studies.
2.Cultural, educational, and recreation programs including literacy programs,
leadership training, computer labs, after-school enrichment programs, cultural arts
programs, and summer camps.
3.
Neighborhood master plan or comparable studies that focus on enhancing the
.
neighborhood. These must not contain plans currently being developed by the City
The Community Development Advisory Committee will review appeals associated with:
1.Physical improvements to neighborhood entryways, perimeter areas, street borders
and medians, parks, playgrounds, tot lots, and other neighborhood amenity areas.
Such improvements may include landscaping, tree plantings, signage, equipment,
decorative structures, and similar beautification or enhancement projects. Physical
improvement projects must be performed in a public right-of-way or on public
property. Projects on property owned by a neighborhood or homeowners association
will be considered on a case by case basis, if it is shown to provide a communal
benefit to the neighborhood.
At a public hearing relative to an appeal, each appeals Committee shall render their decision
based on if the grant proposal has met the following criteria:
Provide long term, public benefit to the neighborhood
Be located on publicly accessed property (right-of-way, neighborhood common area,
etc.)
Have demonstrated neighborhood support
Be compatible with adjacent properties
Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases
Have goals which can be accomplished normally in 12 months or less
Must demonstrate appropriate long-term maintenance
codes
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 5
The decisions of the appeals Committee will be final however, in no event will the denial of a
grant application preclude the applicant from reapplying to subsequent Neighborhood
Empowerment Program.
OPTIONS
1.Approve as submitted
2.Approve with additional amendments
3.Deny the request
4.Postpone consideration
5.Table item.
RECOMMENDATION
APPROVAL
Staff recommends of of the request.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
1.City Council approval of Ordinance No. 2001-035 January 16, 2001
2.City Council Work Session January 8, 2013
EXHIBITS
1.Ordinance No. 2001-035
2.Neighborhood Project Matching Grant
3.
4.
5.
6.Indemnity Agreement
7.Neighborhood Project Grant Award Cycle
8.Neighborhood Project Grant Award Calendar
9.Neighborhood Empowerment Program Marketing Plan
10.Ordinance
Agenda Information Sheet
January 15, 2013
Page 6
Prepared by:
Katia Boykin
Planning Supervisor
Respectfully submitted:
Brian Lockley, AICP, CPM
Director, Planning and Development
S:\Planning\CC Related\Year 2013\01- Jan\01.15.13\AIS\Neighborhood Empowerment Program\Neighborhood Empowerment Program_All Exhibits.docx
Exhibit 2
Proposed Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO._________________
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 14 “HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES” OF THE CITY
CODE BY ESTABLISHING A NEW ARTICLE VI “NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM”
TO ESTABLISH A NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM TO ENHANCE AND IMPROVE
NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF DENTON; CREATING A NEIGHBORHOOD
EMPOWERMENT ADVISORY BOARD; ESTABLISHING CRITERIA AND GUIDELINES FOR THE
APPROVAL OF MATCHING CONTRIBUTIONS UNDER APPLICATIONS BY ELIGIBLE PERSONS
UNDER THE PROGRAM; SETTING FORTH ADDITIONAL DETAILS IN RELATION TO THE
PROGRAM; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the health, economic condition, public welfare and safety of a city is affected by the quality
and viability of its neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, neighborhood projects and programs which promote long term, public benefit to
neighborhoods and to citizens of Denton as a whole by improving the appearance of the neighborhoods,
enhancing resident’s quality of life, establish community pride in the neighborhoods by involving neighborhood
residents more directly in all phases of the neighborhood development; promote maintenance and enhancement
of the neighborhood, improve public safety by establishing traffic control devices, monuments and other
improvements; increase the neighborhood’s and adjacent neighborhood’s property value by improving the
appearance of the neighborhood; improve public health by preserving and enhancing the environment promote
the public health, welfare and safety and constitute a valid public purpose; and
WHEREAS, the City Manager has recommended and the City Council has determined that a
Neighborhood Empowerment Program whereby the City provides certain qualified neighborhood organizations
and groups matching funds or contributions of in-kind services to accomplish one or more of the above-
mentioned purposes is deemed to be in the public interest; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DENTON HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 14, “Health and Human Services” of the Code of Ordinances of the City of
Denton is hereby amended by enacting a new Article VI, “Neighborhood Empowerment Program” with
Subsections 14-119 – 14-123 inclusive which shall read as follows:
Article VI. Neighborhood Empowerment Program.
Section 14-119. Establishment and Purpose
This hereby established a Neighborhood Empowerment Program (NEP) to provide matching City funds
or in-kind services to help improve the quality of life in the City’s neighborhoods. The goal of the NEP
is to encourage and select prepared projects which meet the program guidelines set forth herein that
foster self-help, self-management, neighborhood pride, and enhance and beautify the City’s
neighborhoods. The NEP will provide matching funds or in-kind services which are to be awarded on
the bases of merit. A maximum of $10,000 will be available per project. The total available funding
will be established in each budget year based on the amount budgeted for the NEP as approved by the
City Council in the annual budget.
Section 14-120. Neighborhood Empowerment Program Advisory Board
a. There is hereby created a Neighborhood Empowerment Advisory Board which shall be
composed of seven members. The City Manager shall designate one member of the Board from
the Parks & Recreation, Engineering, Planning, Police, Economic Development, Code
Enforcement, and Community Development Departments. Four members of the Board shall be
chosen from a neighborhood association or representative group from each of the four City
Council districts. The neighborhood representative shall serve for two-year terms provided,
however, the first two representatives appointed to the Board will serve one-year terms, allowing
two new neighborhoods to be represented on the Board each subsequent program year.
Appointments of the neighborhood association or group members will be randomly selected
from each of the four council districts.
b. The Board will evaluate each application to participate in the NEP based on the following
criteria:
1.Project Description and Statement of Qualifications – Precise description of project, which
includes needs, benefits to the neighborhood, and sound budget.
2.Implementation, Tasks, and Schedule – Clear demonstration of how the project will be
accomplished.
3.Volunteers, Participation, and Donations – Demonstrated participations of residents in the
project and documented matching forms of letters, in-kind services, or donation of materials,
or other secured funding sources.
1.Replicability–the ease in which the project can be successfully replicated in other
neighborhoods.
2.Self-evaluation–based on criteria that will be specified by the Board to evaluate the
success of the project.
3.Project quality –to evaluate whether the project is well articulated, planned, and ready to
proceed including whether there is a demonstrated need for the project, whether the
budget is reasonable, cost-effective, and within the scope of the NEP.
4.Neighborhood match –whether the match meets theminimum requirement, is secured,
and ready to be expended. Projects will be evaluated on a sliding scale. Low to
moderate income neighborhoods will receive additional consideration and selection and a
reduction in necessary neighborhood match to the extent this can be accomplished in
accordance with the law.
5.Neighborhood involvement –inclusiveness, participation and cost/benefit, projects will
be evaluated to determine if they promote the neighborhood, build relationships and
cooperation among neighborhoods, whether a significant number of people will be
involved and will benefit from the program, how the program will enhance not only the
neighborhood but adjacent neighborhoods and the City as a whole, whether the program
is not controversial, has no neighborhood opposition, and whether diverse interests are
involved.
c. The Board will act as an advisor to the City Council in administering the NEP. It will make
recommendations to the City Council with regard to changes in the NEP guidelines, the success
of the NEP, and the funding level of NEP which responsibilities shall include, without limitation:
1. Making recommendations to the City Council with respect to annual budget
appropriations for the NEP.
2. Making periodic reports to the City Council with regard to the status and effectiveness of
the NEP.
3. Administering the NEP to ensure that the successful applicants comply with the terms
and conditions of the NEP.
4. Promulgate rules and establishing procedures to aid the Board in performing its
functions.
Section 14-121. Eligible Program and Projects
Individuals from five or more separate households and living within the city limits may submit an
application to the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning Program (CDNPP)Community Development
Director (Director). The CDNPPDirector shall establish, with the approval of the Board, additional
guidelines to make sure that applications are approved on the basis of merit and are consistent with NEP
guidelines. Any project which promotes the public health, safety or welfare of the City by
accomplishing one or more of the public purposes set forth in Section 14-119 above and the preambles
to the ordinance which enacts the NEP by enhancing the appearance and improving the quality of life in
Denton’s neighborhoods is eligible. Such projects must include the following:
a. All projects are required to have a citizen project coordinator to be a liaison between the City and
the neighborhood during project development implementation.
b. Matching fund awards will be made only to groups of five or more separate households who can
be identified with a particular Denton neighborhood. Awards will not be made to individuals,
single businesses, universities, hospitals, institutions, foundations, political, fraternal, or religious
organizations. Government and public agencies, social services district councils, citywide
groups, and city developments are also not eligible for the program. Eligible applicants may
form partnerships with any of these ineligible groups to plan and implement the project. But the
eligible applicant must retain the primary role in the partnership and remain responsible for
performing the project.
c.Project criteria (applicability is based on project and program types):Eligible projectsmust:
1. Provide long-term, public benefits to the neighborhood.
2. Be located on public access (right-of-way, neighborhood, common area, or other public
access property).
3. Have demonstrated neighborhood support.
4. Be compatible with adjacent properties.
5. Involve neighborhood residents directly in all phases.
6. Have goals which can normally be accomplished within twelve months or less.
7. Must demonstrate appropriate long-term maintenance programs.
8. Be within the City’s legal authority as determined by the City’s legal department and
comply with existing City of Denton’s codes, regulations and policies.
d. All projects shall fall within one of the following sixcategories:
1.Physical improvements to neighborhood entryways, perimeter areas, street borders and
medians, parks, playgrounds, tot lots, and other neighborhood amenity areas. Such
improvements may include landscaping, tree plantings, signage, equipment, decorative
structures, and similar beautification or enhancement projects. Physical improvement
projects must be performed in a public right-of-way or on public property. Projects on
property owned by a neighborhood or homeowners association will be considered on a case
by case basis, if it is shown to provide a communal benefit to the neighborhood.
2.Public safety programs or initiatives, such as safety training, crime or fire prevention
programs, traffic deterrent or calming projects or studies.
3.Cultural, educational, and recreation programs including literacy programs, leadership
training, computer labs, after-school enrichment programs, cultural arts programs, and
summer camps.
4.
Neighborhood master plan or comparable studies that focus on enhancing the neighborhood.
.
These must not contain plans currently being developed by the City
Youth improvements: which may include, without limitation, small play area, basketball
court/hoops.
2.Neighborhood identity: which may include signage, entrance beautification, or other
neighborhoodlandmarks.
3.Public art or amenities: which may include, benches, sculptures, gardens.
4.Traffic safety: which may include, speed bumps and traffic calming devices.
5.Capital equipment purchase: which may include neighborhood bulletin boards and
neighborhood picnic areas
6.Environmental improvement: which may include ride-sharing, LINK shelter,
composting, tree planting, trail head enhancements.
e. In order to obtain matching City funds or services from the Neighborhood Empowerment
Program, the neighborhood must identify matched items of equal value of the amount requested.
Matched items that can be donated, include professional services, donated material or supplies,
volunteer labor or cash. The value of the neighborhood match must equal or exceed the amount
requested from the neighborhood requested matching NEP funds. The type of the match must be
appropriate to the needs of the project. The proposed match must be extended during the life of
the project or after completion.and meet the following guidelines:
1.Assistance from other City funds cannot be counted as part of the match.
2.At least 25% of the neighborhood’s match must come from the neighborhood itself as
opposed to other funding entities such as the DISD, non-profit corporations other than the
neighborhood group or association, or another governmental entities. All volunteer labor
will be valued at $10 per hour. Professional services, if needed for the project, are to be
valued at the reasonable and customary rate prevailing in the profession and the in the
community. The neighborhood match must be pledged and secured. Secured means that
the donor has to specifically describe the contributions in the NEP matching fund
contract (contract) to confirm the commitment. Individuals who donate professional
services or skilled labor as part of the neighborhood match cannot also receive
compensation from the City’s match money.
Section 14-122. Application for Neighborhood Empowerment Program Matching Funds.
a.The applicant must attend one of the four Neighborhood Empowerment Program
Matching Grant Workshops.
b.Applications for Neighborhood Empowerment Program matching funds under
this chapter must be filed with the City’s Neighborhood Planning ProgramCommunity
Development Department upon forms described by the Board and the department for that
purpose.
c. The application shall include all information indicated by this Article VI along with any
additional information that the Board deems necessary in order to perform its functions as set
forth in Section 14-120.
d. All applications shall be verified by the applicant as to the truth and correctness of all facts and
information presented.
e. All successful applicants shall be required to execute a contract on a form approved by the City
Attorney and to execute such other forms as the Neighborhood Planning Program and the Board
deem necessary to insure the approved projects completion.
Section 14-123. Review, Approval and Denial by the Board.
a.If the CDNPPDirector determines the application is consistent with the requirements of this Article
VI, the CDNPP Directorshall forward the application to the Board for its evaluation. The Board
shall review the application based on a matching fund project evaluation form developed by the
CDNPP Director and approved by the Board which takes into consideration all the criteria for
evaluation set forth in this Article.
b.The Board will make a recommendation to fund qualified projects to the City Manager for final
approval.
If an application is approved or denied by the Board, the successful applicant will be notified within
30 days after the application submission is forwarded to the Board by the CDNPP Director.
Authorization to begin the project will be given after the applicant executes the contract. The
applicant must begin the project within three months of this authorization and follow the project
schedule timeline that has been approved by the Board.
c.If a grant proposal is denied by the Board, the applicant has 30 days to appeal the Board’s
decision, as applicable, to either the City’s Human Resources Advisory Committee or the
Community Development Advisory Committee for funding approval or denial.Applicants who
the Director determines have submitted applications which are incomplete will be notified of this
within two weeks of the submission of the application. The Director and the Board shall have
the right to request additional information from the applicants as deemed necessary to adequately
evaluate the application and the project. During any such period of submission of additional
information the timeline for reviewing the application shall be tolled.
SECTION 2. That save and except as amended hereby, all the remaining sections, sentences, clauses,
and phrases of Chapter 14 of the City of Denton Code of Ordinances shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 3. That if any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, or word in this
ordinance, or application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance, the City
Council of the City of Denton, Texas, hereby declares that they would have enacted such remaining portions
despite any such invalidity.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the _______ day of _______________________, 2000.
______________________________
MARK BURROUGHS, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JENNIFER WALTERS, CITY SECRETARY
BY: _________________________________
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM:
ANITA BURGESS, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: _________________________________
Exhibit 3
Neighborhood Project Matching Grant
Attachment A
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT MATCHING GRANT
The Neighborhood Project Matching Grant is purposed to empower citizens to improve the overall
quality of life in their neighborhoods through citizen and government partnerships. The grant
matches City and neighborhood resources to complete neighborhood-proposed projects that foster
self-help, self-management, and neighborhood pride, as well as enhance and beautify the
neighborhood.
Funds are awarded on the basis of merit with a maximum of $10,000 per project; however, an
exception to the maximum may be granted when mitigating circumstances are supported. Examples
of such circumstances might include placement of public art that benefits more than just the
immediate neighborhood, the acceleration of a project that is included in the CityÔs long-range plan,
and projects that serve an overwhelming community need.
This is a reimbursement grant. Funding will not be released until the project is completed and proper
documentation is submitted to the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning Program (CDNPP);
however, monies may be provided upfront for certain approved expenses.
WHO MAY APPLY
Neighborhood associations, homeowner associations, tenant associations, and neighborhood groups
may apply. All projects are required to have a Citizen Project Coordinator as the liaison between the
City and the neighborhood during project development and implementation.
Matching fund awards are not made to single individuals or businesses, universities, hospitals,
institutions, foundations, or political, fraternal, or religious organizations. Additionally, government
and public agencies, social services, district councils, citywide groups, City departments, and requests
to support the ongoing operating budgets of organizations are not eligible; however, eligible
applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with these ineligible groups to plan and implement
projects. The eligible applicant must retain the primary role in the partnership.
If you have questions, call (940) 349-8541. For additional applications, visit
www.cityofdenton.com/neighborhoodplanning and click on ÑNeighborhood Grants.Ò
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Eligible neighborhood groups or associations may apply for the maximum amount of $10,000 per
cycle upon the following contingencies:
Project appropriateness
Funding availability
The ability of the applicant to match the award at 100% through financial contributions, in-kind
donations, or volunteer hours.
Qualifying projects must take place within the City of Denton, provide a communal benefit as
determined by the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Advisory Board, and fall within one or more of
the categories listed below as a qualifying project.
QUALIFYING PROJECTS
1.Physical improvements to neighborhood entryways, perimeter areas, street borders and
medians, parks, playgrounds, tot lots, and other neighborhood amenity areas. Such
improvements may include landscaping, tree plantings, signage, equipment, decorative
structures, and similar beautification or enhancement projects. Physical improvement projects
must be performed in a public right-of-way or on public property. Projects on property owned
by a neighborhood or homeowners association will be considered on a case-by-case basis if it
shows to provide a communal benefit to the neighborhood.
2.Public safety programs or initiatives such as safety training, crime or fire prevention programs,
traffic deterrent, or calming projects or studies.
3.Cultural, educational, and recreational programs including literacy programs, leadership
training, computer labs, after-school enrichment programs, cultural arts programs, and summer
camps.
4.Neighborhood master plan or comparable studies that focus on enhancing the neighborhood.
These may not contain plans currently being developed by the City.
PROJECT CRITERIA
If applicable, qualifying projects must meet the following criteria:
Provide long-term, public benefit to the neighborhood
Be located on publicly accessed property (right-of-way, neighborhood common area, etc.)
Have demonstrated neighborhood support
Be compatible with adjacent properties
Directly involve neighborhood residents in all phases
Have goals that may be typically accomplished within 12 months or less
Must demonstrate appropriate long-term maintenance
Be within the CityÔs legal authority and comply with existing City of Denton policies & codes
PROJECT EVALUATION
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Advisory Board is comprised of representatives from the
following departments: Parks and Recreation, Engineering, Planning, Police, Code Enforcement,
Economic Development, and Community Development. The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant
Advisory Board reviews, evaluates (in accordance to the evaluation sheet), and selects successful
applications for final approval by the City Manager. The Advisory Board will evaluate each application
based on the following criteria:
CRITERIA CATEGORY SCORING WEIGHT EXPLANATION OF CRITERIA
The precise description of the
Project Description and project, including needs, benefits to
40
Statement of Qualificationsthe neighborhood, and sound
budget
Implementation Tasks and
A clear demonstration of how the
35
Schedule project will be accomplished
Demonstrated participation of
Volunteers, Participation,
residents in the project and
and Donations Registered 25
documented match in forms of
letters, in-kind services, or
with the CDNPP
donations
Highest Possible Score 100
Neighborhood Empowerment Program funds are limited, and projects will be awarded (upon City
Council approval) up to four times per year. Awards are based on a projectÔs rating, and the most
highly rated projects will be awarded first. Projects must take place within the boundaries of the
neighborhood; however, exceptions may be made for donated space outside the neighborhood when
sufficient space within the neighborhood is not available. Improvement projects that are targeted
under the City of Denton Capital Improvement Plan will not be funded under this grant program.
CRITERIA FOR FUNDING APPROVAL
To be considered for funding approval, eligible neighborhood groups with qualifying projects must:
Successfully complete the grant application process
Provide evidence that the project qualifies for this funding program
Provide evidence that the requested grant and project was favored by a majority vote of
neighborhood association members or a neighborhood group that has received support from
60% of the households or businesses to sign a petition for the project
Assume the lead role and responsibility for the project (Partnerships with non-eligible
individuals or groups such as businesses, religious, fraternal or community organizations,
educational institutions, political groups and non-eligible neighborhoods may be permitted.)
Provide advance notice of all other funding sources, both public and private, for the same
project
Contribute to and ensure resident involvement in all phases of the project by making a
significant neighborhood donation in dollars, goods, or in-kind services such as volunteer
hours (At least one quarter of the neighborhood match must come from volunteer efforts. For
example, 25% of a $2,500 matching grant is $625; and at the approved rate of $12 per hour,
52.08 volunteer hours would be required.)
Note: Association officers or members who may provide project consulting or planning services are
not entitled to receive a salary or payment for project-related services or operating expenses.
Requests for salaries or operating expenses will only be considered for contracted, professional
service providers.
CRITERIA FOR DISQUALIFICATION OR FUNDING DENIAL
Applicants may be disqualified or denied grant funding for any one of the following reasons:
A grant application is submitted after the deadline.
One quarter of the neighborhood match does not come from volunteer efforts.
A grant application is incomplete or missing supporting documents such as a budget or
volunteer hours.
The matching labor funds and other donations is not equal to or greater than the full amount
of the matching grant.
The mandatory technical grant workshop is not attended.
The association, group, or partner has no bank account or Federal Tax ID number.
Funding under this matching grant program was previously provided, but the neighborhood
association or group has not successfully completed the funded project.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES AND TRAINING
Step 1: Schedule to attend a grant-training workshop. The City of Denton Neighborhood Planning
Program may be contacted for training workshop dates, times, and locations. For your convenience,
multiple training workshops will be scheduled. Each session will address how to complete the
Neighborhood Project Matching Grant application, how to increase your opportunities to receive
funding, and how to implement a project. Additional information will include an explanation of grant
requirements and examples of technical needs assistance.
Step 2: Obtain a grant application by contacting the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning Program
at (940) 349-8541 or download the application at www.cityofdenton.com/neighborhoodplanning. (A
copy of the application form is attached hereto as Attachment A.)
Step 3: Complete the application in detail and mail or hand deliver the original plus seven copies to
the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning Program at City Hall West, 221 N. Elm St., Denton, TX
76201.
SELECTING PROJECTS FOR GRANT FUNDING
The Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Advisory Board Ï consisting of representatives from Parks
and Recreation, Engineering, Planning, Police, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, and
Community Development Ï will be formed to screen each application and determine if the applicant
meets the criteria for funding approval. A representative from the corresponding division will review
funding requests for projects involving improvements to public parks or City-owned and/or
maintained property or projects, which directly involve a particular expertise.
Applications will be reviewed and ranked by using an ÑEvaluation Criteria Ranking SheetÒ (Attachment
B). Projects will be ranked by the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant Advisory Board for City
ManagerÔs approval. The number of grants awarded will be based on available funding and the
Evaluation Criteria Ranking Sheet.
The City reserves the right to deny any grant request for a project or activity deemed to be
inappropriate, offensive, or discriminatory, or for any other reason within the CityÔs sole discretion.
GRANT PROGRAM CONDITIONS
Once the City awards a grant, a contract and hold harmless agreement with the City of Denton must
be signed (Attachments C and D).
After the contract is executed, a check may be prepared and disbursed for the necessary materials or
supplies included in the approved application/budget. Funding for volunteer hours, in-kind donations,
or project services identified in the budget may not be reimbursed until after such service is rendered
and verified by the City. Checks will be made out to associations or project partners with Tax ID only.
Grant funding recipients must submit a monthly project status report that may include pictures, a
description of completed portions of the project, and financial records such as invoices, receipts,
contracts, and vouchers. A final project report with original documentation must be submitted to the
CDNPP by mail or in person no later than thirty days after the completion of the project.
Projects are to be completed within the period specified in the grant award. If no significant progress
has been made after six months following the award of the grant funds, the Neighborhood
Empowerment Grant Advisory Board will assess the status of the project and determine if it should be
continued or terminated. Any project scheduled for completion by the end of the fiscal year (ends
Sept. 30) must be completed and approved for reimbursement no later than Sept. 1 of that year. If
this deadline is not met, the project may not be continued until a new application is submitted and
approved. In addition, if the deadline for reporting and completing the project is not met, the
association or group could be denied the opportunity to receive future grant funds under this or
other grant programs.
The grant program recipient as a whole is responsible for repairing any public or privately owned
fixtures, sidewalks, vegetation, or other features that may be damaged during the course of
implementing the project.
Grant recipients must comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, as well as obtain all
required permits for signs, structures, right-of-way work, etc.
Unless the City agrees to other arrangements in advance, the City will only continue its current level
maintenance in and around the project site after the project is completed. Maintenance of the project
area over and above the CityÔs routine maintenance remains the responsibility of the grant recipients.
Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Neighborhood Empowerment Grant
Advisory Board, as well as by the City Manager or his designee. Approval will be rendered on the basis
of benefit to the public.
NEIGHBORHOOD EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Budget estimate Ï projected expenses for project materials, applicant match, volunteer hours, in-kind
donations, cash, etc.
Cost-share Ï in-kind services or funds set aside specifically for the project
Citizen Project Coordinator Ï neighborhood resident who is the liaison between the City and the
neighborhood
Deadline Ï a specified time or date after which completed applications will no longer be considered
Donations Ï goods or services with a measurable value given to an association and/or applicant
HomeownerÔs Association (HOA) Ï is a mandatory association that is formed when a subdivision is
planned and dues are assessed.
In-kind Ï a value placed on materials, supplies, and/or professional service donations that may be
counted toward the grant match (For example, a donation of landscape material that retails for $100
would count as a $100 match.)
Maintenance Ï the applicantÔs ongoing care of the project and surrounding area, such as weeding,
mowing or watering a landscaped median area
Match Ï applicant-provided cash, goods, services, and volunteer hours that are equal to the grant
request (Volunteer hours are valued at $12/hour.)
Neighborhood group Ï individuals from five or more neighboring businesses and/or households
within the city limits of Denton
Neighborhood association Ï a voluntary group of people living in a specific area who came together
for the betterment of the neighborhood. May include HOAs and tenant association
Tenant Association Ï renters at an apartment complex
Public benefit Ï the positive effects of a project or program upon the community or city-at-large
Public property Ï any City-owned land, facility or structure such as recreation centers, parks, or
public rights-of-ways
Right-of-way Ï any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, sidewalk, alley or similar place dedicated for
vehicular and/or pedestrian use which is controlled by the city, state or federal government
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1.How many times may my association apply for funding?
Associations or groups may apply for funding four times each fiscal year. The City of DentonÔs
fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30.
2.How do I access funds allocated to my project?
Grants recipients may access funds in any of the following ways:
Check: Upon prior approval of the Neighborhood Empowerment Advisory B
neighborhood organizations or project partner that have a Federal Tax ID number and have
proof of being in existence for at least one year may receive a check in the amount of the
grant to be deposited into the organizationÔs bank account.
: The City can issue purchase orders to vendors who are willing to be on the
Purchase Order
CityÔs approved vendor list. A vendor must print out an estimate for all the items needed.
The estimate must be provided to the CDNPP staff, which will have the City Finance Office
provide a purchase order to the vendor. Identify the persons from your organization
authorized to pick up items on behalf of the organization. The vendor will have a copy of
the purchase order and will allow you to acquire the items listed. Allow at least 15 business
days to process this request.
Reimbursement: Purchase the items yourself and submit the original receipts to the CDNPP
staff for reimbursement. You may deliver or mail the receipts monthly during the course of
the project. Allow at least 15 business days to process this request.
City Procurement: At the neighborhood organizationÔs request, the CDNPP can purchase
the items through the CityÔs procurement process. Contact the CDNPP at (940) 349-8541
for an appointment. To use this option, a purchase may not exceed $500, including tax.
Vendor Check: A vendor check may be issued if a vendor does not accept a purchase order
or procurement card. Allow 15 business days to process the request.
3.What if my application is not approved?
You may request feedback on your application with the Neighborhood Empowerment Advisory
Board, and are welcome to resubmit your application. The CDNPP can assist you with your
application.
ELIGGIBLE PROJJECTS
Beloow are exammples of eligible projeects. This is not an all--inclusive liist. Applicants are enccouraged too
submmit creativee ideas for mmatching grants.
Community gardenns and landscaping
Educatioonal program such as lawn care aand propertty maintenaance
Neighboorhood signnage or identity
Public arrt or amenity
Neighboorhood parks and relatted improvements
Right-off-way improovements
Environmmental imp
rovements
Youth programs
Senior PPrograms
Programms for persoons with dissabilities
Traffic saafety
Community health fair
Community festivals
(Foood cost mayy not exceed ten perceent of the pprojectÔs tottal costs.)
INELLIGIBLE PRROJECTS OR PROJECTT EXPENSEES
Motor vehicles of aany kind forr any purpoose
Payment to individduals or coompanies too provide sservices thaat are available from the City of
Denton
Purchasee of real pproperty in the name of the asssociation or any otheer group, inndividual or
organizaation
Mobile pphones, serrvices, assocciated air time, or simiilar electronnic devices
Money ffor individuuals, organizations, orr groups foor their privvate use orr for uses tthat do not
benefit the neighbborhood att large (Thiis includes payment for services as rent, telephoness,
utilities, and interneet.)
Social, ppolitical, or ffraternal orrganization membershhips
Field tripps or admisssions
Cash prizes
Yard equuipment, chhainsaws, wweed-eaterss, lawnmowwers, or simmilar equipmment, unlesss part of ann
approveed communnity tool sheed (Rental oof equipment is permittted.)
Exhibit 4
Attachment A
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT MATCHING GRANT
APPLICATION
Use this application to describe the proposed project in detail, being certain to identify the expected
benefits and include a budget that clearly shows cost-share items. Print in blue ink or type.
Complete this application in full. If any questions do not apply to the grant or project, write or type “not
applicable” or “N/A”, in the slotted area. Do not leave any part of the application blank (with exception
to extended lines not required for descriptions etc.). Additional sheets may be used as necessary.
Submit the one (1) original application and seven (7) copies in to the City of Denton Neighborhood
Planning Program (CDNPP) at 221 N. Elm Street Denton, Texas. All applications must be received at
the CDNPP office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date published on the grant calendar. If the
application deadlines dates fall on a holiday, Saturday or Sunday, the following business day will
apply.
If representatives of organizations have questions concerning this program or the application, call the
CDNPP office at (940) 349-8541.
GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Name of Association or Group __________________________________________________
2. If Group, specify the number of households
__________________________________________________
3. If association, are you registered with the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning Program?
_____ Yes _____ No
4. Federal Tax I.D. Number (if applicable)
________________________________________________
5. Bank Name and Account Number (if applicable)
_________________________________________
6. Name, address, and phone numbers of responsible person(s)
a. Name___________________________________________________
b. Mailing Address ___________________________________________
c. City and Zip Code _________________________________________
d. Phone Number – Day _____________ Evening __________________
e. Fax Number______________ E-mail __________________________
7. Check which funding areas your project fits:
Physical improvements to neighborhood entryways, perimeter areas, street borders and medians,
parks, playgrounds, tot lots, and other neighborhood amenity areas. Such improvements may
include landscaping, tree plantings, signage, equipment, decorative structures, and similar
beautification or enhancement projects. Physical improvement projects must be performed in a
public right-of-way or on public property. Projects on property owned by a neighborhood or
homeowners association willbe considered on a case by case basis, if it is shown to provide a
communal benefit to the neighborhood.
Public safety programs or initiatives, such as safety training, crime or fire prevention programs,
traffic deterrent or calming projects or studies.
Cultural, educational, and recreation programs including literacy programs, leadership training,
computer labs, after-school enrichment programs, cultural arts programs, and summer camps.
Neighborhood master plan or comparable studies that focus on enhancing the neighborhood.
These must not contain plans currently being developed by the City.
8. Has the applicant received previous grant assistance from the City of Denton?
Yes____ No____ Project Name ___________________
Date________ Amount _________ Department/Division____________________
9. Project Title And Description
a. Project title_______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
b. Project description (describe needs, location, partnerships, expected results, and benefits
to neighborhood/community/city-at-large)
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
10. Provide a project schedule that specifically details how your association/group plans to
accomplish the proposed project/plan.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
11. How does your project promote “neighborhood,” build relationships or promote
cooperation among neighbors?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
12. Does the proposed project involve diverse interests (e.g., business owners and
residents, people of different income levels, racial and ethnic groups, tenants and
homeowners)? Support letters from participants are welcome but not necessary.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
13. Provide the criteria your group has established in order to measure the success
of your project.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
14. Budget Information
a. Total amount of money requested $ ___________________________
b. Total project expense $ ____________________________________
c. Total amount of donations: volunteer labor, in-kind donations, and/or professional services
$ ______________________________________________________
d. Estimated project time-frame _________________________________
15. Provide an itemized budget showing cost of product(s) and expenditures
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
16. Describe the long term maintenance will be required for the project, who will perform the
maintenance, and how often. ( of the
Note: maintenanceof the project area is the responsibility
)
grant recipient, unless specified herein.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
17. Indicate the persons who will be responsible for carrying out your project for your
neighborhood group or organization and who will be signing a NEP Matching Fund Contract
on behalf of your group or organization. (All successful applicants will be required to execute a
Neighborhood Project Matching Grant Contract.
a. Name___________________________________________________
b. Mailing Address ___________________________________________
c. City and Zip Code _________________________________________
d. Phone Number – Day _____________ Evening __________________
e. Fax Number______________ E-mail __________________________
A volunteer signup sheet is attached to this application. Make copies and attach additional pages as
needed.
VOLUNTEER HOURS PLEDGE SHEET
Project Title and Name of Association: ___________________________________________
NAMES ADDRESS PHONE # HOURS
PLEDGED
Exhibit 5
EVALUATION RANKING SHEET
Attachment B
Neighborhood Empowerment Grant
Each bullet is to be evaluated on a scale of one to five using the key below.
1 – Does not meet criteria.
2 – Does not meet criteria yet attempt was made to.
3 – Minimally meets the criteria with some inaccurate or missing information.
4 – Meets the criteria with minimal information.
5 – Meets the criteria with added and complete information.
POINTS SUB-TOTALS
EVALUATION FACTOR
ASSIGNED
A. Project Description and Statement of Qualifications
The description identifies the needs to be addressed.
The description clearly outlines how the needs will be met.
The description clearly states how this will benefit the neighborhood area.
A detailed listing is provided that includes the amount of the grant request.
A detail listing that includes the “match” to be provided by the applicant.
The project benefits the community by improving the quality of life in the
neighborhood through beautification, education, enhancement, and/or build
relationships/diversity
The project benefits the community by infrastructure repair and/or
improvements and/or address alternative transportation and/or environmental
concerns
The requested project is in an area designated by the Census Track/Community
Development as a low and moderate-income area.
Subtotal (Maximum 40 Points)
B. Implementation Tasks and Schedule
The proposal provides a complete implementation plan and schedule.
The proposal provides a feasible implementation plan and schedule.
The proposal demonstrates the applicant has the neighborhood support to
carry out the project. Should include discussion and approved neighborhood
meeting minutes, police data, planning reports, etc.
The proposal demonstrates the applicant has the capacity to carry out the
project.
Proof that requested funds are sufficient to complete the project within the
contracted period or proof of additional funding source to complete the project.
The proposal includes an itemized listing of expenditures.
The proposal includes a detailed list of costs.
Subtotal (Maximum 35 Points)
C. Volunteers, Participation, And Donations
Proof of attendance at grant program training workshop.
A listing of in-kind donations such as supplies, equipment, space or
professional services.
A listing with names and addresses of the volunteers that meet or exceed the
matching dollar amount.
Proof of a secured maintenance plan for the project once improvements are
made. (If no physical improvements are proposed and no maintenance
component can be substantiated for this proposal, this section will not penalize
the application).
Is the association registered with the City of Denton Neighborhood Planning
Program
Subtotal (Maximum 25 Points)
TOTAL POINTS (Maximum 100 Points)
Date____________________
Neighborhood and Project Title_____________________________________________________________
Evaluator Signature ______________________________________________________________________
Exhibit 6
Attachment C
NEIGHBORHOOD PROJECT MATCHING GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, hereinafter referred to as “Agreement” made at Denton, Texas, on the _______ day of
____________, 2______, between THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS, a municipal corporation existing by and under
the laws of the State of Texas, hereinafter called the “City” and:
Entity ___________________________________________________________
hereinafter called the “Grantee”;
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the City desires to improve the appearance, organization, image, and leadership of
neighborhoods by providing grants to neighborhoods to identify, design, implement, and maintain improvement
projects; and
WHEREAS, the grantee is a volunteer and incorporated neighborhood organization; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that the Grantee has proposed a neighborhood improvement project which has
been reviewed and approved by City. The project is identified by the City and the Grantee as
_______________________________________________________
(Project Name)
WHEREAS, the Grantee has requested reimbursement assistance from the City upon completion of this
project;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY AND GRANTEE DO MUTUALLY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. This Agreement shall constitute an offer by the City to grant the herein described funds to the Grantee subject
to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. If this offer is not accepted by the Grantee on or before
______________________, 2______, then this offer shall terminate and be of no force and effect, and all monies
shall revert to the City for reallocation to other Grantees. Acceptance of this offer shall be evidenced by
complete execution of the Agreement by Grantee and delivery thereof to the City.
2. Project Scope of Work and Project Budget: The Grantee agrees to abide by all the terms and conditions of
this Agreement, the Project Scope of Work (hereinafter “Project”) as proposed by the Grantee and agreed upon
by the City, and the Project budget (hereinafter “Budget”). The Grantee agrees to abide by any written
instructions or conditions placed on the Project or Budget by the City. The Grantee may request a change in the
Project or Budget and the City may approve or deny the request. Both the request and approval or denial shall
be made in writing.
3. Project Managers: The project manager for the City shall be the City Manager or his designee. Notice to the
City shall be by telephone to (940) 349-8541, and in writing addressed to the Project Manager, City of Denton
Neighborhood Planning Program, 221 N. Elm Street Denton, Texas 76201. The Matching Grant Project Manager
for the Grantee shall be _________________________________. Notice to the Grantee shall be by telephone to
_________________________________ and in writing addressed to the Project Manager at
_____________________________________________________________________________.
If for any reason the name or address of the Grantee’s project manager changes, Grantee shall notify the City of
such changes in writing. If Grantee fails to notify City of such changes, Grantee waives all rights and privileges
that require notification to Grantee.
4. Records, Reports, and Inspection:
a. The Grantee shall maintain financial records, accounting, and purchasing information, and books and
records for the match as specified in the Project and Budget. These books, records, and information
shall comply with generally accepted accounting practices and be available for review by the City at any
time. The City may make photocopies of any such records at the City’s expense. All documents related
to the Project are public records and shall be retained and provided as required by law. Grantees shall
comply with the Texas Public Information Act.
b. All costs shall be supported by properly executed time records, invoices, contracts vouchers, orders,
and/or any other accounting documents pertaining in whole or in part to this Agreement, and all such
documents shall be clearly identified and accessible.
c. The Grantee will submit to the City periodic reports detailing the status of the Project as
requested.
d. The Grantee shall submit to the City a written final report upon completion of the Project. One copy of
the final report shall be submitted to the City no later than thirty-days (30) after completion of the Project.
The report shall include, at minimum, a one-page summary of the work completed during the Project, a
minimum four (4) photographs, not including the two (2) referenced in section (f) below, financial records
clearly showing an accounting specifically showing the Grantee’s match towards the Project.
Photographs shall be provided of any educational programs, or other activity funded by the Project, or
any completed physical improvements(s). At the request of the City, the Grantee shall make available the
negatives or media recording devices for the photographs provided. The photographs shall become the
property of the City and will not be returned.
e. At the City’s request, the Grantee shall provide additional information regarding any specific expenditure
or portion of the Grantee’s match towards the total project cost. This information may include, but is not
limited to, volunteer sign-in sheets for each activity day used for the match as specified in the grant
application.
f. The Grantee shall submit to the City photographs taken of the site of any physical improvement funded
by this Agreement prior to any work being conducted. A minimum of two (2) photographs, one (1) each
from two different angles, shall be submitted. At the request of the City, the Grantee shall make available
the negatives or media recording devices for the photographs provided. The photographs shall become
the property of the City and will not be returned. Grantee should take care to obtain appropriate releases
from all people depicted in photographs provided to the City, as they will become public records and the
City reserves the right to use them in any way it deems appropriate including in printed material
distributed to the public. The City will provide copies of adequate releases if so requested.
g. The Grantee shall also furnish to the City, such time and in such forms as the City may require, such
statements, records reports, data, and information as the City may request.
5. Funding and Expenditures:
a. The City will fund the Grantee in accordance with this Agreement, consistent with the authorized Project
and Budget.
b. Disbursements of monies needed for this Project will be made by the City’s Project Manager. No
expenditures are authorized without prior approval of the City’s Project Manager.
(1) Any reimbursements will be made only after the City’s review and approval of all necessary and
appropriate documentation that will evidence payment of allowed expenditures for the items or tasks
listed in the Budget. Grantee shall provide all documentation required by the City. Failure to provide the
appropriate documentation shall result in denial of the reimbursement request. In order for the City to
process a reimbursement, the Grantee must provide the City with the association’s tax identification
number or bank name and account number.
(2) The total amount of City funds disbursed for this project shall not exceed $______________, except as
otherwise specifically provided herein.
(3) The Grantee agrees to provide the amount of $______________ or greater in matching funds (labor,
materials, and/or cash) towards the total cost of this Project. The Grantee must fully and completely
document each element of the Grantee’s match so that the City may adequately ensure itself that the
match has been provided. Failure to adequately document the match shall disqualify that expenditure
from being credited toward the match.
(4) Such funds shall be expended as outlined in this Agreement, the Project and Budget.
(5) Funds may be withheld at any time during the term of this Agreement if the Grantee is not in
compliance with the terms or conditions of this Agreement or is in violation of any City Code or
Ordinance or State, Federal or other local laws. If funds are withheld, the Grantee may be ineligible to
apply for funds in subsequent years.
c. The Grantee agrees not to expend funds received under this Agreement for items that are not identified in
the Budget, and shall not expend funds in a total amount that exceeds the corresponding dollar value for
any items in the Budget, without prior written approval of the City’s Project Manager.
d. If requested by the association and upon availability, the City’s Project Manager may authorize an
increase of up to two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) or ten percent (10%) of the funds identified in
subparagraph (b), whichever is lesser to complete the project. These additional funds may only be used
to complete the Project and shall not be used to fund activities or pay expenses contemplated by this
Agreement.
6. Grant Period
a. The term of this Agreement is from ____________ ___, 2_____ through ___________ ___, 2_____. The
City’s Project Manager may authorize the extension of this Agreement for up to 90 days, if the Project has
not been completed but the Grantee is in compliance with the Agreement and is taking reasonable steps
to complete the Project in a timely manner. Requests for extensions and decisions to approve or deny
extensions shall be made in writing and are within the City’s sole discretion.
b. Funds shall be disbursed by the City in accordance with Paragraph 5 above. The Grantee shall be
reimbursed only for those expenditures made during the approved period and shall be made in
accordance with the attached budget.
c. Funds not expended by the expiration of the grant period or any extension thereof shall immediately
revert to the City.
7. Maintenance
a. By accepting this award, the Grantee agrees to maintain, if applicable, the Project to be completed with
this Grant. Maintenance shall include but not be limited to the routine watering, weeding, mulching,
trimming, mowing, and pruning of plant material, and the routine cleaning, oiling, repairing, painting, and
refinishing of signs, equipment or structures.
b. The Grantee agrees that the City shall not be responsible for, but if approved, may assist in, the repair or
replacement of any plant, sign, equipment or structure purchased through this Project which may be
necessary at some point due to accident, natural disaster, normal wear or other cause, including the
ongoing maintenance of any project.
c. If in the event the Grantee fails to maintain the Project in accordance with this agreement, the City shall
have the right to remove any and all improvements associated with the Project.
8. Non-Expendable Property:
a. For the purpose of this Agreement, “non-expendable property” shall mean any equipment or other
portable property that will not be consumed and has a life expectancy in excess of one year. Non-
expendable property shall not be construed to mean any physical improvement constructed as part of the
Project or any living plant material after it has been appropriately planted.
b. The Grantee shall provide the City a list of any non-expendable property purchased with these funds. The
list should identify the non-expendable property by description, model, serial number, date of acquisition
and cost.
Non-expendable property shall be owned by the City. The Grantee may retain possession of any non-
expendable property purchased with these funds subject to the following conditions:
(1) The Grantee shall use the non-expendable property for the purpose described in the Project.
(2) The Grantee shall not sell or dispose of any non-expendable property unless prior permission is
obtained from the City in writing.
(3) Unless otherwise specifically identified, the Grantee shall have the exclusive responsibility for the
maintenance of the non-expendable property, including routine cleaning, repair or replacement upon
theft, damage or excessive wear. This does not preclude the use of City funds to maintain non-
expendable property if such use is identified in the Project.
(4) Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, the City shall have the right to take exclusive
possession, control and all other ownership rights of the non-expendable property. The Grantee shall
immediately return all non-expendable property to the City.
(5) The City shall have the right to take exclusive possession, control and all other ownership rights of the
non-expendable property at any time prior to the expiration of this Agreement if the Grantee violated any
terms or condition of this Agreement or the Project or Budget.
9. Compliance with Federal, State, and Local Laws: The Grantee shall comply with all Federal, State,
County, and local laws, regulations and ordinances at all times.
10. Reservation of Rights: The City reserves the right to visit, at any reasonable time, any project site funded
under this Agreement, and to review and analyze the financial or service records of the Grantee, for the purpose
of making inspections pertaining to this Agreement.
11. Termination of Agreement: If, through any cause, the Grantee shall fail to fulfill in a timely and proper
manner its obligations under this Agreement, or if the Grantee shall violate any of the covenants, agreements or
stipulations of this Agreement, the City will thereupon have the right to immediately terminate this Agreement by
giving notice to the Grantee of such termination. Further, if the Grantee uses any funds provided by this
Agreement for any purpose or program other than authorized under this Agreement, the grantee shall repay such
amount and be deemed to have waived the privilege of receiving additional funds under this Agreement.
The City may terminate this Agreement for any reason and without penalty upon giving the Grantee ten (10) days
written notice. Notice of such termination will have been given when the notice is sent by certified mail return
receipt requested to the Grantee’s project manager as identified in this Agreement.
Notwithstanding the above, the Grantee shall not be relieved of liability to the City for damages sustained by
virtue of any breach of Agreement by the Grantee and the City may withhold any payments to the Grantee equal
to the amount of damages until such time as the exact amount of damages due the City from the Grantee is
determined.
The City’s liability and obligations to the Grantee or any person having a claim pursuant to the Agreement or to
the operation of a program provided by these funds shall be limited solely to the amount and terms of this
Agreement.
If the City for any reason terminates this Agreement, then the City may declare that the Grantee is not eligible to
receive funds through this or other similar programs in subsequent years.
12. Indemnification: The Grantee will defend, indemnify and hold harmless the City from any and all claims,
demands, suits or damages for any form of negligence or otherwise, including those arising from personal injury
or bodily or property damages, in connection with any of the actions performed pursuant to this Agreement,
including, but not limited to, matters arising out of the non-expendable property referred to in Paragraph 8 above.
All persons performing any activities in connection with the project must execute a release and hold harmless
agreement in the form attached hereto. All original release and hold harmless agreements shall be delivered to
the City. Any person not executing a release and hold harmless agreement shall not be allowed to perform any
activities in connection with the project.
13. Discrimination: No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, sexual
preference, age, marital status or disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subject to discrimination under any program or activity funded in whole or in part through this Agreement. The
Grantee agrees not to violate this provision.
14. Special requirements for projects in city-owned rights-of-way: The following additional requirements shall
apply to projects which involve temporary or permanent work in city-owned rights of way including placement of
vegetation, signs, benches, lights, decorative statuary, etc.:
a. The Grantee is responsible for repair of any fixture, sidewalk, vegetation or other feature in rights-of-way
or adjacent private property that may be damaged through implementation of the Project.
b. The City at some future time may require use of the right of way occupied by a Project. In such a case,
any improvements in the City right-of-way shall be removed by the Grantee, the City shall not be
responsible for replacement of the Project.
c. The Grantee must obtain the appropriate consent from the City for placement and/or use of the right-of-
way for any project which involves placement of vegetation, signs or other structures in the right- of-way
shall comply with all regulations including obtaining building permits, right-of-way or other permits and
inspections as necessary.
15. City as owner of property in city-owned rights of way: For any project which involves the placement or
installation of any property or structure, including but not limited to signs, benches, lights or statuary, within a
right of way or on City-owned property, such property or structure shall become the sole property of the City.
16. Governing law: This Agreement shall be construed under and covered by the laws of the State of Texas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and Grantee have executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.
CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
ATTEST: ____________________________ BY:____________________________________
City Clerk Mayor or Designee
WITNESS: ___________________________ GRANTEE BY:__________________________
_____________________________________ TITLE:_________________________________
Exhibit 7
Attachment D
CITY OF DENTON RELEASE AND WAIVER OF CLAIMS,
HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
This City of Denton Release and Waiver of Claims, Hold Harmless Agreement, and Indemnity
Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this ______ day of __________________, 2_____,
by ________________________________________ (“Grantee”) for the Neighborhood Partnership
Matching Grant for the City of Denton, Texas (“City”).
WHEREAS, City has entered into an agreement to allow the ______________________
to improve the neighborhood through the neighborhood grant which requires Grantee assistance.
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledge, and in order to fulfill the obligations under this Agreement, the Grantee agrees as
follows:
1. The undersigned Grantee does hereby RELEASE AND FOREVER WAIVE ANY AND
ALL PRESENT AND FUTRUE CLAIMS, COVENANT NOT TO SUE, and HOLD the City of Denton,
its City Council, any City Department, City Subdivision, its employees, servants, representatives,
from
officers, agents, successors, and assigns (hereinafter referred to as “releasees”), HARMLESS
and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, actions, costs or expenses, including but
not limited to, attorney’s fees and costs on account of injury to the person or property or
resulting in death of the undersigned whether arising out of or caused by the negligence of
any or all of the releasees or otherwise, or whether arising out of or caused by any defect, or
presence or absence of any condition of, or in or on any real property, premised, City property
or thoroughfare, or any City vehicle while the undersigned is participation in any aspect of the
Neighborhood Grant Program.
2. The undersigned Grantee agrees to indemnify and hold and save the City harmless
from any and all damages, loss or liability occurring by reason of any injury of any person or property
which may occur as a result of satisfying the obligation of the agreement or occasioned by an act or
omission, neglect, or wrongdoing of the Grantee and Grantee will, at his/her own cost and expense,
defend and protect the City against any and all such claims or demands which may be claimed to
have arisen as a result of or in connection with satisfying the obligations of the agreement.
3. The undersigned expressly agrees that this City of Denton Release and Waiver of
Claims, Hold Harmless Agreement, and Indemnity Agreement is intended to be as broad and
inclusive as is permitted by the law of the State of Texas, and if any portion thereof is held to be
invalid, it is agreed that the balanced shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect.
4. The undersigned Grantee has read and voluntarily signs the City of Denton Release
and Waiver of Claims, Hold Harmless Agreement, and Indemnity Agreement, and further agrees that
no oral representations, statements or inducements apart from the foregoing written Agreement have
been made.
5. The undersigned Grantee agrees that he/she has been hereby encouraged to seek the
advise of his/her own attorney prior to singing this City of Denton Release and Waiver of Claims, Hold
Harmless Agreement, and Indemnity Agreement and has been given the opportunity to seek such
counsel.
6. The undersigned Grantee acknowledges the fact that this release, including his or her
address and phone number will become a public record and will be available to members of the
public upon their request.
GRANTEE:
Sign: ________________________________________
Print: ________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________
Exhibit 10
Neighborhood Empowerment Program Marketing Plan
I.Purpose Statement
The purpose of the Neighborhood Empowerment Program Marketing Plan (Plan) is
to ensure neighborhood associations or groups have the opportunity to establish
neighborhood programs and projects that furthers the neighborhood’s
appearance, community pride, safety, public health, and overall quality of life.
II.Marketing Plan Objective
The Plan’s objective is to inform neighborhood associations and groups of funding
availability as well as assisting them in completing a grant application. This
comprehensive marketing strategy goal is reach all registered neighborhoods,
neighborhoods listed in the Denton Neighborhood Network and informal groups
who recognize the need for neighborhood improvement.
III.Marketing Strategies
The proposed marketing strategies will assist the City of Denton Neighborhood
Planning Program (CDNPP) with the task of contacting neighborhood associations
and Denton residents regarding this funding.
A.Primary Strategy – Target Market Penetration
1.Press Release
2.Announcements on Engage Denton, Facebook, and Twitter
3.Announcement via Neighborhood Resource Officers Neighborhood
Watch Groups
4.Flyers emailed to Associations
5.Flyers in key locations
i.Libraries
ii.Recreation Centers
iii.City Hall – Main, East, and West
iv.Customer Service
v.Human Resources
vi.DCTA Train Station
vii.Denton County Administration Building
viii.Denton County Building on McKinney Street
ix.Mary and Jim Horn Government Building
6.Training Workshops
i.A minimum of four during the fiscal year
B.Secondary Strategy – Recollection Approach
1.Email Blast from the Communications Group
i.Reminder announcement
ii.Opening date announcement
iii.Closing date announcement
iv.Award recipient announcement
v.Announcement of Award Cycle
vi.Announcement of Training Workshop
vii.Announcements at Neighborhood meetings
2.Brochures at Festivals and city events
3.Announcements and brochures at Neighborhood meetings
AGENDA INFORMATION SHEET
AGENDA DATE: January 15, 2013
DEPARTMENT: Planning & Development
ACM: John Cabrales
SUBJECT DCA12-0005 Phase II Gas Well Drilling and Production Ordinance Revisions
Hold a public hearing and consider adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton, Texas,
amending Subchapters 35.22 of the Denton Development Code, relating to Gas Well Drilling
and Production, Definitions, and Procedures; providing a cumulative clause; providing a
severability clause; providing for a penalty; and an effective date.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW
On October 1, 2012, the advisory Gas Well Task Force held a public meeting.
On October 2, 2012, the draft was ordinance posted for public review and
comment until October 12, 2012.
On October 22, 2012, the advisory Gas Well Task Force held a public meeting.
On October 24, 2012, P&Z continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their November 14,
2012 meeting by a 7-0 vote.
On November 6, 2012, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
dire
On November 13, 2012, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
On November 14, 2012, P&Z continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their November
28, 2012 meeting by a 6-0 vote.
Approval,
On November 28, 2012, P&Z voted 6-1 to recommend with the Condition that City
Council will continue to revise the ordinance language based on their goals, of DCA12-0005.
On December 4, 2012, the City Council received public input regarding the Phase II amendments
.
On December 18, 2012, the City Council continued the public hearing for DCA12-0005 to their
January 15, 2013 meeting by a 6-0 vote.
On January 8, 2013, the City Council received a report, held a discussion, and gave staff
direction on amending Subchapter 22 of the Denton Development Code.
BACKGROUND
The fifth draft version of the ordinance was written at the conclusion of the December 18, 2012
meeting. This draft was posted online and made available in hard copy format at City Hall, City
Hall West, and the three City libraries. In addition, a public notice of the hearing was sent to the
Denton Record Chronicle for posting on December 27, 2012; a press release notice of the
upcoming hearing was also sent to the Denton Record Chronicle for posting; the press release
webpage was updated with the public hearing notice; and the Gas Well Inspections Division
website was revised to include details of the upcoming public hearing.
Since the time of the multiple postings of the fifth draft version of the ordinance, City Council
hosted a work session on January 8, 2013 and City staff met with Dr. Briggle from the Denton
Stakeholders Drilling Advisory Group (DAG). Although multiple comments were made and
several items discussed in detail, the draft ordinance was not updated. City Council did request
that staff perform additional research on setback distances, but no revisions were drafted as of
this writing. As a result, the fifth draft version of the ordinance is intended as a comprehensive
draft that includes ideas carried over from Phase I, issues discussed during the thirteen (13)
advisory Task Force meetings, comments received from the public and industry, legal and
technical advisors, staff research, and both P&Z and City Council guidance. This fifth draft is
considered to be the final draft.
Based on the purpose of this meeting, the prior actions on DCA12-0005, and the multiple notices
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the P&Z recommendation to Approve
DCA12-0005.
EXHIBITS
1.Draft Ordinance Redline Version
2.Draft Ordinance Clean Version
Prepared by: Respectfully submitted:
Brian Lockley, AICP, CPM John Cabrales
Director, Assistant City Manager
Planning and Development Department for Development
s:\planning\cc related\year 2013\01- jan\01.08.13\staff reports\dca12-0005 subchapter 22\dca12-0005 subchapter 22_exhibit 1.dx
Exhibit 1
Redline Ordinance Version35.22.1. - Purpose, Authority and Appli
A.. The drilling and production of gas and the development of gas
Purpose
within the corporate limits of the City necessitate promulgation
to prevent devaluation of property; to protect watersheds; to pr
groundwater resources that actually or potentially threaten the
proximity to drilling and production activities; to prevent or
of gases that potentially threaten the health of nearby resident
injury to persons and property; to ensure that gas well drillin
are compatible with adjacent land uses throughout the duration o
assure that such activities conform to The Denton Plan. The regu
Subchapter are designed to protect the health, safety, and gener
and to assure that the orderly and practical development of mine
compatible with the quiet enjoyment of affected surface estates
contained in this Subchapter are designed to implement the purpo
subsection and are supported by the following findings of fact:
1.Gas well drilling and production activities create externaliti
the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or wo
proximity to such operations.
2.Gas well drilling and production activities, in the absence of
may generate noxious aerial emissions, introduce contaminants in
emit high noise levels, produce large volumes of dust, congest l
fire hazards and produce other deleterious effects, all of which
on adjacent land uses, and which can result individually or cumu
persons and destabilization of property values in the vicinity o
3.The City of Denton recognizes that the United States and the S
gas well drilling and production activities for the purpose of i
quality and water quality goals. The regulations in this Chapte
supplement such standards in order to implement compatible local
assure the health, safety and general welfare of the Citys resi
B.. This Subchapter is adopted pursuant to authority vested under
Authority
constitution and laws of the United States, the State of Texas a
Each authorization identified in this Subchapter shall be constr
City's zoning powers, pursuant to the Denton City Charter, Texas
Code Chapters 211 and 212 and the provisions of Subchapter 35.5
Development Code (DDC).
C. The provisions of this Subchapter apply only within the corpora
Applicability.
of the City of Denton, except as otherwise stated in section 35.
35.22.2. - Definitions.
All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling
specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attribu
operators in the gas industry. For the purposes of this Subchapt
without regard to whether the defined terms are capitalized when
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
An all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environ
Ambient Noise Level.
composite of sounds from all sources (excluding the noise in que
approximate time at which a comparison with the noise in questio
the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing level
location. The ambient noise level is established by recording so
the noise in question) over a continuous seventy-two (72) hours
drilling. The seventy-two (72) hour time span shall include at l
reading during either a Saturday or Sunday.
A mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic apparatus, or combination
Blowout Preventer (BOP).
such apparati, that can be secured over top of an open wellbor
that,, via remote actuators, can be actuated remotely in the ev
situation arises. The primary function of the BOP is to shut th
control of the formation fluids from blowing out of the well.
A system that uses a combination of solids control equipment
Closed-loop mud system.
incorporated in a series of steel tanks that eliminates the use
The reflection of either "Spud Well" or "Nipple Up" the
Commencement of Drilling Activities.
Blow Out Protectors (BOP) by the drilling contractor on the IADC
Form maintained by the Operator's tool pusher on the pad site.
. Any ignition device, installed horizontally or vertically, us
Completion combustion device
in exploration and production operations to combust otherwise ve
completions.
The date the work is completed for
Completion of drilling, re-drilling and re-working.
drilling, re-drilling, or re-working, and the crew is released b
by its employer.
Any substance capable of contaminating a non-related homogeneo
Contaminant.
fluid, gas or environment. The period from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm., Monday through
Daytime.
Friday; and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm., Saturdays and Sundays.
. A well drilled in order to determine the boundary of a field
Delineation well
reservoir.
2
Term used to typically describe the means by which the earth
Drilling.
pathway to formations containing hydrocarbons to allow for their
can employ various types of mobilized drilling equipment to crea
incorporating drilling fluids to cool the bit, to condition the
most critically, to maintain an overbalanced pressure gradient a
contained inherently pressurized well fluids.
Drilling and Production Site (A/K/A Gas Well Park, Gas Well Pad
The area dedicated to all gas well drilling or production act
Production Area).
including the drilling and production area , all structures, clo
parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, tank battery (
drilling rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utiliti
contemplated for use during and after gas well drilling or produ
the Gas Well Development Plat or Gas Well Development Site Plan.
definition are gathering and transmission lines and compressor s
The area used for drilling, completing, or re-working a well.
Drill Site.
A written document which includes a set of procedures
Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
intended to guide an organizations response to an accident or e
Geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited
Exploration.
seismic exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or othe
Natural gas extracted from a production well prior to entering
Field Natural Gas.
of processing, such as dehydration.
The process of allowing fluids to flow from a natural gas well
Flowback.
either in preparation for a subsequent phase of treatment or in
returning the well to production. The flowback period begins whe
well during the treatment returns to the surface immediately fol
refracturing. The flowback period ends with either well shut in
continuously to the flow line or to a storage vessel for collect
A private water well used by a protected use.
Freshwater Well.
Gas or natural gas, as such terms are used in the rules, regula
Gas.
Typically, a naturally-occurring gaseous substance primarily com
light, gaseous hydrocarbons.
A processing site engaged in the extraction of natural gas liq
Gas Processing Facility.
field natural gas, or the fractionation of mixed natural gas liq
combination of both.
3
The phase that occurs after successful exploration,
Gas Production (A/K/A Production).
drilling and development involving operations including, but not
dehydrators, separators, mud pits, ponds, tank batteries or asso
during which hydrocarbons are extracted from the gas field, excl
facilities as defined and regulated by the Pipeline Safety Act o
60137.
Any well drilled for the production of gas or classified as a g
Gas Well.
Natural Resources Code.
Any written license granted by the City of Denton for the explo
Gas Well Permit.
drilling, development, production, and operation of natural gas,
regulations of this Subchapter. A Gas Well Permit is required f
Structures suitable for human habitation or occupation for whic
Habitable Structure.
Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection Certificate is requ
single or multi-family dwellings, accessory guest houses, hotels
buildings, and enclosed buildings used for commercial or industr
structure shall not include accessory buildings, barns, garage
The hazardous materials management plan and
Hazardous Materials Management Plan.
hazardous materials inventory statements required by the Fire Co
The process of directing pressurized fluids containing any com
Hydraulic Fracturing.
of water, proppant, and any added chemicals to penetrate tight f
formations, that subsequently require high rate, extended flowba
solids during completions.
Conducting a subsequent hydraulic fracturing operation at a wel
Hydraulic Refracturing.
has previously undergone a hydraulic fracturing operation.
A mechanized device that compresses gas prior to its introduc
Lift Compressor.
for use in lifting well liquids to the surface.
An integrated system designed to ground metal equipment on a
Lightning Protection System.
rig, well pad or at a tank battery location for protection again
due to lightning.
An electrical or gas-powered-pumping device that increases the
Line Compressor.
natural gas so that its pressure exceeds that of the inherent line pressure of the pipe to which it is
being introduced.
In pit construction, a liner is an impervious material, either
Liner.
used to line the interior of a pit to prevent pit fluids from leaking or leaching into the
environment. In well construction, a liner is a tubular sheath
4
purposes, such as isolating a particular zone, repairing casing
the hole size, among others.
. A well with reservoir pressure and vertical well depth such t
Low pressure gas well
times the reservoir pressure (in psia) minus 0.038 times the ver
67.578 psia is less than the flow line pressure at the sales met
A well bore drilled from surface or new lateral wellbore dril
New Well.
vertical pilot hole at a depth different from other laterals in
existing well that is purposefully deviated or kicked-off arou
the initial hole. Not to be confused with recompletion.
The period commencing at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 a.m., Mon
Nighttime.
Friday and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
The process of assembling well-control or pressure-control equi
Nipple Up.
wellhead.
.NaturallyOccurringRadioactiveMaterial.NORMencounteredinoilandgas
NORM
exploration,developmentandproductionoperationsoriginatesinsubsurfaceformations,which
maycontainradioactivematerialssuchasuraniumandthoriumandtheirdaughterproducts,
radium226andradium228.NORMcanbebroughttothesurfaceintheformationwaterthatis
producedinconjunctionwithoilandgas.NORMintheseproducedwaterstypicallyconsistsof
theradionuclides,radium226and228.Inaddition,radongas,aradiumdaughter,maybefound
inproducednaturalgas. An inspector designated by the
Oil and Gas Inspector or Inspector.
City of Denton that is responsible for evaluating the impacts of
production of oil and/or gas wells. Responsibilities include env
review, erosion control inspection, monitoring, and evaluating c
and local regulations. Also responsible for processing and appr
Plat, Gas Well Development Site Plan and Gas Well Permit applica
The person(s) in charge and in control of drilling, maintainin
Operator.
or controlling any well or pipeline including without limitation
A person familiar with and educated in the oil and gas industry
Petroleum Specialist.
been retained by the City.
A temporary or permanent containment for circulated fluids. A
Pit.
Completion/Workover pit: Pit used for storage or disposal of sp
workover fluids and drilling fluid, silt, debris, water, brine,
5
materials which have been cleaned out of the wellbore of a well
worked over.
Drilling fluid disposal pit: Pit, other than a reserve pit, use
fluid.
Fresh makeup water pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling r
used to make up drilling fluid.
Mud circulation pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig
currently being used in drilling operations.
Reserve pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig for coll
cuttings, sands, and silts; and wash water used for cleaning dri
at the well site. Reserve pits are sometimes referred to as slus
Saltwater disposal pit:
Pit used for disposal of produced saltwater.
Washout pit: Pit located at a truck yard, tank yard, or disposa
disposal of oil and gas waste residue washed out of trucks, mobi
tanks.
Water Condensate pit: Pit used in conjunction with a gas pipeli
station for storage or disposal of fresh water condensed from na
Plugging as defined by the RRC and includes the plugging of
Plugging and Abandonment.
the well, abandoned, orphaned or otherwise, and restoration of t
as required by this Subchapter.
Any dwelling, church, public park, public library, hospital, p
Protected Use.
kindergarten or elementary, middle or high school, public pool,
center, public recreation center, hotel or motel.
The Railroad Commission of Texas.
Railroad Commission (RRC).
well completion following fracturing or refracturing where
Reduced emissions completion. A
gas flowback that is otherwise vented is captured, cleaned, and
collection system, re-injected into the well or another well, us
for other useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material w
to the atmosphere.
Re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existi
Re-working.
deepening or sidetrack operations which do not extend more than
from the existing well bore, or replacement of well liners or ca
6
means the prior approval by ordinance of City Council, of one o
Site-specific authorization
more specifically located and defined gas well site locations, s
development, regulatory and permitting requirements, as set fort
within the site approval ordinance (or both), as applicable.
The first time the drill bit enters the ground for gas well dri
Spud.
A natural or man-made container, covered or uncovered, in which
Tank.
liquids or hydrocarbons used or produced in conjunction with the
production operations of an oil or gas well.
Such person(s) familiar with and educated in the oil and gas in
Technical advisor.
law as it relates to oil and gas matters who may be retained fro
Denton.
A hole or bore drilled to any horizon, formation, or strata for
Well.
natural gas, or liquid hydrocarbons.
The process that allows for the flowback of petroleum or natur
Well completion.
newly drilled wells to expel drilling and reservoir fluids and t
characteristics, which may vent produced hydrocarbons to the atm
tank.
. Any well completion with fracturing or refracturing occurring
Well completion operation
gas well affected facility.
A well outside known fields or the first well drilled in an oil
Wildcat well.
other oil and gas production exists.
Work performed on a well after its initial completion to secur
Workover Operation.
production where there has been none, to restore production that has ceased, or to enhance or
increase production within the zone originally completed.
35.22.3. - Zoning District Classifications for Gas Well Drilling
A.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits of the City shall be
permitted by right within the Rural Residential (RD-5) or within
City that is subject to the use regulations of the RD-5 District
Neighborhood Residential 1 (NR-1), Neighborhood Residential 2 (N
Center Commercial Neighborhood (RCC-N), Regional Center Commerci
(RCC-D), Employment Center Commercial (EC-C), Employment Center
I), Industrial Center Employment (IC-E) and Industrial Center Ge
Districts, except as provided in subsection B, and subject to co
requirements of this Subchapter.
7
B.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits
zoning districts shall be permitted only by Specific Use Permit pursuant to subchapter
35.6, or through approval of a Detailed Plan in a Planned Develo
site-specific authorization in Master Planned Community (MPC) district.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A, approval of a Sp
shall be required for gas well drilling and production on any la
year flood fringe or within one thousand, two hundred (1,200) f
elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville.
1.An application for a Specific Use Permit, or site-specific aut
development district (PD) or master planned community district (
drilling and production of a gas well shall be filed by the pers
authority to do so. That person is presumed to be the record own
the duly authorized agent of either the record owner or the mine
Director of Planning and Development may require an applicant to
information of authority to file an application.
2. The Chairman of the DRC has the authority to establish requir
in the Application Criteria Manual. No application shall be accepted for filing until it
is complete and the fee established by the City Council of the C
been paid. Incomplete applications shall be returned less a fee
determined by the Director of Planning and Development.
3.Approval of a SUP, a detailed plan in a PD District or site-sp
MPC district, shall be conditioned on compliance with the requir
Subchapter.
35.22.4. - Required Authorization for Gas Well Drilling and Prod
A. No gas well drilling or production activities may commence wi
the following authorizations have been obtained, in the followin
1. Approval of a Specific Use Permit, where required by Section
a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or site-specific authorization
2. Approval of a Watershed Protection Permit, where location of
production activities is proposed on land in the flood fringe or
Sensitive Area (ESA), subject to the application requirements an
Section 35.22.5.A.8;
3. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan, subject to the
requirements and standards of Section 35.22.6; and
4.Approval of a Gas Well Permit, subject to the application requ
of Section 35.22.7.
8
B. An application for any authorization for gas well drilling an
Subsection A may be submitted simultaneously with any other list
applications must be approved in the numerical order listed. No
shall be determined to be complete and hereby is deemed to be in
required prior applications have been approved, and no completen
be made until such prior applications have been approved.
C. Approved applications for gas well drilling and production sh
following circumstances:
1. A Specific Use Permit, or site-specific authorization in a P
expires according to its terms;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit expires with the expiration of
Development Site Plan.
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan expires unless a complete ap
Well Permit has been filed within one (1) years of the date of a
plan.
4. A Gas Well Permit expires if gas well drilling activities hav
six (6) months of the date of approval of the Gas Well Permit.
5.The expiration of any subsequent application results in the expiration of all prior
approved applications for the same activity.
D.Approved applications for gas well drilling and production may
expiration. Following expiration of an approved application for
production, a new application must be submitted, which shall be
standards and procedures then in effect.
E.
E. The authorizations required by this Subchapter are in additio
permits that may be required by any other provision of the Dento
other government agency.
F.Legal Non-Conformity; Exceptions.
The provisions of Subchapter 11 are applicable to gas well drill
1.
activities. For purposes of Subchapter 11, the drilling of a ne
associated production activities do not constitute an existing u
Drilling and Production Site that has been annexed into the City
Drilling and Production Site within 30 days of the effective dat
Unless the City determines that an exemption provided under Texa
2.
Government Code, Section 245.004 or successor statute applies to
9
the standards and procedures in DDC Subchapters 35.16, 35.22 an
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 otherwise is inapplicab
gas well drilling and production, such standards or procedures,
necessary to give effect to this subsection F, do not apply to the authorizations
identified in subsection 35.22.4.A, if, on the effective date of
ordinance, the following circumstances existed:
a. For a specific use permit, an application s was pending on t
the amendatory ordinance; or
b. For a detailed plan for a PD districtcreated on or after Apri
application for the detailed plan was pending on the effective d
amendatory ordinance; or
c. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance, an application for the detailed
plan submitted after the effective date of the amendatory ordina
to a conceptual plan for development approved with the ordinance
the PD district that identifies the location and the nature and
activities to be developed on land designated for future gas wel
production; or
d. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or
.
e. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance for a Drilling an
that was the subject of: (1) a specific use permit approved or p
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or (2) a detailed pl
created on or after April 27, 2005, but before the effective dat
ordinance, that identifies the location and the nature and extent of the activities to
be developed on land designated for future gas well drilling or
an MPC district created on or after April 27, 2005, but before t
the amendatory ordinance, that identifies the location and the n
the activities to be developed on land designated for future gas
production.
f. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was pending on the effe
amendatory ordinance; or
g. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was submitted after the
amendatory ordinance pursuant to a Gas Well Development Site Pla
Development Plat approved or pending on the effective date of th
10
ordinance that identifies the Drilling and Production Site to wh
applies.
3. Authorizations or applications excepted under this subsection
well drilling and production standards in effect immediately pri
of the amendatory ordinance, and to any standards or procedures
amendatory ordinance which the City determines to be exempt from
of Texas Local Government Code Chapter 245.
4. To the extent that any exception provided under this subsecti
application pending on the effective date of an amendatory ordin
application must have been approved subsequently in order for th
apply.
5. Any person who has been denied an exception under Subsecti
pending applications, or who otherwise claims that he has obtai
pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 or other ap
law for such applications, may request a determination pursuant
the DDC.
G.VestedRights.
AnyOperatorwhobelievesthathehasobtainedavestedrightunderChapter245ofthe
TexasLocalGovernmentCodeorotherapplicablevestinglawmayrequestavested
rights/preemptiondeterminationinaccordancewithSection35.3.8oftheDDC.
35.22.5. - Standards for Gas Well Drilling and Production.
A. The drilling and production of gas wells within the City limi
following standards.
1. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
Separation standards.
a. No Drilling and Production Site may be located within one
feet of any Protected Use, or freshwater well currently in use a
complete application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan is fi
one thousand (1,000) feet of any lot within a previously platted
subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1) or more habi
b. Except where more stringent separation distances are specifie
separation distance between a Drilling and Production Site and
structures other than those listed in 35.22.5.A.1.a, shall be fi
c. The minimum separation requirement established in 35.22.5.A.1
reduced via the granting of a variance by the Zoning Board of Ad
that the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not reduce the minimum
distance any less than five hundred (500) feet.
11
d. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a Pro
within a previously platted residential subdivision where one (1
one (1) or more habitable structures may be located as close as
(250) feet of a pre-existing Drilling and Production Site, provi
Protected Use is not served by a freshwater well that is located
thousand (1,000) feet of the drilling and production area.
e. Separation distances shall be measured from the boundary of t
Production Site identified on the Gas Well Development Site Pl
line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, to the closest exterior
point of any structure occupied by a Protected Use, or freshwate
use at the time a complete application for a gas well developmen
filed, or the closest lot line of any undeveloped lot within a p
residential subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1)
2. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
On-site requirements.
a. An entrance gate shall be required. Street lighting shall be
Section 26-76 of the Utility Code of the Code of the City of Den
sign identifying the entrance to the drill site or operation site shall be reflective.
b. Fencing, buffering, landscaping and screening shall be requi
Production Sites. All required fencing, landscaping, buffe
must be installed in accordance with the approved Landscape Plan
hundred and eighty (180) days after initial drilling of the firs
Should the Operator decide to fence in gathering and transmissio
compressor stations, or both, Operator shall install the fencing in accordance
Subchapter 13 of the DDC.
.
c. No refining process, or any process for the extraction of pro
be carried on at a Drilling and Production Site , except that a
separator may be maintained on a Drilling and Production Site f
of liquids from gas. Any such dehydrator or separator may serve
well. Gas Processing Facilities shall require a Specific Use Per
d. Permanent weatherproof signs reading "DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOW
in both English and Spanish, in a minimum of four-inch lettering
at the entrance of each Drilling and Production Site. The sign s
development or operating company that is currently responsible f
plat or site plan, the RRC Well Identification Number and the Am
Petroleum Institute number for the well, the phone number for em
12
services (911), the number for the operator, and any other well
required by the RRC in two-inch lettering.
e. No person shall place, deposit, or discharge (or cause or al
deposited, or discharged) any oil, naphtha, petroleum, diesel, g
tar, hydrocarbon substance, or any refuse, including wastewater
any gas operation or the contents of any container used in conne
operation in, into, or upon any public right-of-way, storm drain
sanitary drain or sewer, any body of water, or any private prope
corporate limits of the City of Denton.
f. All installed, mounted, and/or permanent equipment on Drillin
Sites shall be coated, painted, and maintained at all times, inc
gas processing units, pumping units, storage tanks, above-ground
appurtenances, buildings, and structures, in accordance with app
adopted by The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). In addit
following standards are applicable:
i. Protective coatings and paints shall comply with any applicable State or
City requirements. In absence of any such requirement, protect
and paints shall be of a neutral color that is compatible with t
environment.
ii. All exposed surfaces of the identified equipment must be co
and free from rust, blisters, stains, or other defects.
g. All electric lines to production facilities shall be located in a manner compatible
to those already installed in the surrounding areas or subdivisi
h. All fire suppression and prevention equipment required by any
state, or local law shall be provided by the Operator, at the Op
maintenance and upkeep of such equipment shall be the responsibi
Operator.
i. No Operator shall excavate or construct any lines for the con
water, or minerals on, under, or through the streets or alleys o
City without an easement or right-of-way license from the City,
agreed upon, and then only in strict compliance with this Subcha
ordinances of the City, and with the specifications established
Department.
j. The digging up, breaking, excavating, tunneling, undermining,
damaging of any public street or leaving upon any public street
materials is prohibited. Construction activities or deposition o
objects creating an obstruction within limits of public right-of
are prohibited unless the Operator has first obtained written ap
13
Engineering Department and, if applicable, has filed a right-of-
agreement, and then only if in compliance with specifications es
Department.
k. No Gas Well Permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled
streets or alleys of the City and/or streets or alleys shown by
1999-2020 and no street shall be blocked or encumbered or closed
exploration, drilling, or production activities unless prior con
the City Manager, and then only temporarily.
l. All pits shall be lined and shall be designed, constructed,
accordance with the liner standards set forth by the RRC. Any n
Production Sites proposed after December 18, 2012 shall utiliz
mud system.
m.Any Drilling and Production Sites shall be screened with an op
masonry fence that shall be no less than eight (8) feet in heigh
i. In lieu of this requirement, an alternative fence that is co
surrounding the Drilling and/or Production Site may be approved
Director of Planning and Development.
ii. Required fencing must be located within three hundred (300)
equipment necessitating fencing requirements under this Subchap
n. Vapor Recovery Units.1. Vapor recovery equipment is required
not included under Rule§106.352 of TAC Title 30, Part 1, Chapter
successor regulation.
2. An Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector within tw
the first sale of gas from a well.
o. Any lift compressor which is installed within an approved Dr
Production Site, shall be located at least twenty-four (24) fee
boundary of the site.
p. Commencing on the December 18, 2012, except as provided in su
of this section, for each well completion operation with hydraul
i. For the duration of flowback, recovered liquids shall be rout
more storage vessels or re-injected into the well or another wel
recovered gas shall be routed into a gas flow line or collection
injected into the well or another well, used as an on-site fuel
14
for another useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material
with no direct release to the atmosphere. If this is infeasible, the requirements
in sub-paragraph (iii) of this paragraph shall be followed.
ii. All salable quality gas shall be routed to the gas flow line
practicable. In cases where flowback emissions cannot be directe
line, the requirements in sub-paragraph (iii) of this section sh
iii. Flowback emissions shall be captured and directed to a comp
combustion device, except in conditions that may result in a fir
explosion, or where high heat emissions from a completion combus
may negatively impact waterways. Completion combustion devices m
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source over the dur
flowback.
iv. Releases to the atmosphere during flowback and subsequent re
minimized.
v. The requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall not app
1. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for wildcat or delineation well.
2. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for non-wildcat low pressure gas well or no
delineation low pressure gas well.
q. Soil sampling: Pre- and post-drilling; periodic soil samplin
be required for all new Drilling and Production Sites. Soil sam
subject to the following requirements:
i.Upon application for an Oil and Gas Well Permit, soil sampling
conducted prior to the commencement of any drilling at the propo
and Production Site to establish a baseline study of site condit
minimum of one soil sample shall be taken at the location of any
equipment to be utilized at the Drilling and Production Site to
existing conditions at the Drilling and Production Site.
ii.A licensed third party consultant shall be utilized to collec
pre-drilling and post-drilling soil analyses. The cost of such
be borne by the Operator.
iii.Soil samples must be collected and analyzed utilizing proper
laboratory protocol from a United States Environmental Protectio
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved laboratory.
results of the analyses will be addressed to the City and a copy
15
shall be provided to the Operator and surface estate owner. The
include the following analyses at a minimum: TPH, VOCs, SVOCs,
Barium, Chromium and Ethylene Glycol.
iv.Post-drilling soil samples shall be collected and analyzed af
of drilling of each well. Subsequent to the drilling of each wel
samples shall be taken as determined by the Oil and Gas Inspecto
inspection events to document soil quality data at the Drilling
Site. Samples shall include, but not be limited to, areas where
equipment was located. Results of the analyses shall be provide
in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
v.Whenever abandonment occurs pursuant to the requirements of th
as referenced in 35.22.5.A.6.k, the Operator so abandoning shall
production soil sampling within three (3) days after equipment h
removed from the Drilling and Production Site to document that t
conditions are within regulatory requirements. Results of the a
provided as described in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
vi.If any soil sample results reveal contamination levels that exceed the
minimum state or federal regulatory levels, the City shall submi
sample results to the appropriate state or federal regulatory ag
enforcement.
r. Any rubbish or debris that might constitute a fire hazard sha
distance of at least 150 feet from the vicinity of any well, tan
s. An Operator shall not maintain or use any pit for storage of
oil field fluids, or for storage or disposal of oil and gas wast
3.The following requirements
Operations and equipment practices and standards.
apply only within City limits.
a. Adequate nuisance prevention measures shall be taken to preve
offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration.
b. Directional lighting shall be provided for the safety of gas
completion and production operations and shall be installed and
fashion designed to disturb adjacent developments in the least
c. The Operator shall at all times comply with the applicable ru
the RRC including but not limited to all applicable Field Rules
d. . To address noise concerns, only electric motors shall be us
drilling, transferring or blending chemicals, compressing gas, l
16
wells, The Oil and Gas Inspector may approve the use of an alter
that produces lower noise levels than an electric motor.
e. There shall be no venting or flaring of gases in residential
by the RRC or TCEQ . If venting or flaring is allowed by the RR
activities shall not be located closer than one thousand (1,000)
protected use, unless: (1) a setback variance has been granted p
or (2) if practical and if approved by the City Fire Marshal, gr
wholly enclosed or screened with a masonry wall. .
f. Vehicles, equipment, and machinery shall not be placed or loc
and Production Site (or on any public street, alley, driveway, o
of-way) in such a way as to constitute a fire hazard or to unreasonably obstruct or
interfere with fighting or controlling fires.
g. Only Light Sand Fracture Technology or fracture stimulations
RRC shall be used to fracture stimulate a well.
h. Fracing operation shall be scheduled to occur during daylight
Operator has notified the Oil and Gas Inspector that fracing will occur before or
after daylight hours to meet safety requirements.
i.Pneumatic drilling shall not be permitted.
j. Any notices required herein shall be made pursuant to Subsect 35.22.12
k. Except in the case of an emergency, gas well flaring shall on
during day-time hours.
4. The following requirements apply only within City
Storage tanks and separators.
limits.
a. An Operator is allowed to construct, use, and operate such st
separation equipment as shown on the approved Gas Well Develop
Plan, except that permanent storage equipment and separation equ
exceed eight (8) feet in height.
b. The use of centralized tank batteries is permitted as shown on the applicable Gas
Well Development Site Plan.
c. No Drilling and Production Site is allowed in the FEMA desig
(100) year floodway. A Drilling and Production Site is allowed w
17
thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of
Roberts or Lake Lewisville with an approved Specific Use Permit.
d. No storage tanks or separation facilities shall be placed in
other ESA except in accordance with Subsection 35.22.5A.8.
.
5.
Flow lines and gathering lines.
a. Each Operator shall place pipeline marker sign at each point
gathering line crosses a public street or road.
b. Each Operator shall place a warning sign for lines carrying H
Sulfide) gas as required by the Railroad Commission.
c. All flow lines and gathering lines within the corporate limits of the City
(excluding City utility lines and franchise distribution systems
transport oil, gas, and/or water shall be limited to the maximum
operating pressure applicable to the pipes installed and shall b
least the minimum cover or backfill specified by the American Na
Institute Code, as amended.
6. The provisions of this section
Additional safety and environmental requirements.
shall apply within the corporate limits of the City of Denton.
a. The drilling and production of gas and accessing the Drillin
shall be in compliance with all state and federal environmental
gas well development or activity is allowed in the FEMA designat
(100) year floodway. Drilling within Flood Fringe or other ESA s
Map adopted by the City is allowed under the restrictions set fo
35.22.5A.8.
.
b. Erosion and sediment control practices shall be conducted for
Operator shall comply with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
by the City..
c. As an exception to 35.22.5.A.6.a. or a Specific Use Permit re
gas wells may have a target location or bottom-hole location tha
floodway, an ESA or within one thousand two hundred (1,200) fee
pool elevation of lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville when the g
directionally from a location outside such areas.
d. Each well shall be equipped with an automated valve that clos
event of an abnormal change in operating pressure. All wellheads
emergency shut off valve to the well distribution line.
18
e. Each storage tank shall be equipped with a level control devi
automatically activate a valve to close the well in the event of
accumulation in the tank.
f. All storage tanks shall be anchored for stability.
g. All storage tanks shall be equipped with either steel or conc
containment systems including lining with an impervious material
containment system shall be of a sufficient height to contain on
(1½) times the contents of the largest tank in accordance with t
pots shall be provided at pump out connections to contain the li
storage tank.
h. Outside storage areas shall be equipped with a secondary cont
designed to contain a spill from the largest individual vessel.
rainfall, secondary containment shall be designed to include the
twenty-four (24)-hour rainfall as determined by a twenty-five (2
provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of ground water
i. Drilling and Production Sites shall be equipped with a ligh
system, in accordance with the Citys Fire Code and the National
Associations NFPA-780. In addition, tank battery facilities sh
with a remote foam line and a lightning arrestor system.
j. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan shall be on file with t
Any updates or changes to this plan shall be provided to the Fir
three (3) working days of the change. All chemicals and/or hazar
shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent, contain, and fac
remediation and cleanup of any accidental spill, leak, or discha
material. Operator shall have all material safety data sheets (M
hazardous materials on site. All applicable federal and state re
requirements for the proper labeling of containers shall be foll
pollution prevention actions shall be required and include, but
chemical and materials raised from the ground (e.g., wooden pall
storage, installation and maintenance of secondary containment s
protection from storm water and weather elements.
k. All wells shall be plugged and abandoned in accordance with t
RRC; however, all well casings shall be cut and removed to a dep
(10) feet below the surface unless the surface owner submits a w
otherwise. Three (3) feet shall be the minimum depth. In additi
shall:
19
i. Submit a copy of its RRC Form W-3A (Notice of Intention t
Abandon) and Form W-3 (Plugging Record) to the Inspector within
business days of filing with the RRC;
ii. Notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of the intention to plug
at least twenty-four (24) hour prior to commencing activities; a
iii. Submit to the Oil and Gas Inspector the surface hole locati
acceptable Geographic Information System (GIS) format to accurat
and track well locations. The GIS data may be submitted with an
Well Permit application or with the annual administrative report
of GIS location data is only required once.
iv. Submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis as required by Sub
35.22.5.A.2.q.
l. Operators must close each Drilling and Production Site in a m
minimizes the need for care after closure. To achieve this requ
shall be reclaimed to the condition identified on the Site Recla
nearly as practicable. In the event development encroaches up t
after drilling and production activities, a reasonable rehabilit
be approved by the City to ensure the reclaimed site is compatib
surrounding properties.
m.No gas well drill sites shall be allowed on slopes greater tha
n. No Class II injection wells shall be located within the City
o. No gas well permit will be issued for any well where the Dril
Site is located within one thousand (1,000) feet of an existing
unless a variance, or consent from neighboring property owners,
obtained per 35.22.5.A.1.
p. Pits shall always be operated with a minimum of at least t
freeboard above the contents within it.
q. For safety reasons, fencing shall be installed to restrict ac
other type of open pit utilized in gas well drilling operation
the corporate limits of the City.
r. Drip pans, catchment basins and other secondary containment d
absorbing materials shall be placed or installed underneath all
pumps, lubricating oil systems, engines, fuel and chemical stora
20
valves, connections, and any other areas or structures that coul
discharge, or otherwise spill hazardous or solid materials. .
s. After the well has been completed, or plugged and abandoned,
clean and repair all damage to public property caused by such op
thirty (30) days.
t. After any spill, leak or discharge , the Operator shall remov
removed all contamination and associated waste materials. Clean-
shall begin immediately.
u. The Drilling and Production Site and site access road shall a
free of debris, pools of water or other liquids, contaminated so
trash or other waste material outside the Drilling and Productio
v. All pits associated with Drilling and Production Sites shall
requirements.
i. The type of pit used in drilling operations shall be specifie
permitting. The Oil and Gas Inspector may perform a contaminatio
assessment for any reserve pit, completion/work-over pit, drilli
disposal pit, fresh makeup water pit, mud circulation pit, washo
condensate pit. The following concentrations for contaminants wi
determine if contamination exists within any materials in the pi
Compound Concentration limit
TPH15 mg/L
BTEX500 µg/L
Benzene50 µg/L
From 30TAC 321.131.138
If concentrations exceeding these values are detected, the opera
remove, cause to be removed, or otherwise remediate contaminants
the limits provided herein. Cleanup operations shall begin immed
Cleanup activities that do not begin within twenty-four (24) hou
21
notification by the oil and gas inspector shall be considered a
Subchapter.
ii. Only freshwater-based mud systems shall be permitted. Saltwater-based mud
systems and oil-based mud systems are prohibited.
iii. Chloride content of fluids held in pits may not exceed thr
milligrams per liter.
iv. No metal additives may be added to any drilling fluids.
v. All fluid produced from the well during completion of product
held in enclosed containers while stored on the property.
vi. All fluids shall be removed ("de-watering") from the pits w
days of completion of drilling operations.
vii. The pit and its contents shall be removed from the premises
days after completion of the drilling of a well; provided, however, that the permittee may apply
for a ninety (90)-day extension from such requirements based on
necessity to maintain said pit, inclement weather, or other fact
period of time shorter than the ninety (90)-day extension set ou
w. All pits shall be backfilled in accordance with the following
Director of Planning and Development may grant permission for a
the site if the surface property owner submits a written request
i. Reserve pits and mud circulation pits shall be dewatered wi
and backfilled and compacted within ninety (90) days of cessatio
drilling activities.
ii. All completion/workover pits used when completing a well sh
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of well completion.
iii. All completion/workover pits used when working over a well
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of completion of re-work opera
iv. Basic sediment pits, flare pits, fresh mining water pits, a
condensate pits shall be dewatered, backfilled, and compacted wi
hundred and twenty (120) days of final cessation of use of the p
x. Each operator must submit to the City a water conservation pl
The plan must provide information in response to each of the fol
i. A description of the use of the water in the production proce
the water is diverted and transported from the source(s) of supp
water is utilized in the production process, and the estimated q
22
consumed in the production process and therefore unavailable for
discharge, or other means of disposal;
ii. If long-term, five (5) to ten (10) years, water storage is a
five-year and ten-year targets for water savings and the basis f
development of such goals;
iii. A description of the device(s) and/or method(s) within an a
minus 5.0% to be used in order to measure and account for the am
water diverted from the source of supply;
iv. Leak-detection, repair, and accounting for water loss in the
system;
v. Application of state-of-the-art equipment and/or process modi
improve water use efficiency; and
vi. Any other water conservation practice, method, or technique
shows to be appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals o
conservation plan.
y. No gas well drilling and production shall be permitted withi
(1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or
unless the Operator first obtains a SUP.
.
7. Supplemental drilling.
a. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the conditions for the applicable S
or underlying zoning classification that permits gas development
operator shall provide the Oil and Gas Inspector a copy of addi
permits that allow drilling to a deeper depth.
b. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the approved Gas Well Permit for th
with the City.
8. Watershed Protection Requirements for Wells located in Flood
ESA's.
The standards in this subsection are adopted pursuant to the aut
Texas Local Government Code, Section 551.002 and are intended to
adverse impacts on areas within the Flood Fringe or ESA, reduce
lessen the potential for contaminating surface water or any wate
23
a. The provisions of 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8 shall apply to a Drilling and
..
Production Site required to have a Watershed Protection Permit w
corporate limits of the City of Denton. The provisions of 35.2
to a Drilling and Production Site required to have a Watershed P
located within the corporate limits of the City of Denton or wit
City of Denton.
b. Drilling and Production Sites shall be located outside ESAs w
to minimize adverse impacts on these areas, reduce flood damage,
potential for contaminating surface water or any water supply.
c. Prior to location of any gas well in the Flood Fringe or ESA,
or applicant shall first obtain approval of an application that
the Application Criteria Manual for a Watershed Protection Permi
comply with the provisions of 35.22.5.
d. A Watershed Protection Permit containing an ESA assessment of
Production Site shall be approved by the Department of Environm
i.For all ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Well Development
1. If a riparian buffer is designated as "fair" to "excellent" E
protective stream buffer width as specified in Subchapter 17 of
Development Code shall apply, and no encroachments shall be allo
2. Within all areas except unstudied floodplains, if the stream
as a "poor" ESA, the designated width of the protective stream b
`shall be decreased by either fifty (50) percent or to the limit
floodway whichever is greater, but in no instance shall the prot
stream buffer width be decreased below twenty-five (25) feet mea
each direction from the centerline of the existing channel.
ii. For all flood fringe ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas We
Site Plan or Plat.
e. Tree mitigation for gas wells located in an ESA shall be requ
calculated on a one to one replacement value for one hundred (10
dbh of trees removed from the Drilling and Production Site.. Tre
be accomplished by planting replacement trees, within a floodpla
site with similar tree species or by payment into a Tree Mitigat
Mitigation Funds that are specific to ESA's will be kept separat
Mitigation Funds and will only be used to either acquire wooded
riparian property that remains in a naturalistic state in perpetuity, or to purchase
conservation easements within riparian or floodplain areas. Fund
purchase, plant, and maintain trees on public property, as long
property is within a riparian area or floodplain.
24
f. The Watershed Protection Permit application shall contain the
information and such information as may be required by the Devel
Committee which is reasonably necessary to review and determine
proposed development and required facilities meet the requiremen
Subchapter and as required by the Application Criteria Manual. T
that is required for the Watershed Protection Permit shall inclu
limited to:
i.A Tree Inventory Plan shall show the location of ESAs on any p
Drilling and Production Site.
ii. Any request to remove tree(s) shall be accompanied by a lett
certified geologist or engineer that indicates why the well site
located to avoid the trees. If Operator has chosen to pay into
Mitigation Fund, such funds shall be paid prior to final approva
and Production Site within an ESA.
iii. Show location of ESAs on proposed Drilling and Production S
g. Only one (1) well head, may be placed in the Flood Fringe or
following conditions:
i. Storage tanks or separation facilities shall be constructed
(18) inches above the established Base Flood elevation plus the
depth for encroachment to the limits of the floodway having a on
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year.
ii. A hydrologic and hydraulic engineering study shall be perfor
Registered Professional Engineer. The study shall be submitted to the
Engineering Department in a technical report for review by the C
or his designated representative. The report shall demonstrate t
proposed facilities will have no adverse impacts on the carrying
the adjacent waterway nor cause any increases to the elevations
for the floodplain. When the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) o
subject site is designated as "Zone A" on the FIRM Panel, or the
identified on the FIRM Panel, the following approximate method m
to evaluate the impacts from gas well development. A flow rate s
calculated using procedures set forth in the City of Denton Drai
Manual. Using Manning's Equation with an estimate of the average
the stream, measurements of a single irregular cross-section geo
well site, and the one hundred (100) year discharge rate, the av
and normal depth may be calculated. Calculations shall be provid
unaltered existing channel cross-section and for the proposed mo
25
channel cross-section and submitted to the City for review and a
to construction within these areas.
iii. No more than ten (10) percent of the floodplain, within the
Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, may be
h. If evidence from water quality monitoring efforts indicates t
occurring from gas wells, the Operator shall remove, cause to be
otherwise remediate contamination, as required by the oil and ga
including but not limited to Waste Minimization Practices establ
RRC. Cleanup operations shall begin immediately. A re-inspection
charged as established by the City Council and published in the
Criteria Manual.
B. Drilling and Production Sites shall comply with all federal,
applicable to gas well drilling, production and operations.
C. Noise Management Standards. The following standards apply to
production in the City limits.
1. The Operator shall submit with its Gas Well Site Plan a con
hour pre-drilling Ambient Noise Level measured three hundred (30
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site. The seventy-two
shall include at least one (1) twenty-four-hour reading during e
Sunday.
2. No gas well drilling equipment, production equipment, re-dril
other associated equipment shall be operated at any Drilling a
within the City in such a manner so as to create any noise level
(65) decibels.
The dB level shall be measured at a distance of one thousand (
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site or one hundred (
any Protected Use setback line, whichever distance is nearer to
Production Site.
3. The distances described in 35.22.5.C.2 shall be measured fro
Drilling and Production Site depicted on the Gas Well Developme
Development Site Plan, in a straight line, without regard to int
objects, and outward from the boundary of the Drilling and Prod
26
4.If the ambient noise level that was established and submitted
accordance with 35.22.5.C.1 is higher than the levels set forth
noise generated from the Drilling and Production Site may not
established ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels d
and three (3) decibels during nighttime hours, except as provide
below.
5. The following adjustments to the noise standards as set forth
intermittently during daytime hours only, except in the case of
Maximum Permitted Increase above 65 dB or established ambient, Maximum Duration
ambient exceeds 65 dB (minutes)*
10 dB 5 minutes
15 dB 1 minute
20 dB Less than 1 minute
*Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
6. Acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or other alternati
by the City may be used to ensure noise limitation compliance. A
shall comply with accepted industry standards and be subject to
7. The sound level meter used in conducting noise evaluations sh
National Standard Institute's Standard for sound meters or an in
associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
8. The noise level generated during gas drilling activities shal
monitored by the Operator to ensure compliance with the noise li
established herein, if the Drilling and Production Site is withi
feet of a Protected Use. The cost of such monitoring shall be bo
In addition, the Operator shall also provide the following data:
i. The continuous noise monitoring data shall include an audio
identify the source of sound level fluctuations throughout the l
continuous noise monitoring equipment shall be capable of remote
real-time noise and audio data in a format acceptable to the Ins
the real-time data shall be made available to the Oil and Gas Inspector;
27
ii. The continuous noise monitoring data shall be summarized i
and submitted to the Oil and Gas Inspector each Monday for the p
through Sunday reporting week, which may be combined with the su
week if the number of monitoring days for any given week is thre
The report shall be in an electronic format or other format spec
Gas Inspector. The weekly report shall contain all noise data,
tones and low frequency readings, and shall be averaged in twent
intervals; and
iii. The weekly noise report shall state whether the Drilling a
compliance with acceptable noise standards. If the report identifies that the
Drilling and Production Site is not compliant, then the report s
measures being taken to return the site to compliance and the ti
implementing these remedial measures.
9. For Drilling and Production Sites not continuously monitored,
received after the commencement of drilling activities by eith
City, the Operator shall immediately upon receipt of the complai
monitor the exterior noise level generated by the gas well drilling or production for a
seventy-two(72) hour period and take the action necessary to aba
violation exists. The monitoring shall be performed in accordan
and ii.
10. In the event of a violation of this subsection, the City may
citation to the Operator for the violation.
35.22.6. - Gas Well Development Site Plan and Watershed Protecti
A. Applicability.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be approved for any la
limits before a Gas Well Permit may be issued or any gas well dr
activities may occur. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Pl
processing of a complete application for a Gas Well Permit. If
he
Watershed Protection Permit application shall accompany the appl
Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, but shall be
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be approved prior to appr
Development Site Plan, Gas Well Development Plat, or Gas Well Pe
land in any floodplain or ESA within the corporate limits of th
Watershed Protection Permit authorizes the processing of a compl
Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, as
that includes land in a floodplain or ESA.
B. Application RequirementsGas Well Development Site Plan.
28
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not
complete or deemed complete until:
a. Any required Specific Use Permit has been approved by the Cit
b. A complete application for a Watershed Protection Permit, whe
been filed with the City pursuant to this subchapter. Any condit
approval of the Watershed Protection Permit shall be deemed inco
the conditions of approval for the Gas Well Development Site Pla
2. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan authorizes the h
Site Plan to apply for a Gas Well Permit.
3. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan, in addit
forth in Subsection 1, shall:
a. Clearly delineate the boundaries of the gas well drilling or
metes and bounds description, and list the exact acreage of the
drilling and production activities shall be limited to this area
b. Identify all ingress and egress points.
c. Show the location of all floodplains and ESAs.
d. Show the location of all freshwater wells currently in use at the time of filing of
the application within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Drilling
Site.
e. Show the location of all structures with a protected use with
(1,000) feet of the Drilling and Production Site;
f. Identify and show proposed method of erosion and sediment con
g. Identify the location of proposed lease lines;
h. Identify the location of all proposed gas wells, mud pits, po
equipment;
i.Label distances between gas wells and property lines;
j. Provide site specific well schematics showing layout during
completion of drilling;
k. Show location of all existing and proposed underground pipeli
drawings shall be filed with the City (in a digital form as spec
and as a condition of maintaining the annual operating permit).
29
proposed in public rights-of-way shall require a Right-of-Way Us
The City Manager shall have the authority to enter into a Right-
Agreement;
l. Show the location of all pipelines and identify if pipelines connect with a Gas
Distribution System;
m. Identify the height, size, bulk and location of all structure
dehydrators, parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, t
rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utilities, and a
objects contemplated within the boundaries of the gas well drill
area;
n. Provide a Tree Protection Plan demonstrating compliance with
Preservation Code;
o. Provide a Signage Plan, complying with this Subchapter for bo
and pipelines;
p. A Screening, Fencing, and Landscape Plan, in accordance with
established for Industrial land uses in Subchapter 13 of the DDC
compliance with all landscape and screening measures to be taken
irrigate all landscaping including the water source for irrigati
efforts to replace dead or dying screening vegetation; and
q. A Noise Mitigation Plan that includes:
i.A description of the proposed facility/operation;
ii.The established ambient noise level;
iii.An analysis of any significant sources of noise generated on
and Production Site; and
iv.An analysis of any abatement measures necessary to bring the
activity into compliance with the Citys noise standards.
r. A Site Reclamation Plan that establishes the existing conditi
prior to drilling activities. The Site Reclamation Plan shall
and Post-Closure Plans.
i. Closure Plan. Site closure includes well plugging and abandon
equipment removal, and site clean-up. This plan should describe
Drilling and Production Site will be closed, how the proposed fi
closure will be achieved, and a detailed description of the clos
30
ii. Post-Closure Plan. Post-closure care includes any subsequent
necessary to minimize the need for care after closure and should
anticipated work activities necessary to achieve this objective.
s. The Operator shall submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Pla
with the applicable City Criteria Manual.
t. The Operator shall notify all private freshwater well owners in writing that they
have the right to have their wells tested. Proof of such writte
submitted to the City as part of the Site Plan application.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection35.22.6.B.3.u.iiibelow,areportdetailingall
privatewaterwellswithin1,500feetoftheDrillingandProductionSites
boundaryandmethodforwhichsuchinformationwasobtained.Thereport
shouldincludefreshwaterwellsamplingpre-drillinganalysisthatmeetsthe
followingrequirements:
i.Water sampling must be collected and analyzed in accordance with
established federal sampling and laboratory protocol. All labor
TCEQ or EPA certified laboratories. Pre-approval by the Citys
Environmental Services Director, or designee, of all sampling methods,
preservation techniques, analytical methods and contract laborat
required. This information is required to be submitted with the
Permit application.
ii.At a minimum, the following parameters shall be tested for: meth
chloride, sodium, barium, strontium, total dissolved solids, tot
solids, and pH. Other parameters may be required at the discret
Citys Environmental Services Director, or designee.
iii.This freshwater well sampling requirement may be partly or entir
a well(s) is(are) abandoned, or if one or more of the freshwater
within 1,500 feet of the Drilling and/or Production Site deny ths
request to have the well(s) sampled. The Operator must produce
evidence to support that the well(s) is(are) abandoned or that t
request(s) was(were) denied by the freshwater well owner(s).
u. The Operator shall submit a deed, lease, contract or similar
evidencing the location of the Drilling and Production Site, whi
be filed with the County Records Department upon approval of the
Development Site Plan.
v. The Operator shall provide a copy of its Emergency Action Pla
prepare one pursuant to federal or state law.
31
w. Any other information deemed necessary by the Oil and Gas In
compliance with these standards.
C. Processing of Applications.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be
manner for an application for a gas well development plat, as pr
35.16.19 of the DDC.
, and shall be decided by the Oil and Gas Inspector
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be processed in accordanc
a. All applications for Watershed Protection Permits shall be fi
Department, who shall immediately forward all applications to th
review. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applica
the City shall provide a written explanation of the deficiencies
applicant. The City shall retain a processing fee determined by
The City may return any application as incomplete if there is a
before the Railroad Commission regarding the determination of th
application shall be deemed accepted for filing until the applic
b. The DRC may attach such conditions to approval of a Watershed
Permit as are necessary to assure that the requirements of Subse
met.
c. Each Watershed Protection Permit approved by the DRC shall:
i.Identify the name of each well subject to the permit;
ii.Specify the date on which the Permit was issued;
iii.Incorporate by reference all applicable standards of approva
iv. Incorporate by reference all applicable conditions of approv
D. Criteria for Approval.
1.No Gas Well Development Site Plan shall contain more than one
Production Site, and the Drilling and Production Site shall not
acres in size. All standards in Section 35.22.5 shall be met, an
to prior approvals shall be incorporated in the approval of the Gas Well Development
Site Plan.
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2. The following standards apply to an application for a Watersh
a. For land inside the City limits, all conditions imposed by an
MPC District or a PD District for the land subject to the Waters
Permit.
b. Standards in Subsection 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8.
..
3. An Operator shall submit an amended Gas Well Development Site
approval if the items required by 35.22.6.B.3, subsections b.,
different than those contained in the earlier approved Gas Well
Plan. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall review the amended Gas We
Site Plan in accordance with this Subsection D.
E. Expiration.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall automatically expire o
date of approval, unless a Gas Well Permit has been issued by th
site.
a. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not be extended unless
exception has been approved by the Board of Adjustment pursuant
35.22.16. The applicant may submit a new Gas Well Development Si
application for review and approval in accordance with all appli
requirements of the DDC then in effect.
b. If the Gas Well Development Site Plan expires, then all permi
or simultaneous with the site plan for the same activity shall l
the same date.
2. An associated Watershed Protection Permit shall expire with t
Well Development Site Plan and may not be extended prior to expi
35.22.7. - Gas Well Permit Required.
A. Any person, acting for himself or acting as an agent, employe
or servant for any person, shall not engage in the drilling and
within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining
under this Subchapter.
B. When a Gas Well Permit has been issued covering a well, the P
authority for drilling, operation, production, gathering of prod
re-working, testing, site preparation consisting of rigs or tank
abandonment, and any other activity authorized by this Subchapte
drilling or production by the Operator and their respective empl
contractors. A Gas Well Permit shall also constitute authority f
33
of all facilities reasonably necessary or convenient in connecti
gathering lines and discharge lines, by the Operator and its res
contractors and subcontractors.
C. A Gas Well Permit shall not be required for exploration for g
geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited t
exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or other sub-su
seismic permit is required for impact-based exploration.
.
D.A Gas Well Permit shall not, however, constitute authority for
of a plugged and abandoned well. Re-entry and drilling of a plug
shall require a new Gas Well Permit.
E. Applications for Gas Well Permits shall be in accordance with
1. Shall be in writing;
2. Shall be on forms provided by the City;
3. Shall be signed by the Operator;
4. Shall include the application fee;
5.Shall include a copy of the applicable SUP, PD District, or Ga
Site Plan; and
6. Shall include the information required by the Application Criteria Manual unless such
information has been previously provided to the City.
35.22.8. - Insurance and Indemnification.
The Operator shall provide or cause to be provided the insurance
well for which a Gas Well Permit is issued, such insurance to co
abandoned and the site restored. The operator may provide the re
"blanket basis for multiple wells". Such coverage shall be appro
the City of Denton.
A.
General Requirements. Indemnification and Express Negligence Pro
1. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the City shall include the fol
Operator does hereby expressly release and discharge, all claims
judgments, and executions which it ever had, or now have or may
may have, or claim to have, against the City of Denton, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, successors, assigns, sponsors, volun
34
created by, relating to or arising out of personal injuries, kno
injuries to property, real or personal, or in any way incidental
the performance of the work performed by the operator under a Ga
the Operator caused by or arising out of, that sequence of event
the Gas Well Permit, and work performed by the Operator shall fu
indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, employees, successors, assigns, spon
from and against each and every claim, demand, or cause of actio
liability, damages, obligations, judgments, losses, fines, penal
expenses incurred in defense of the City of Denton, Texas, and/o
agents, officers, servants, or employees, including, without lim
injuries and death in connection therewith which may be made or
Operator, its agents, assigns, or any third parties on account o
any way incidental to or in connection with the performance of t
by the Operator under a Gas Well Permit and, the Operator agrees
hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or its departments,
agents, servants, employees, successors, assigns, sponsors, or v
liabilities or damages suffered as a result of claims, demands,
against the City and/or, its departments, it's officers, agents,
created by, relating to or arising out of the acts or omissions
occurring on the Drilling and Production Site or operation site
of inspecting and permitting the gas wells INCLUDING, BUT NOT LI
CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON OCCURRING ON THE
DRILLING AND PRODUCTION SITE IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF
INSPECTING AND PERMITTING THE GAS WELLS. IT IS UNDERSTOOD
AND AGREED THAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION IS
AN INDEMNITY EXTENDED BY THE OPERATOR TO INDEMNIFY AND
PROTECT THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS,
AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR EMPLOYEES FROM THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR
EMPLOYEES, WHETHER THAT NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE
RESULTANT INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR DAMAGE. LIABILITY FOR THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF ITS
DUTY TO INSPECT AND PERMIT THE GAS WELL IS LIMITED TO THE
MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF RECOVERY UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT.
2. All policies shall be endorsed to read "this policy will not
renewed without thirty (30) days advanced written notice to the
except when this policy is being cancelled for nonpayment of pre
ten (10) days advance written notice is required".
3. Liability policies shall be written by carriers licensed to d
with companies with A: VIII or better rating in accordance with
35
Rating Guide, or with nonadmitted carriers that have a financial
carriers licensed to do business in Texas approved by the City.
4. Liability policies shall name as "Additional Insured" the Cit
employees, and volunteers.
5. Certificates of insurance shall be presented to the City evid
endorsements required by this Section 35.22.8, and the acceptanc
without the required limits and/or coverage's shall not be deeme
requirements.
6. Claims made policies will not be accepted except for excess p
otherwise provided by this Subchapter.
B.
Required Insurance Coverages.
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance.
a. Coverage should be a minimum Combined Single Limit of one mil
($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damag
coverage shall include premises, operations, blowout or explosio
completed operations, blanket contractual liability, underground
broad form property damage, independent contractors protective l
personal injury.
b. Environmental Impairment (or Seepage and Pollution) shall be
the coverage or written as separate coverage. Such coverage shal
damage to the lease site. If Environmental Impairment (or Seepag
Coverage is written on a "claims made" basis, the policy shall p
retroactive date applicable precedes the effective date of the i
Permit. Coverage shall apply to sudden and non-sudden pollution
resulting from the escape or release of smoke, vapors, fumes, ac
chemicals, liquids or gases, waste material or other irritants,
pollutants.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance. Minimum Combined Single Limit
dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Proper
coverage shall include owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
3. Worker's Compensation Insurance. In addition to the minimum s
requirements, coverage shall include Employer's Liability limits
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each accident, one hundr
($100,000) for each employee, and a one million dollars ($1,000,
occupational disease, and the insurer agrees to waive rights of
City, its officials, agents, employees, and volunteers for any w
City by the operator.
36
4. Excess (or Umbrella) Liability Insurance. Minimum limit of te
($10,000,000) covering in excess of the preceding insurance poli
5. Control of Well Insurance.
a. Minimum limit of five million dollars ($5,000,000) per occurr
b. Policy shall cover the Cost of controlling a well that is out
or Restoration expenses, Seepage and Pollution Damage. Damage to
the Operator's Care, Custody, and Control with a sub-limit of fi
thousand dollars ($500,000) may be added.
35.22.9. - Security.
A. A security instrument that covers each well shall be delivere
Inspector before the issuance of the Gas Well Permit for the wel
provide that it cannot be cancelled without at least thirty (30)
the City and, if the instrument is a performance bond, that the
without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice for non-pay
instrument shall secure the obligations of the operator related to the well to:
1. Repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, to p
but not limited to bridges, caused by the operator or by the ope
agents, contractors, subcontractors or representatives in the pe
activity authorized by or contemplated by the Gas Well Permit;
2. Comply with the insurance and security provisions set forth i
Section 35.22.9;
3. Pay fines and penalties imposed upon the operator by the City for any breach of the
Gas Well Permit; and
4. Comply with Site Reclamation requirement.
B. The security instrument may be in the form of an irrevocable
bond issued by a bank or surety approved by the City. The instru
City for the benefit of the City, shall become effective on or b
Permit is issued, and shall remain in effect until the well is a
restored.
C.A certificate of deposit may be substituted for the letter of
certificate shall be issued by a bank in Denton County, Texas, s
City, shall be payable to the order of the City to secure the obligations of the Operator
described above, and shall be pledged to the bank with evidence
37
the Director of Planning and Community Development. Interest on the certificate shall be
payable to the operator.
E.The security instrument may be provided for an individual well
each Drilling and Production Site. The amount of the security s
City Engineer, with due regard to the costs and risks to be secu
above, either on a per-application basis, or as administratively
in the Application Criteria Manual, in the minimum amount of on
dollars ($100,000.00) for a single well on the site, two hundred
($200,000) for two (2) to four (4) wells on the same site, or t
dollars ($300,000.00) for 5 or more wells on the same site.The
when the Oil and Gas Inspector confirms in writing that one of t
occurred:
1. The Gas Well Permit is transferred, and the Operator-transf
security that complies with this section; or
2. The well is plugged and abandoned and the site restored.
F. An appeal of the determination of the amount of security req
may be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommenda
Council for final determination of the amount of security.
35.22.10. - Review of Permits for Gas Well Drilling and Producti
A. All applications for Gas Well Permits shall be filed with the
immediately forward all applications to the DRC for review. Inco
shall be returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall
explanation of the deficiencies if requested by the applicant. T
processing fee determined by ordinance. The City may return any
incomplete if there is a dispute pending before the Railroad Com
determination of the operator. No Gas Well Permit shall be approved under this Section
unless the property owner or applicant first receives approval o
1. A SUP, where required, a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or a
authorization in a MPC district;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit, where applicable; and
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan.
Denial or conditional approval of any such applications shall be
conditional approval of the Gas Well Permit.
B. The DRC shall review each application consistent with the pr
35.16.8 and shall determine:
38
1.Whether the application includes all of the information requir
2.Whether the application is in conformance with the applicable
Development Site Plan, applicable SUP, MPC Zoning District or PD
and
3. Whether the application is in conformance with the insurance
requirements set forth in Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.2
.
C.The Oil and Gas Inspector may not release the approved Gas
Operator has provided:
1. the security required by Subsection 35.22.9;
2. upon the Operator entering into a Road Damage Remediation Ag
obligate the operator to repair damage excluding ordinary wear a
public streets, including but not limited to, bridges caused by
operator's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or rep
performance of any activity authorized by or contemplated by the
Permit; and
3.a copy of the recordable instrument filed with the County Reco
required by Subsection 35.22.6.B.3.u.
D.The failure of the DRC or the Oil and Gas Inspector to review
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
Permit to be deemed approved.
E. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the Oil and Gas Inspector sha
1. Identify the name of each well and its Operator;
2. Specify the date on which the Oil and Gas Inspector issued e
4.Specify the date by which drilling shall commence, otherwis
(such date shall not be less than 6 months after the date of is
4. Specify that if drilling is commenced before the Permit expi
continue until the well covered by the Permit is abandoned and
5. Incorporate, by reference, the insurance and security require
Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.22.9
;
39
6.Incorporate, by reference, the requirement for periodic report
35.22.11 and for Notice of Activities set forth in Subsection 35
7.Incorporate the full text of the release of liability provisio
35.22.8.A.1;
8.Incorporate, by reference, the conditions of the applicable Wa
Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, and applicable SUP, MPC
or PD Zoning District, and Gas Well Ordinance applicable at the
well drilling and production project;
9.Incorporate, by reference, the information contained in the Pe
10.Incorporate, by reference, the applicable rules and regulatio
the applicable "field rules";
11.Specify that no drilling operations (including the constructi
access roads) shall commence until the operator has provided the
Subsection 35.22.9;
12.Contain the name, address, and phone number of the person des
notices from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas
person or by registered or certified mail;
13.Incorporate by reference all permits and fees required by the
14.Incorporate the wells RRC permit number and the American Pet
(API) number;
15.Incorporate, by reference all other applicable provisions set
16.Contain a notarized statement signed by the Operator, or desi
information is, to the best knowledge and belief of the Operator
and correct.
17.Contain a statement that the Operator is required to comply w
and state laws and regulations, which the City will verify compliance as part of its
periodic inspections.
F. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an applica
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision .
G. If an application for a Gas Well Permit is denied by the Oil
herein contained shall prevent a new Permit application from bei
for the same well.
40
H. Expiration of Gas Well Permit.
1. A Gas Well Permit is valid for six (6) months and shall autom
gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to expira
2. If a Gas Well Permit has been issued by the City but gas well
have not commenced prior to the expiration of the permit, the pe
extended unless a special exception has been approved by the Boa
pursuant to 35.22.16; however, the Operator may reapply for a ne
3. If gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to t
Well Permit issued by the City, the permit shall continue, and O
subject to an Annual Inspection and Administration fee.
4. If gas well drilling and production have commenced following
Well Permit by the City before the expiration date, the approved
Production Site and all activities shall be subject to inspecti
compliance with terms and conditions of the Gas Well Permit and
standards of the DDC.
35.22.11. - Periodic Reports.
A. The Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of any c
information within one (1) business day after the change occurs
1.The name, address, and phone number of the Operator;
2.The name, address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of t
supervisory authority over the Drilling and Production Site;
3.The name, address, and phone number of the person designated t
from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas that ca
or by registered or certified mail; and
4. The Operator's Emergency Action Plan if required to file one
state law.
B. The Operator shall provide a copy of any "incident reports" o
submitted to the RRCor any other state or federal agency within
operator has notice of the existence of such reports or complaints. This includes the
recording of both reportable and non-reportable events as noted
Code, Title 30.
.
41
C. Beginning the January after each well is spud, and continui
thereafter until the operator notifies the Oil and Gas Inspector that the well has been
plugged and abandoned and the Drilling and Production Site resto
prepare a written report to the Oil and Gas Inspector identifyi
information that was included in the application for the applica
have not been previously reported to the City.
D. The Operator must provide a copy to the Oil and Gas Inspecto
with the TCEQ in connection with an installed vapor recovery uni
35.22.5.A.2.n. The Operator shall also provide the City with co
provided by TCEQ. Such reports and responses shall be kept on t
Production Site and shall be available for inspection when reque
Inspector.
E. The Operator shall provide the City with copies filed with t
reports for setting surface casing, blowout preventer (BOP) pres
testing, pressure relief valve testing, and level control testin
provide the City with copies of any responses provided by the RR
reports and responses shall be kept on the Drilling and Producti
available for inspection when requested by the Oil and Gas Inspe
F. The Operator shall submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis
35.22.5.A.2.q upon request by the Oil and Gas Inspector.
G. In addition to the records listed in Subsections 35.22.5.A.6.
Operator shall provide the City with a copy of all records filed
by the Operator or by third parties. Copies of such records sha
and Production Site and shall be available for inspection when r
Gas Inspector.
35.22.12. - Notice of Activities.
A. Any Operator who intends to perform the following activities
work a well using a drilling rig; (3) to fracture stimulate a we
operations; (5) plug a well; (6) perform any other maintenance at a Drilling and
Production Site; or (7) to conduct seismic exploration not invol
shall give written notice to the City at least two (2) days bef
Damage Remediation Fees shall be paid to the City and submitted
Activities.
B. All dwellings within one thousand (1,000) feet of a well shal
forty-eight (48) hours prior to the activities.
1. The notice shall identify where the activities will be condu
activities in reasonable detail, including but not limited to th
and the time of day they will be conducted.
42
2.The notice shall also provide the address and twenty-four (24)
the person conducting the activities.
C.The Operator responsible for the activities shall post a si
Drilling and Production Site giving the public notice of the act
address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of the person co
D. If upon receipt of the notice the City determines that an ins
Inspector is necessary, the operator will pay the City's customa
inspection.
E. Surface Casing.
1. The Operator shall notify the Inspector within 24 hours of se
2. Casing procedures shall follow RRC Rule 3.13, or any success
F.If a proposed Drilling and Production Site is located within o
protected use, the Operator shall also host a public meeting at
convenient to surrounding property owners and residents at least
more than forty-five (45) days, prior to either: (1) the public
and Zoning Commission in connection with an SUP application, or
a Gas Well Development Site Plan if an SUP is not required. The
written notice of the meeting to all property owners located wit
feet of the proposed Drilling and Production Site. A mailing li
property and property owner shall be submitted to the Oil and Ga
compliance with this requirement. The meeting should provide in
planned activities and timelines for the site and must provide a
to ask questions about the proposed site. All notification and
borne by the Operator.
G.All surrounding property owners, businesses and residents with
feet of a Drilling and Production Site shall be notified a minim
hours prior to fracturing of a wellhead. In addition, at least
fracturing operations commence, the Operator shall post a sign a
advising the public of the date the operations will begin and se
35.22.13. - Amended Gas Well Permits.
A. AnOperator may submit an application to the Oil and Gas Insp
Gas Well Permits to:
1. Commence drilling from a new drill site that is not shown on
reference as part of) the existing permit;
2. To relocate a drill site or operation site that is shown on (or incorporated by reference
as part of) the existing Gas Well Permit; or
43
3. To otherwise amend the existing Gas Well Permit, for land sub
approved Gas Well Development Site Plan.
B. Applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be in writing
provided by the Department of Planning and Development, shall be
operator, and shall include the following:
1.The application fee as set by City ordinance;
2.A description of the proposed amendments;
3.Any changes to the information submitted with the application
Well Permit (if such information has not previously been provide
4.Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
demonstrate compliance with the applicable Gas Well Development
applicable SUP or PD District; and
5. Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
prevent imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
C. All applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be filed
Planning and Development, and the Department shall immediately f
applications to the Oil and Gas Inspector for review. Incomplete applications may be
returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall provide
deficiencies; however, the City may retain a processing fee as d
Gas Inspector. The City may return any application as incomplete
pending before the RRC regarding the determination of the Operat
D. If the activities proposed by the amendment are not materiall
activities covered by the existing Gas Well Permit or Gas Well D
and if the proposed activities are in conformance with the appli
Protection Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, applicable SU
PD District, or site-specific authorization in a MPC District, then the Oil and Gas
Inspector shall approve the amendment within ten (10) days after
E. If the activities proposed by the amendment are materially di
covered by the existing gas well permit, and if the proposed act
with the applicable Watershed Protection Permit, Gas Well Develo
applicable SUP or Detailed Plan in a PD District, or site-specif
District, then the Oil and Gas Inspector shall approve the amen
days after the application is filed. In addition, if the activit
are materially different or, in the judgment of the Oil and Gas
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons th
the activities covered by the existing permit or that was not ot
44
consideration by the existing permit, the Oil and Gas Inspector
amendment to be processed as a new Gas Well Permit application.
F. The failure of the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
amended Permit to be deemed approved.
G. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an amendme
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision. The oper
denial in accordance with Section 35.22.16.A.1.
35.22.14. - Transfer of Gas Well Permits.
A Gas Well Permit may be transferred by the Operator with the written consent of the City if
the transfer is in writing signed by both parties, if the transf
terms and conditions of the transferred Permit, if all information previously provided to the
City as part of the application for the transferred Permit is up
and if the transferee provides the insurance and security requir
Section 35.22.9. The insurance and security provided by the tran
copy of the written transfer is provided to the City and all oth
subsection are satisfied. The transfer shall not relieve the transferor from any liability to the
City arising out of any activities conducted prior to the transf
35.22.15. - Inspection.
A. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to issue a
required to carry out the intent and purpose of this Subchapter.
comply with any such order or directive shall constitute a viola
B. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to enter a
covered by the provisions of this subchapter, to determine compl
and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, or direc
federal authority.
C. Pursuant to inspection authority granted by the Texas Clean A
Code, the Oil and Gas Inspector shall conduct periodic inspectio
under this Subchapter.
D. Inspections may include periodic evaluations of air quality,
of, Drilling and Production Sites. Inspections will also includ
conformance with their Hazardous Materials Management Plan and o
requirements to their site.
45
35.22.16. Appeals and variances.
A. Procedures.
1.The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals of order
determinations made by the Oil and Gas Inspector relative to the
interpretation of this Subchapter, except for those matters desc
35.22.4.F.3 and 35.22.17; furthermore the Board of Adjustment sh
requests for variances to the provisions of this Subchapter unde
set forth below. The Board may also grant a special exception ex
expiration date of a Gas Well Development Site Plan or a Gas Wel
period not to exceed one year pursuant to the criteria set forth
who desires to appeal the type of action described in this subse
variance may file an appeal or variance to the Board of Adjustm
procedural process outlined in Section 35.3.6 of the DDC. Appeal fees shall be
required for every appeal or variance request. The Board of Adj
the appeal or variance and any other related information.
a. Standard of review for appeals. The members of the Board of
have and exercise the authority to hear and determine appeals wh
there is error or abuse of discretion regarding the approval or
Development Site Plan, or the issuance or non-issuance of a Gas
b. Standard of review for variances. In deciding variance req
Adjustment shall consider, where applicable, the following relev
i. Whether there are special circumstances existing on the property on which the
application is made related to size, shape, area, topography, su
conditions and location that do not apply generally to other pro
vicinity;
ii. Whether a variance is necessary to permit the applicant the
use of his property that are presently enjoyed by other similarl
properties, but which rights are denied to the property on which
application is made;
iii. Whether the granting of the variance on the specific property will adversely
affect any other feature of the comprehensive master plan of the
iv. Whether the variance, if granted, will be of no material det
welfare or injury to the use, enjoyment, or value of property in
46
v. Whether the operations proposed are reasonable under the circ
conditions prevailing in the vicinity considering the particular
character of the improvements located there;
vi. Whether the drilling of the maximum number of potential well
proposed drill site would conflict with the orderly growth and d
the town;
vii. Whether there are other alternative well site locations;
viii. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with the he
welfare of the public when and if conducted in accordance with t
combined well permit conditions to be imposed;
ix. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with protecti
integrity and environmental quality, including protection of sur
ground water sources, of potentially impacted environmentally se
x. Whether there is reasonable access for town fire personnel an
equipment, including the ability to safely evacuate potentially
residents;
xi. Whether the impact upon the adjacent property(ies) and the g
operations conducted in compliance with the oil, gas, or combine
conditions are reasonable and justified, balancing the following
1. The reasonable use of the mineral estate by the mineral estat
explore, develop, and produce the minerals; and
2. The availability of alternative drilling sites; and
xii. Where a variance is requested to reduce separation standar
in addition to other relevant criteria, the extent to which owne
Uses, or freshwater wells currently in use, or previously platte
where one or more lots have habitable structures, have consented
reduction in separation standards in writing.
c. The Board of Adjustment shall determine whether to grant an e
expiration date for a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well
upon whether there are circumstances reasonably beyond the contr
47
Operator, including any delay on the part of the City in issuing
permits, that justify an extension of the Site Plan or Permit, in order that the
Operator may enjoy the same rights in the use of the property th
enjoyed by other similarly situated properties, but which rights
property for which the Site Plan or Permit expires.
2. The Board of Adjustment may reverse or affirm, in whole or i
Oil and Gas Inspector's order, requirement, decision or determin
appeal is taken and make the correct order, requirement, decisio
from which an appeal is taken and make the correct order, requir
determination. The Board of Adjustment may issue a variance to t
the criteria referenced in Subsection A.1.b., and may grant a sp
the criteria referenced in A.1.c. Any action under this subsect
three-fourths majority vote of the entire Board of Adjustment.
3. Any Operator aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjus
court of record a petition, duly verified, stating that such dec
or in part, and specifying the grounds of the alleged illegality. Such petition shall be
presented within ten days after the date on which the decision o
Adjustment was rendered and not thereafter, and judicial review
be pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 211.011, as amende
B. Watershed Permit Appeals.
1.The applicant may appeal the denial or conditional approval of
Protection Permit on grounds pertaining to the standards in Subs 35.22.5.A.6
and 35.22.5.A.8 to the Planning and Zoning Commission within ten (10) calen
days of the decision by the DRC. In deciding the appeal, the Pl
Commission shall decide the appeal based upon the standards ma
permit by Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
2.The applicant may file a petition for review pursuant to Subse 35.22.5.A.6 and
35.22.5.A.8 on grounds therein specified to the City Council within ten
days of the decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The
decide the petition based upon the criteria in Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
C. Preemption Appeal.
1.. The regulation of gas well drilling and production in this s
Purpose
potentially overlaps with regulation of gas well drilling and pr
Texas and the United States of America. The purpose of this sec
48
Operators the opportunity to demonstrate to the City that one or
procedures contained in this subchapter are preempted by state o
2.. An Operator who is aggrieved by the promulgation or
Petition Contents
application of the standards or procedures in this subchapter an
or more such standards or procedures are preempted by state or f
submit a petition to the Oil and Gas Well Inspector explaining t
bases upon which the Operator relies to support his contention t
subchapter is preempted. The petition shall be accompanied by an
waiver of any statutory time periods or time periods established
review of any filed applications which are the subject of the pe
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
a. The name, mailing address, phone number and fax number of th
person's duly authorized agent);
b. Identification of all property owned or under the control of
affected by the preemption claim;
c. Identification of the permit applications for which the appl
this section;
d. Identification of all regulations in this subchapter that th
not apply to the project due to preemption of the subject matter
law;
e. For each regulation in this subchapter that is the subject o
preemption claim, specification of the state or federal law, sta
administrative rule or order that allegedly preempts the regulat
an explanation of why such law, standard, administrative rule or
the regulation.
3.
Procedure and Decision.
The Oil and Gas Inspector shall first determine whether the appl
to DDC section 35.16.8. Once the application has been determine
complete, the Director shall forward the preemption petition, to
supporting information or documentation, to the City Manager and
respective reviews. Prior to rendering his final determination
a pre-determination conference with the petitioner to discuss th
ensure that the nature of the claim is fully and completely unde
The City Manager, after consultation with the City Attorney, sha
administrative determination that grants the relief requested in
part, or denies the requested relief in whole or in part within
is complete. The City Managers determination shall include a s
the decision, and shall identify the regulations that are preemp
to the petitioners permit application(s) for approval under thi
49
Manager may also recommend to the City Council that one or more
this subchapter should be repealed or modified so as to avoid ot
35.22.17. - Remedies of the City.
A. If an Operator (or its officers, employees, agents, contracto
representatives) fails to comply with any requirement of a Gas W
any requirement incorporated by reference as part of the Permit), the Fire Marshal or Oil
and Gas Inspector may, in connection with or separate from 35.2
to the operator specifying the nature of the alleged failure and
reasonable time to cure, taking into consideration the nature an
failure, the extent of the efforts required to cure, and the pot
safety, and welfare of the community. The Operator shall respon
forty-eight (48) hours and indicate how the violation(s) shall b
however, shall the cure period be less than thirty (30) days unl
presents a risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to
alleged failure involves the operator's failure to provide perio
Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector may issue a Stop Work Order und
B. If the Operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Fire Marshal and/or Oi
notify the RRC and request that the RRC take appropriate action
notice provided to the operator), and the City may pursue any ot
C. If the operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Oil and Gas Inspector
recommendation of the Health and Building Standards Commission
1. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be sus
alleged failure is cured; or,
2. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be rev
suspension the Operator does not cure the alleged failure.
D. The decision of the Fire Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector
or revocation of a Gas Well Permit shall be provided to the Oper
ten (10) days before any action by the City Council unless the a
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
E. If a Gas Well Permit is revoked, the Operator may submit info
Well Inspector evidencing that the alleged failure resulting in
Well Permit have been corrected, and an application for a new Ga
submitted for the same well.
35.22.18. - Enforcements, Right of Entry.
50
A. The Fire Marshal and the Oil and Gas Inspector are authorized
this Subchapter and the provisions of any Gas Well Permit. Whene
enforce any provision of this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit, o
reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of this S
Permit, the Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector, may enter upo
by this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit at any reasonable time t
duty imposed by this Subchapter. If entry is refused, the City s
remedy provided by law and equity to gain entry.
B. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to do the
1. Engage in any activity not permitted by the terms of a Gas We
this Subchapter;
2. Fail to comply with any conditions set forth in a Gas Well Pe
Subchapter; or
3. Violate any provision or requirement set forth under this Sub
C. The enforcement and penalty provision under Subsection 35.1.1
violation of this Subchapter.
D. The Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector is authorized to is
court for violations of this Subchapter or Gas Well Permit.
E. The City may also notify the EPA, TCEQ, RRC or other applicab
agency in connection with violations of this Subchapter.
51
2.docx
s:\planning\cc related\year 2013\01- jan\01.08.13\staff reports\dca12-0005 subchapter 22\dca12-0005 subchapter 22_exhibit
Exhibit 2
Clean Ordinance Version
35.22.1. - Purpose, Authority and Applicability.
A.. The drilling and production of gas and the development of gas
Purpose
within the corporate limits of the City necessitate promulgation
to prevent devaluation of property; to protect watersheds; to pr
groundwater resources that actually or potentially threaten the
proximity to drilling and production activities; to prevent or
of gases that potentially threaten the health of nearby resident
injury to persons and property; to ensure that gas well drillin
are compatible with adjacent land uses throughout the duration o
assure that such activities conform to The Denton Plan. The regu
Subchapter are designed to protect the health, safety, and gener
and to assure that the orderly and practical development of mine
compatible with the quiet enjoyment of affected surface estates.
contained in this Subchapter are designed to implement the purpo
subsection and are supported by the following findings of fact:
1.Gas well drilling and production activities create externaliti
the health, safety and general welfare of persons residing or wo
proximity to such operations.
2.Gas well drilling and production activities, in the absence of
may generate noxious aerial emissions, introduce contaminants in
emit high noise levels, produce large volumes of dust, congest l
fire hazards and produce other deleterious effects, all of which
on adjacent land uses, and which can result individually or cumu
persons and destabilization of property values in the vicinity o
3.The City of Denton recognizes that the United States and the S
gas well drilling and production activities for the purpose of i
quality and water quality goals. The regulations in this Chapte
supplement such standards in order to implement compatible local
assure the health, safety and general welfare of the Citys resi
B.. This Subchapter is adopted pursuant to authority vested under
Authority
constitution and laws of the United States, the State of Texas a
Each authorization identified in this Subchapter shall be constr
City's zoning powers, pursuant to the Denton City Charter, Texas
Code Chapters 211 and 212 and the provisions of Subchapter 35.5
Development Code (DDC).
C. The provisions of this Subchapter apply only within the corpora
Applicability.
of the City of Denton, except as otherwise stated in section 35.
35.22.2. - Definitions.
All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling
specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attribu
operators in the gas industry. For the purposes of this Subchapt
without regard to whether the defined terms are capitalized when
context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
An all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environ
Ambient Noise Level.
composite of sounds from all sources (excluding the noise in que
approximate time at which a comparison with the noise in questio
the ambient noise level constitutes the normal or existing level
location. The ambient noise level is established by recording so
the noise in question) over a continuous seventy-two (72) hours
drilling. The seventy-two (72) hour time span shall include at l
reading during either a Saturday or Sunday.
A mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic apparatus, or combination
Blowout Preventer (BOP).
such apparati, that can be secured over top of an open wellbor
that,, via remote actuators, can be actuated remotely in the ev
situation arises. The primary function of the BOP is to shut th
control of the formation fluids from blowing out of the well.
A system that uses a combination of solids control equipment
Closed-loop mud system.
incorporated in a series of steel tanks that eliminates the use
The reflection of either "Spud Well" or "Nipple Up" the
Commencement of Drilling Activities.
Blow Out Protectors (BOP) by the drilling contractor on the IADC
Form maintained by the Operator's tool pusher on the pad site.
. Any ignition device, installed horizontally or vertically, us
Completion combustion device
in exploration and production operations to combust otherwise ve
completions.
The date the work is completed for
Completion of drilling, re-drilling and re-working.
drilling, re-drilling, or re-working, and the crew is released b
by its employer.
Any substance capable of contaminating a non-related homogeneou
Contaminant.
fluid, gas or environment. The period from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through
Daytime.
Friday; and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
2
. A well drilled in order to determine the boundary of a field
Delineation well
reservoir.
Term used to typically describe the means by which the earth
Drilling.
pathway to formations containing hydrocarbons to allow for their
can employ various types of mobilized drilling equipment to crea
incorporating drilling fluids to cool the bit, to condition the
most critically, to maintain an overbalanced pressure gradient a
contained inherently pressurized well fluids.
Drilling and Production Site (A/K/A Gas Well Park, Gas Well Pad
The area dedicated to all gas well drilling or production act
Production Area).
including the drilling and production area , all structures, clo
parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, tank battery (
drilling rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utiliti
contemplated for use during and after gas well drilling or produ
the Gas Well Development Plat or Gas Well Development Site Plan.
definition are gathering and transmission lines and compressor s
The area used for drilling, completing, or re-working a well.
Drill Site.
A written document which includes a set of procedures
Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
intended to guide an organizations response to an accident or e
Geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited
Exploration.
seismic exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or othe
Natural gas extracted from a production well prior to entering
Field Natural Gas.
of processing, such as dehydration.
The process of allowing fluids to flow from a natural gas well
Flowback.
either in preparation for a subsequent phase of treatment or in
returning the well to production. The flowback period begins whe
well during the treatment returns to the surface immediately fol
refracturing. The flowback period ends with either well shut in
continuously to the flow line or to a storage vessel for collect
A private water well used by a protected use.
Freshwater Well.
Gas or natural gas, as such terms are used in the rules, regula
Gas.
Typically, a naturally-occurring gaseous substance primarily com
light, gaseous hydrocarbons.
A processing site engaged in the extraction of natural gas liq
Gas Processing Facility.
field natural gas, or the fractionation of mixed natural gas liq
combination of both.
3
The phase that occurs after successful exploration,
Gas Production (A/K/A Production).
drilling and development involving operations including, but not
dehydrators, separators, mud pits, ponds, tank batteries or asso
during which hydrocarbons are extracted from the gas field, excl
facilities as defined and regulated by the Pipeline Safety Act o
60137.
Any well drilled for the production of gas or classified as a g
Gas Well.
Natural Resources Code.
Any written license granted by the City of Denton for the explo
Gas Well Permit.
drilling, development, production, and operation of natural gas,
regulations of this Subchapter. A Gas Well Permit is required f
Structures suitable for human habitation or occupation for whic
Habitable Structure.
Certificate of Occupancy or Final Inspection Certificate is requ
single or multi-family dwellings, accessory guest houses, hotels
buildings, and enclosed buildings used for commercial or industr
structure shall not include accessory buildings, barns, garages
The hazardous materials management plan and
Hazardous Materials Management Plan.
hazardous materials inventory statements required by the Fire Co
The process of directing pressurized fluids containing any com
Hydraulic Fracturing.
of water, proppant, and any added chemicals to penetrate tight f
formations, that subsequently require high rate, extended flowba
solids during completions.
Conducting a subsequent hydraulic fracturing operation at a wel
Hydraulic Refracturing.
has previously undergone a hydraulic fracturing operation.
A mechanized device that compresses gas prior to its introducti
Lift Compressor.
for use in lifting well liquids to the surface.
An integrated system designed to ground metal equipment on a
Lightning Protection System.
rig, well pad or at a tank battery location for protection again
due to lightning.
An electrical or gas-powered-pumping device that increases the
Line Compressor.
natural gas so that its pressure exceeds that of the inherent line pressure of the pipe to which it is
being introduced.
In pit construction, a liner is an impervious material, either
Liner.
used to line the interior of a pit to prevent pit fluids from leaking or leaching into the
environment. In well construction, a liner is a tubular sheath
4
purposes, such as isolating a particular zone, repairing casing
the hole size, among others.
. A well with reservoir pressure and vertical well depth such t
Low pressure gas well
times the reservoir pressure (in psia) minus 0.038 times the ver
67.578 psia is less than the flow line pressure at the sales met
A well bore drilled from surface or new lateral wellbore drille
New Well.
vertical pilot hole at a depth different from other laterals in
existing well that is purposefully deviated or kicked-off arou
the initial hole. Not to be confused with recompletion.
The period commencing at 7:00 p.m. and ending at 7:00 a.m., Mon
Nighttime.
Friday and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays.
The process of assembling well-control or pressure-control equi
Nipple Up.
wellhead.
An inspector designated by the City of Denton that is
Oil and Gas Inspector or Inspector.
responsible for evaluating the impacts of exploration, developme
gas wells. Responsibilities include environmentally sensitive ar
inspection, monitoring, and evaluating compliance with federal,
Also responsible for processing and approving Gas Well Developme
Development Site Plan and Gas Well Permit applications.
The person(s) in charge and in control of drilling, maintainin
Operator.
or controlling any well or pipeline including without limitation
A person familiar with and educated in the oil and gas industry
Petroleum Specialist.
been retained by the City.
A temporary or permanent containment for circulated fluids. A
Pit.
Completion/Workover pit: Pit used for storage or disposal of sp
workover fluids and drilling fluid, silt, debris, water, brine,
materials which have been cleaned out of the wellbore of a well
worked over.
Drilling fluid disposal pit: Pit, other than a reserve pit, use
fluid.
Fresh makeup water pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling r
used to make up drilling fluid.
5
Mud circulation pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig
currently being used in drilling operations.
Reserve pit: Pit used in conjunction with drilling rig for coll
cuttings, sands, and silts; and wash water used for cleaning dri
at the well site. Reserve pits are sometimes referred to as slus
Saltwater disposal pit:
Pit used for disposal of produced saltwater.
Washout pit: Pit located at a truck yard, tank yard, or disposa
disposal of oil and gas waste residue washed out of trucks, mobi
tanks.
Water Condensate pit: Pit used in conjunction with a gas pipeli
station for storage or disposal of fresh water condensed from na
Plugging as defined by the RRC and includes the plugging of
Plugging and Abandonment.
the well, abandoned, orphaned or otherwise, and restoration of t
as required by this Subchapter.
Any dwelling, church, public park, public library, hospital, p
Protected Use.
kindergarten or elementary, middle or high school, public pool,
center, public recreation center, hotel or motel.
The Railroad Commission of Texas.
Railroad Commission (RRC).
A well completion following fracturing or refracturing where
Reduced emissions completion.
gas flowback that is otherwise vented is captured, cleaned, and
collection system, re-injected into the well or another well, us
for other useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material w
to the atmosphere.
Re-completion or re-entry of an existing well within the existi
Re-working.
deepening or sidetrack operations which do not extend more than
from the existing well bore, or replacement of well liners or ca
means the prior approval by ordinance of City Council, of one o
Site-specific authorization
more specifically located and defined gas well site locations, s
development, regulatory and permitting requirements, as set fort
within the site approval ordinance (or both), as applicable.
The first time the drill bit enters the ground for gas well dri
Spud.
A natural or man-made container, covered or uncovered, in which
Tank.
liquids or hydrocarbons used or produced in conjunction with the
production operations of an oil or gas well.
6
Such person(s) familiar with and educated in the oil and gas in
Technical advisor.
law as it relates to oil and gas matters who may be retained fro
Denton.
A hole or bore drilled to any horizon, formation, or strata for
Well.
natural gas, or liquid hydrocarbons.
The process that allows for the flowback of petroleum or natur
Well completion.
newly drilled wells to expel drilling and reservoir fluids and t
characteristics, which may vent produced hydrocarbons to the atm
tank.
. Any well completion with fracturing or refracturing occurring
Well completion operation
gas well affected facility.
A well outside known fields or the first well drilled in an oil
Wildcat well.
other oil and gas production exists.
Work performed on a well after its initial completion to secure
Workover Operation.
production where there has been none, to restore production that has ceased, or to enhance or
increase production within the zone originally completed.
35.22.3. - Zoning District Classifications for Gas Well Drilling
A.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits of the City shall be
permitted by right within the Rural Residential (RD-5) or within
City that is subject to the use regulations of the RD-5 District
Neighborhood Residential 1 (NR-1), Neighborhood Residential 2 (N
Center Commercial Neighborhood (RCC-N), Regional Center Commerci
(RCC-D), Employment Center Commercial (EC-C), Employment Center
I), Industrial Center Employment (IC-E) and Industrial Center Ge
Districts, except as provided in subsection B, and subject to co
requirements of this Subchapter.
B.The drilling and production of gas within the corporate limits
zoning districts shall be permitted only by Specific Use Permit pursuant to subchapter
35.6, or through approval of a Detailed Plan in a Planned Develo
site-specific authorization in Master Planned Community (MPC) district.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A, approval of a Sp
shall be required for gas well drilling and production on any la
year flood fringe or within one thousand, two hundred (1,200) f
elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville.
1.An application for a Specific Use Permit, or site-specific aut
development district (PD) or master planned community district (
7
drilling and production of a gas well shall be filed by the pers
authority to do so. That person is presumed to be the record own
the duly authorized agent of either the record owner or the mine
Director of Planning and Development may require an applicant to
information of authority to file an application.
2. The Chairman of the DRC has the authority to establish requir
in the Application Criteria Manual. No application shall be accepted for filing until it
is complete and the fee established by the City Council of the C
been paid. Incomplete applications shall be returned less a fee
determined by the Director of Planning and Development.
3.Approval of a SUP, a detailed plan in a PD District or site-sp
MPC district, shall be conditioned on compliance with the requir
Subchapter.
35.22.4. - Required Authorization for Gas Well Drilling and Prod
A. No gas well drilling or production activities may commence wi
the following authorizations have been obtained, in the followin
1. Approval of a Specific Use Permit, where required by Section
a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or site-specific authorization
2. Approval of a Watershed Protection Permit, where location of
production activities is proposed on land in the flood fringe or
Sensitive Area (ESA), subject to the application requirements an
Section 35.22.5.A.8;
3. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan, subject to the
requirements and standards of Section 35.22.6; and
4.Approval of a Gas Well Permit, subject to the application requ
of Section 35.22.7.
B. An application for any authorization for gas well drilling an
Subsection A may be submitted simultaneously with any other list
applications must be approved in the numerical order listed. No
shall be determined to be complete and hereby is deemed to be in
required prior applications have been approved, and no completen
be made until such prior applications have been approved.
C. Approved applications for gas well drilling and production sh
following circumstances:
8
1. A Specific Use Permit, or site-specific authorization in a P
expires according to its terms;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit expires with the expiration of
Development Site Plan.
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan expires unless a complete ap
Well Permit has been filed within one (1) years of the date of a
plan.
4. A Gas Well Permit expires if gas well drilling activities hav
six (6) months of the date of approval of the Gas Well Permit.
5.The expiration of any subsequent application results in the expiration of all prior
approved applications for the same activity.
D.Approved applications for gas well drilling and production may
expiration. Following expiration of an approved application for
production, a new application must be submitted, which shall be
standards and procedures then in effect.
E. The authorizations required by this Subchapter are in additio
permits that may be required by any other provision of the Dento
other government agency.
F. Legal Non-Conformity; Exceptions.
The provisions of Subchapter 11 are applicable to gas well drill
1.
activities. For purposes of Subchapter 11, the drilling of a ne
associated production activities do not constitute an existing u
Drilling and Production Site that has been annexed into the City
Drilling and Production Site within 30 days of the effective dat
Unless the City determines that an exemption provided under Texa
2.
Government Code, Section 245.004 or successor statute applies to
the standards and procedures in DDC Subchapters 35.16, 35.22 and
Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 otherwise is inapplicab
gas well drilling and production, such standards or procedures,
necessary to give effect to this subsection F, do not apply to the authorizations
identified in subsection 35.22.4.A, if, on the effective date of
ordinance, the following circumstances existed:
a. For a specific use permit, an application was pending on the
amendatory ordinance; or
9
b. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
application for the detailed plan was pending on the effective d
amendatory ordinance; or
c. For a detailed plan for a PD district created on or after Apr
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance, an application for the detailed
plan submitted after the effective date of the amendatory ordina
to a conceptual plan for development approved with the ordinance
the PD district that identifies the location and the nature and
activities to be developed on land designated for future gas wel
production; or
d. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or
e. For a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development
any associated Watershed Protection Permits), an application was
the effective date of the amendatory ordinance for a Drilling an
that was the subject of: (1) a specific use permit approved or p
effective date of the amendatory ordinance; or (2) a detailed pl
created on or after April 27, 2005, but before the effective dat
ordinance, that identifies the location and the nature and extent of the activities to
be developed on land designated for future gas well drilling or
an MPC district created on or after April 27, 2005, but before t
the amendatory ordinance, that identifies the location and the n
the activities to be developed on land designated for future gas
production.
f. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was pending on the effe
amendatory ordinance; or
g. For a Gas Well Permit, an application was submitted after the
amendatory ordinance pursuant to a Gas Well Development Site Pla
Development Plat approved or pending on the effective date of th
ordinance that identifies the Drilling and Production Site to wh
applies.
3. Authorizations or applications excepted under this subsection
well drilling and production standards in effect immediately pri
of the amendatory ordinance, and to any standards effected by th
ordinance which the City determines to be exempt from the applic
Local Government Code Chapter 245.
4. To the extent that any exception provided under this subsecti
application pending on the effective date of an amendatory ordin
application must have been approved subsequently in order for th
apply.
10
5. Any person who has been denied an exception under Subsecti
pending applications, or who otherwise claims that he has obtai
pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245 or other ap
law for such applications, may request a determination pursuant
the DDC.
35.22.5. - Standards for Gas Well Drilling and Production.
A. The drilling and production of gas wells within the City limi
following standards.
1. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
Separation standards.
a. No Drilling and Production Site may be located within one tho
of any Protected Use, or freshwater well currently in use at the
application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan is filed, or wi
(1,000) feet of any lot within a previously platted residential
one (1) or more lots have one (1) or more habitable structures.
b. Except where more stringent separation distances are specifie
separation distance between a Drilling and Production Site and a
structures other than those listed in 35.22.5.A.1.a, shall be fi
c. The minimum separation requirement established in 35.22.5.A.1
reduced via the granting of a variance by the Zoning Board of Ad
that the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not reduce the minimum
distance any less than five hundred (500) feet.
d. Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a Pro
within a previously platted residential subdivision where one (1
one (1) or more habitable structures may be located as close as
(250) feet of a pre-existing Drilling and Production Site, provi
Protected Use is not served by a freshwater well that is located
thousand (1,000) feet of the drilling and production area.
e. Separation distances shall be measured from the boundary of t
Production Site identified on the Gas Well Development Site Pl
line, without regard to intervening structures or objects, to the closest exterior
point of any structure occupied by a Protected Use, or freshwate
use at the time a complete application for a gas well developmen
filed, or the closest lot line of any undeveloped lot within a p
residential subdivision where one (1) or more lots have one (1)
2. The following requirements apply only within City limits.
On-site requirements.
11
a. An entrance gate shall be required. Street lighting shall be
Section 26-76 of the Utility Code of the Code of the City of Den
sign identifying the entrance to the drill site or operation site shall be reflective.
b. Fencing, buffering, landscaping and screening shall be requir
Production Sites. All required fencing, landscaping, buffering
be installed in accordance with the approved Landscape Plan with
and eighty (180) days after initial drilling of the first approv
Operator decide to fence in gathering and transmission lines or
stations, or both, Operator shall install the fencing in accorda
the DDC.
c. No refining process, or any process for the extraction of pro
be carried on at a Drilling and Production Site, except that a d
separator may be maintained on a Drilling and Production Site fo
of liquids from gas. Any such dehydrator or separator may serve
well. Gas Processing Facilities shall require a Specific Use Per
d. Permanent weatherproof signs reading "DANGER NO SMOKING ALLOW
in both English and Spanish, in a minimum of four-inch lettering
at the entrance of each Drilling and Production Site. The sign s
development or operating company that is currently responsible f
plat or site plan, the RRC Well Identification Number and the Am
Petroleum Institute number for the well, the phone number for em
services (911), the number for the operator, and any other well
required by the RRC in two-inch lettering.
e. No person shall place, deposit, or discharge (or cause or al
deposited, or discharged) any oil, naphtha, petroleum, diesel, g
tar, hydrocarbon substance, or any refuse, including wastewater
any gas operation or the contents of any container used in conne
operation in, into, or upon any public right-of-way, storm drain
sanitary drain or sewer, any body of water, or any private prope
corporate limits of the City of Denton.
f. All installed, mounted, and/or permanent equipment on Drillin
Sites shall be coated, painted, and maintained at all times, inc
gas processing units, pumping units, storage tanks, above-ground
appurtenances, buildings, and structures, in accordance with app
adopted by The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC). In addit
following standards are applicable:
i. Protective coatings and paints shall comply with any applicable State or City
requirements. In absence of any such requirement, protective co
paints shall be of a neutral color that is compatible with the s
environment.
12
ii. All exposed surfaces of the identified equipment must be coa
and free from rust, blisters, stains, or other defects.
g. All electric lines to production facilities shall be located in a manner compatible
to those already installed in the surrounding areas or subdivisi
h. All fire suppression and prevention equipment required by any
state, or local law shall be provided by the Operator, at the Op
maintenance and upkeep of such equipment shall be the responsibi
Operator.
i. No Operator shall excavate or construct any lines for the con
water, or minerals on, under, or through the streets or alleys o
City without an easement or right-of-way license from the City,
agreed upon, and then only in strict compliance with this Subcha
ordinances of the City, and with the specifications established
Department.
j. The digging up, breaking, excavating, tunneling, undermining,
damaging of any public street or leaving upon any public street
materials is prohibited. Construction activities or deposition o
objects creating an obstruction within limits of public right-of
are prohibited unless the Operator has first obtained written ap
Engineering Department and, if applicable, has filed a right-of-
agreement, and then only if in compliance with specifications es
Department.
k. No Gas Well Permit shall be issued for any well to be drilled
streets or alleys of the City and/or streets or alleys shown by
1999-2020 and no street shall be blocked or encumbered or closed
exploration, drilling, or production activities unless prior con
the City Manager, and then only temporarily.
l. All pits shall be lined and shall be designed, constructed, a
accordance with the liner standards set forth by the RRC. Any n
Production Sites proposed after December 18, 2012 shall utilize
mud system.
m. Any Drilling and Production Sites shall be screened with an o
masonry fence that shall be no less than eight (8) feet in heigh
i. In lieu of this requirement, an alternative fence that is co
surrounding the Drilling and/or Production Site may be approved
Director of Planning and Development.
13
ii. Required fencing must be located within three hundred (300)
equipment necessitating fencing requirements under this Subchapt
n. Vapor Recovery Units.
i. Vapor recovery equipment is required for facilities not inclu
Rule§106.352 of TAC Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 106, Subchapter O;
successor regulation.
ii. An Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector within tw
the first sale of gas from a well.
o. Any lift compressor which is installed within an approved Dr
Site shall be located at least twenty-four (24) feet from the ou
site.
p. Commencing on the December 18, 2012, except as provided in s
of this section, for each well completion operation with hydraul
i. For the duration of flowback, recovered liquids shall be rout
more storage vessels or re-injected into the well or another wel
recovered gas shall be routed into a gas flow line or collection
injected into the well or another well, used as an on-site fuel
for another useful purpose that a purchased fuel or raw material
with no direct release to the atmosphere. If this is infeasible, the requirements
in sub-paragraph (iii) of this paragraph shall be followed.
ii. All salable quality gas shall be routed to the gas flow line
practicable. In cases where flowback emissions cannot be directe
line, the requirements in sub-paragraph (iii) of this section sh
iii. Flowback emissions shall be captured and directed to a comp
combustion device, except in conditions that may result in a fir
explosion, or where high heat emissions from a completion combus
may negatively impact waterways. Completion combustion devices m
equipped with a reliable continuous ignition source over the dur
flowback.
iv. Releases to the atmosphere during flowback and subsequent re
minimized.
v. The requirements of sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) shall not app
1. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for wildcat or delineation well.
14
2. Each well completion operation with hydraulic fracturing at
meeting the criteria for non-wildcat low pressure gas well or no
delineation low pressure gas well.
q. Soil sampling: Pre- and post-drilling; periodic soil sampli
be required for all new Drilling and Production Sites. Soil sam
subject to the following requirements:
i.Upon application for an Oil and Gas Well Permit, soil sampling
conducted prior to the commencement of any drilling at the propo
and Production Site to establish a baseline study of site condit
minimum of one soil sample shall be taken at the location of any
equipment to be utilized at the Drilling and Production Site to
existing conditions at the Drilling and Production Site.
ii.A licensed third party consultant shall be utilized to collec
pre-drilling and post-drilling soil analyses. The cost of such
be borne by the Operator.
iii.Soil samples must be collected and analyzed utilizing proper
laboratory protocol from a United States Environmental Protectio
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approved laboratory.
results of the analyses will be addressed to the City and a copy
shall be provided to the Operator and surface estate owner. The
include the following analyses at a minimum: TPH, VOCs, SVOCs,
Barium, Chromium and Ethylene Glycol.
iv.Post-drilling soil samples shall be collected and analyzed af
of drilling of each well. Subsequent to the drilling of each wel
samples shall be taken as determined by the Oil and Gas Inspecto
inspection events to document soil quality data at the Drilling
Site. Samples shall include, but not be limited to, areas where
equipment was located. Results of the analyses shall be provide
in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
v.Whenever abandonment occurs pursuant to the requirements of th
as referenced in 35.22.5.A.6.k, the Operator so abandoning shall
production soil sampling within three (3) days after equipment h
removed from the Drilling and Production Site to document that t
conditions are within regulatory requirements. Results of the a
provided as described in Subsection A.2.q.iii.
vi.If any soil sample results reveal contamination levels that exceed the
minimum state or federal regulatory levels, the City shall submi
sample results to the appropriate state or federal regulatory ag
enforcement.
15
r. Any rubbish or debris that might constitute a fire hazard sh
distance of at least 150 feet from the vicinity of any well, tan
s. An Operator shall not maintain or use any pit for storage of
oil field fluids, or for storage or disposal of oil and gas wast
3.The following requirements
Operations and equipment practices and standards.
apply only within City limits.
a. Adequate nuisance prevention measures shall be taken to preve
offensive odor, fumes, dust, noise and vibration.
b. Directional lighting shall be provided for the safety of gas
completion and production operations and shall be installed and
fashion designed to disturb adjacent developments in the least
c. The Operator shall at all times comply with the applicable ru
the RRC including but not limited to all applicable Field Rules.
d. To address noise concerns, only electric motors shall be used
drilling, transferring or blending chemicals, compressing gas, l
wells, The Oil and Gas Inspector may approve the use of an alter
produces lower noise levels than an electric motor.
e. There shall be no venting or flaring of gases in residential
by the RRC or TCEQ. If venting or flaring is allowed by the RRC
activities shall not be located closer than one thousand (1,000)
protected use, unless: (1) a setback variance has been granted p
or (2) if practical and if approved by the City Fire Marshal, gr
wholly enclosed or screened with a masonry wall. .
f. Vehicles, equipment, and machinery shall not be placed or loc
and Production Site (or on any public street, alley, driveway, o
of-way) in such a way as to constitute a fire hazard or to unreasonably obstruct or
interfere with fighting or controlling fires.
g. Only Light Sand Fracture Technology or fracture stimulations
RRC shall be used to fracture stimulate a well.
h. Fracing operation shall be scheduled to occur during daylight
Operator has notified the Oil and Gas Inspector that fracing will occur before or
after daylight hours to meet safety requirements.
i.Pneumatic drilling shall not be permitted.
16
j. Any notices required herein shall be made pursuant to Subsect
k. Except in the case of an emergency, gas well flaring shall on
during day-time hours.
4. The following requirements apply only within City
Storage tanks and separators.
limits.
a. An Operator is allowed to construct, use, and operate such st
separation equipment as shown on the approved Gas Well Develop
Plan, except that permanent storage equipment and separation equ
exceed eight (8) feet in height.
b. The use of centralized tank batteries is permitted as shown on the applicable Gas
Well Development Site Plan.
c. No Drilling and Production Site is allowed in the FEMA design
(100) year floodway. A Drilling and Production Site is allowed w
thousand two hundred (1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of
Roberts or Lake Lewisville with an approved Specific Use Permit.
d. No storage tanks or separation facilities shall be placed in
other ESA except in accordance with Subsection 35.22.5A.8.
.
5.
Flow lines and gathering lines.
a. Each Operator shall place pipeline marker sign at each point
gathering line crosses a public street or road.
b. Each Operator shall place a warning sign for lines carrying H
Sulfide) gas as required by the Railroad Commission.
c. All flow lines and gathering lines within the corporate limits of the City
(excluding City utility lines and franchise distribution systems
transport oil, gas, and/or water shall be limited to the maximum
operating pressure applicable to the pipes installed and shall b
least the minimum cover or backfill specified by the American Na
Institute Code, as amended.
6. The provisions of this section
Additional safety and environmental requirements.
shall apply within the corporate limits of the City of Denton.
a. The drilling and production of gas and accessing the Drilling
shall be in compliance with all state and federal environmental
gas well development or activity is allowed in the FEMA designat
(100) year floodway. Drilling within Flood Fringe or other ESA s
17
Map adopted by the City is allowed under the restrictions set fo
35.22.5A.8.
.
b. Erosion and sediment control practices shall be conducted for
Operator shall comply with the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
by the City.
c. As an exception to 35.22.5.A.6.a. or a Specific Use Permit re
gas wells may have a target location or bottom-hole location tha
floodway, an ESA or within one thousand two hundred (1,200) fee
pool elevation of lake Ray Roberts or Lake Lewisville when the g
directionally from a location outside such areas.
d. Each well shall be equipped with an automated valve that clos
event of an abnormal change in operating pressure. All wellheads
emergency shut off valve to the well distribution line.
e. Each storage tank shall be equipped with a level control devi
automatically activate a valve to close the well in the event of
accumulation in the tank.
f. All storage tanks shall be anchored for stability.
g. All storage tanks shall be equipped with either steel or conc
containment systems including lining with an impervious material
containment system shall be of a sufficient height to contain on
(1½) times the contents of the largest tank in accordance with t
pots shall be provided at pump out connections to contain the li
storage tank.
h. Outside storage areas shall be equipped with a secondary cont
designed to contain a spill from the largest individual vessel.
rainfall, secondary containment shall be designed to include the
twenty-four (24)-hour rainfall as determined by a twenty-five (2
provisions shall be made to drain accumulations of ground water
i. Drilling and Production Sites shall be equipped with a ligh
system, in accordance with the Citys Fire Code and the National
Associations NFPA-780. In addition, tank battery facilities sh
with a remote foam line and a lightning arrestor system.
j. A Hazardous Materials Management Plan shall be on file with t
Any updates or changes to this plan shall be provided to the Fir
three (3) working days of the change. All chemicals and/or hazar
shall be stored in such a manner as to prevent, contain, and fac
remediation and cleanup of any accidental spill, leak, or discha
18
material. Operator shall have all material safety data sheets (M
hazardous materials on site. All applicable federal and state re
requirements for the proper labeling of containers shall be foll
pollution prevention actions shall be required and include, but
chemical and materials raised from the ground (e.g., wooden pall
storage, installation and maintenance of secondary containment s
protection from storm water and weather elements.
k. All wells shall be plugged and abandoned in accordance with t
RRC; however, all well casings shall be cut and removed to a dep
(10) feet below the surface unless the surface owner submits a w
otherwise. Three (3) feet shall be the minimum depth. In additi
shall:
i. Submit a copy of its RRC Form W-3A (Notice of Intention to
Abandon) and Form W-3 (Plugging Record) to the Inspector within
business days of filing with the RRC;
ii. Notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of the intention to plug a
at least twenty-four (24) hour prior to commencing activities; a
iii. Submit to the Oil and Gas Inspector the surface hole locati
acceptable Geographic Information System (GIS) format to accurat
and track well locations. The GIS data may be submitted with an
Well Permit application or with the annual administrative report
of GIS location data is only required once.
iv. Submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis as required by Sub
35.22.5.A.2.q.
l. Operators must close each Drilling and Production Site in a m
minimizes the need for care after closure. To achieve this requ
shall be reclaimed to the condition identified on the Site Recla
nearly as practicable. In the event development encroaches up t
after drilling and production activities, a reasonable rehabilit
be approved by the City to ensure the reclaimed site is compatib
surrounding properties.
m. No gas well drill sites shall be allowed on slopes greater th
n. No Class II injection wells shall be located within the City
o. No gas well permit will be issued for any well where the Dril
Site is located within one thousand (1,000) feet of an existing
unless a variance, or consent from neighboring property owners,
obtained per 35.22.5.A.1.
19
p. Pits shall always be operated with a minimum of at least two
above the contents within it.
q. For safety reasons, fencing shall be installed to restrict ac
other type of open pit utilized in gas well drilling operation a
the corporate limits of the City.
r. Drip pans, catchment basins and other secondary containment d
absorbing materials shall be placed or installed underneath all
pumps, lubricating oil systems, engines, fuel and chemical stora
valves, connections, and any other areas or structures that coul
discharge, or otherwise spill hazardous or solid materials. .
s. After the well has been completed, or plugged and abandoned,
clean and repair all damage to public property caused by such op
thirty (30) days.
t. After any spill, leak or discharge, the Operator shall remove
removed all contamination and associated waste materials. Clean-
shall begin immediately.
u. The Drilling and Production Site and site access road shall a
free of debris, pools of water or other liquids, contaminated so
trash or other waste material outside the Drilling and Productio
v. All pits associated with Drilling and Production Sites shall
requirements.
i. The type of pit used in drilling operations shall be specifie
permitting. The Oil and Gas Inspector may perform a contaminatio
assessment for any reserve pit, completion/work-over pit, drilli
disposal pit, fresh makeup water pit, mud circulation pit, washo
condensate pit. The following concentrations for contaminants wi
determine if contamination exists within any materials in the pi
Compound Concentration limit
TPH15 mg/L
BTEX500 µg/L
20
Benzene50 µg/L
From 30TAC 321.131.138
If concentrations exceeding these values are detected, the opera
remove, cause to be removed, or otherwise remediate contaminants
the limits provided herein. Cleanup operations shall begin immed
Cleanup activities that do not begin within twenty-four (24) hou
notification by the oil and gas inspector shall be considered a
Subchapter.
ii. Only freshwater-based mud systems shall be permitted. Saltwater-based mud
systems and oil-based mud systems are prohibited.
iii. Chloride content of fluids held in pits may not exceed thre
milligrams per liter.
iv. No metal additives may be added to any drilling fluids.
v. All fluid produced from the well during completion of product
held in enclosed containers while stored on the property.
vi. All fluids shall be removed ("de-watering") from the pits wi
days of completion of drilling operations.
vii. The pit and its contents shall be removed from the premises
days after completion of the drilling of a well; provided, howev
permittee may apply for a ninety (90)-day extension from such re
based on showing of good cause, necessity to maintain said pit,
weather, or other factors. The City may designate a period of ti
the ninety (90)-day extension set out herein.
w. All pits shall be backfilled in accordance with the following
Director of Planning and Development may grant permission for a
the site if the surface property owner submits a written request
i. Reserve pits and mud circulation pits shall be dewatered wi
and backfilled and compacted within ninety (90) days of cessatio
drilling activities.
ii. All completion/workover pits used when completing a well sh
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of well completion.
21
iii. All completion/workover pits used when working over a well
dewatered within thirty (30) days and backfilled and compacted w
one hundred and twenty (120) days of completion of re-work opera
iv. Basic sediment pits, flare pits, fresh mining water pits, a
condensate pits shall be dewatered, backfilled, and compacted wi
hundred and twenty (120) days of final cessation of use of the p
x. Each operator must submit to the City a water conservation pl
The plan must provide information in response to each of the fol
i. A description of the use of the water in the production proce
the water is diverted and transported from the source(s) of supp
water is utilized in the production process, and the estimated q
consumed in the production process and therefore unavailable for
discharge, or other means of disposal;
ii. If long-term, five (5) to ten (10) years, water storage is a
five-year and ten-year targets for water savings and the basis f
development of such goals;
iii. A description of the device(s) and/or method(s) within an a
minus 5.0% to be used in order to measure and account for the am
water diverted from the source of supply;
iv. Leak-detection, repair, and accounting for water loss in the
system;
v. Application of state-of-the-art equipment and/or process modi
improve water use efficiency; and
vi. Any other water conservation practice, method, or technique
shows to be appropriate for achieving the stated goal or goals o
conservation plan.
y. No gas well drilling and production shall be permitted withi
(1,200) feet of the flood pool elevation of Lake Ray Roberts or
unless the Operator first obtains a SUP.
7. Supplemental drilling.
a. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the conditions for the applicable S
or underlying zoning classification that permits gas development
operator shall provide the Oil and Gas Inspector a copy of addit
that allow drilling to a deeper depth.
22
b. Supplemental drilling to deepen or directional drill an exist
conducted in accordance with the approved Gas Well Permit for th
with the City.
8. Watershed Protection Requirements for Wells located in Flood
ESA's.
The standards in this subsection are adopted pursuant to the aut
Texas Local Government Code, Section 551.002 and are intended to
adverse impacts on areas within the Flood Fringe or ESA, reduce
lessen the potential for contaminating surface water or any wate
a. The provisions of 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8 shall apply to a Drilling and
..
Production Site required to have a Watershed Protection Permit w
corporate limits of the City of Denton. The provisions of 35.2
to a Drilling and Production Site required to have a Watershed P
located within the corporate limits of the City of Denton or wit
City of Denton.
b. Drilling and Production Sites shall be located outside ESAs w
to minimize adverse impacts on these areas, reduce flood damage,
potential for contaminating surface water or any water supply.
c. Prior to location of any gas well in the Flood Fringe or ESA,
or applicant shall first obtain approval of an application that
the Application Criteria Manual for a Watershed Protection Permi
comply with the provisions of 35.22.5.
d. A Watershed Protection Permit containing an ESA assessment of
Production Site shall be approved by the Department of Environme
i.For all ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Well Development
1. If a riparian buffer is designated as "fair" to "excellent"
designated protective stream buffer width as specified in Subcha
the Denton Development Code shall apply, and no encroachments sh
allowed.
2. Within all areas except unstudied floodplains, if the stream
as a "poor" ESA, the designated width of the protective stream b
`shall be decreased by either fifty (50) percent or to the limit
floodway whichever is greater, but in no instance shall the prot
stream buffer width be decreased below twenty-five (25) feet mea
each direction from the centerline of the existing channel.
23
ii. For all flood fringe ESAs prior to the approval of a Gas Wel
Site Plan or Plat.
e. Tree mitigation for gas wells located in an ESA shall be requ
calculated on a one to one replacement value for one hundred (10
dbh of trees removed from the Drilling and Production Site. Tree
be accomplished by planting replacement trees, within a floodpla
site with similar tree species or by payment into a Tree Mitigat
Mitigation Funds that are specific to ESA's will be kept separat
Mitigation Funds and will only be used to either acquire wooded
riparian property that remains in a naturalistic state in perpetuity, or to purchase
conservation easements within riparian or floodplain areas. Fund
purchase, plant, and maintain trees on public property, as long
property is within a riparian area or floodplain.
f. The Watershed Protection Permit application shall contain the
information and such information as may be required by the Devel
Committee which is reasonably necessary to review and determine
proposed development and required facilities meet the requiremen
Subchapter and as required by the Application Criteria Manual. T
that is required for the Watershed Protection Permit shall inclu
limited to:
i.A Tree Inventory Plan shall show the location of ESAs on any p
Drilling and Production Site.
ii. Any request to remove tree(s) shall be accompanied by a lett
certified geologist or engineer that indicates why the well site
located to avoid the trees. If Operator has chosen to pay into
Mitigation Fund, such funds shall be paid prior to final approva
and Production Site within an ESA.
iii. Show location of ESAs on proposed Drilling and Production S
g. Only one (1) well head may be placed in the Flood Fringe or E
following conditions:
i. Storage tanks or separation facilities shall be constructed
(18) inches above the established Base Flood elevation plus the
depth for encroachment to the limits of the floodway having a on
chance of being equaled or exceeded in any year.
ii. A hydrologic and hydraulic engineering study shall be perfor
Registered Professional Engineer. The study shall be submitted to the
Engineering Department in a technical report for review by the C
or his designated representative. The report shall demonstrate t
24
proposed facilities will have no adverse impacts on the carrying
the adjacent waterway nor cause any increases to the elevations
for the floodplain. When the Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) o
subject site is designated as "Zone A" on the FIRM Panel, or the
identified on the FIRM Panel, the following approximate method m
to evaluate the impacts from gas well development. A flow rate s
calculated using procedures set forth in the City of Denton Drai
Manual. Using Manning's Equation with an estimate of the average
the stream, measurements of a single irregular cross-section geo
well site, and the one hundred (100) year discharge rate, the av
and normal depth may be calculated. Calculations shall be provid
unaltered existing channel cross-section and for the proposed mo
channel cross-section and submitted to the City for review and a
to construction within these areas.
iii. No more than ten (10) percent of the floodplain, within the
Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, may be
h. If evidence from water quality monitoring efforts indicates t
occurring from gas wells, the Operator shall remove, cause to be
otherwise remediate contamination, as required by the oil and ga
including but not limited to Waste Minimization Practices establ
RRC. Cleanup operations shall begin immediately. A re-inspection
charged as established by the City Council and published in the
Criteria Manual.
B. Drilling and Production Sites shall comply with all federal,
applicable to gas well drilling, production and operations.
C. Noise Management Standards. The following standards apply to
production in the City limits.
1. The Operator shall submit with its Gas Well Site Plan a conti
hour pre-drilling Ambient Noise Level measured three hundred (30
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site. The seventy-two
shall include at least one (1) twenty-four-hour reading during e
Sunday.
2. No gas well drilling equipment, production equipment, re-dril
other associated equipment shall be operated at any Drilling and
within the City in such a manner so as to create any noise level
(65) decibels.
The dB level shall be measured at a distance of one thousand (1
boundaries of the Drilling and Production Site or one hundred (1
25
any Protected Use setback line, whichever distance is nearer to
Production Site.
3. The distances described in 35.22.5.C.2 shall be measured from
Drilling and Production Site depicted on the Gas Well Developmen
Development Site Plan, in a straight line, without regard to int
objects, and outward from the boundary of the Drilling and Produ
4.If the ambient noise level that was established and submitted
accordance with 35.22.5.C.1 is higher than the levels set forth
noise generated from the Drilling and Production Site may not e
ambient noise level by more than five (5) decibels during daytim
decibels during nighttime hours, except as provided by 35.22.5.C
5. The following adjustments to the noise standards as set forth
intermittently during daytime hours only, except in the case of
Maximum Permitted Increase above 65 dB or established ambient, Maximum Duration
ambient exceeds 65 dB (minutes)*
10 dB 5 minutes
15 dB 1 minute
20 dB Less than 1 minute
*Cumulative minutes during any one hour.
6. Acoustical blankets, sound walls, mufflers or other alternati
by the City may be used to ensure noise limitation compliance. A
shall comply with accepted industry standards and be subject to
7. The sound level meter used in conducting noise evaluations sh
National Standard Institute's Standard for sound meters or an in
associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
8. The noise level generated during gas drilling activities shal
monitored by the Operator to ensure compliance with the noise li
established herein, if the Drilling and Production Site is withi
26
feet of a Protected Use. The cost of such monitoring shall be bo
In addition, the Operator shall also provide the following data:
i. The continuous noise monitoring data shall include an audio
identify the source of sound level fluctuations throughout the l
continuous noise monitoring equipment shall be capable of remote
real-time noise and audio data in a format acceptable to the Ins
the real-time data shall be made available to the Oil and Gas Inspector;
ii. The continuous noise monitoring data shall be summarized in
and submitted to the Oil and Gas Inspector each Monday for the p
through Sunday reporting week, which may be combined with the su
week if the number of monitoring days for any given week is thre
The report shall be in an electronic format or other format spec
Gas Inspector. The weekly report shall contain all noise data,
tones and low frequency readings, and shall be averaged in twent
intervals; and
iii. The weekly noise report shall state whether the Drilling a
compliance with acceptable noise standards. If the report identifies that the
Drilling and Production Site is not compliant, then the report s
measures being taken to return the site to compliance and the ti
implementing these remedial measures.
9. For Drilling and Production Sites not continuously monitored,
received after the commencement of drilling activities by either
City, the Operator shall immediately upon receipt of the complai
monitor the exterior noise level generated by the gas well drilling or production for a
seventy-two (72) hour period and take the action necessary to ab
violation exists. The monitoring shall be performed in accordan
and ii.
10. In the event of a violation of this subsection, the City may
citation to the Operator for the violation.
35.22.6. - Gas Well Development Site Plan and Watershed Protecti
A. Applicability.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be approved for any la
limits before a Gas Well Permit may be issued or any gas well dr
activities may occur. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Pl
processing of a complete application for a Gas Well Permit. If
he
Watershed Protection Permit application shall accompany the appl
Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, but shall be
27
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be approved prior to appr
Development Site Plan, Gas Well Development Plat, or Gas Well Pe
land in any floodplain or ESA within the corporate limits of the
Watershed Protection Permit authorizes the processing of a compl
Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well Development Plat, as
that includes land in a floodplain or ESA.
B. Application RequirementsGas Well Development Site Plan.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not
complete or deemed complete until:
a. Any required Specific Use Permit has been approved by the Cit
b. A complete application for a Watershed Protection Permit, whe
been filed with the City pursuant to this subchapter. Any condit
approval of the Watershed Protection Permit shall be deemed inco
the conditions of approval for the Gas Well Development Site Pla
2. Approval of a Gas Well Development Site Plan authorizes the h
Site Plan to apply for a Gas Well Permit.
3. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan, in addit
forth in Subsection 1, shall:
a. Clearly delineate the boundaries of the gas well drilling or
metes and bounds description, and list the exact acreage of the
drilling and production activities shall be limited to this area
b. Identify all ingress and egress points.
c. Show the location of all floodplains and ESAs.
d. Show the location of all freshwater wells currently in use at the time of filing of
the application within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Drilling
Site.
e. Show the location of all structures with a protected use with
(1,000) feet of the Drilling and Production Site;
f. Identify and show proposed method of erosion and sediment con
g. Identify the location of proposed lease lines;
h. Identify the location of all proposed gas wells, mud pits, po
equipment;
28
i.Label distances between gas wells and property lines;
j. Provide site specific well schematics showing layout during d
completion of drilling;
k. Show location of all existing and proposed underground pipeli
drawings shall be filed with the City (in a digital form as spec
and as a condition of maintaining the annual operating permit).
proposed in public rights-of-way shall require a Right-of-Way Us
The City Manager shall have the authority to enter into a Right-
Agreement;
l. Show the location of all pipelines and identify if pipelines connect with a Gas
Distribution System;
m. Identify the height, size, bulk and location of all structure
dehydrators, parking areas, security cameras, lighting, tanks, t
rigs, separators, compressors, perimeter walls, utilities, and a
objects contemplated within the boundaries of the gas well drill
area;
n. Provide a Tree Protection Plan demonstrating compliance with
Preservation Code;
o. Provide a Signage Plan, complying with this Subchapter for bo
and pipelines;
p. A Screening, Fencing, and Landscape Plan, in accordance with
established for Industrial land uses in Subchapter 13 of the DDC
compliance with all landscape and screening measures to be taken
irrigate all landscaping including the water source for irrigati
efforts to replace dead or dying screening vegetation; and
q. A Noise Mitigation Plan that includes:
i.A description of the proposed facility/operation;
ii.The established ambient noise level;
iii.An analysis of any significant sources of noise generated on
Production Site; and
iv.An analysis of any abatement measures necessary to bring the
activity into compliance with the Citys noise standards.
29
r. A Site Reclamation Plan that establishes the existing conditi
prior to drilling activities. The Site Reclamation Plan shall
and Post-Closure Plans.
i. Closure Plan. Site closure includes well plugging and abandon
equipment removal, and site clean-up. This plan should describe
Drilling and Production Site will be closed, how the proposed fi
closure will be achieved, and a detailed description of the clos
ii. Post-Closure Plan. Post-closure care includes any subsequent
necessary to minimize the need for care after closure and should
anticipated work activities necessary to achieve this objective.
s. The Operator shall submit an Erosion and Sediment Control Pla
with the applicable City Criteria Manual.
t. The Operator shall notify all private freshwater well owners in writing that they
have the right to have their wells tested. Proof of such writte
submitted to the City as part of the Site Plan application.
Exceptasprovidedinsubsection35.22.6.B.3.u.iiibelow,areportdetailingall
privatewaterwellswithin1,500feetoftheDrillingandProductionSites
boundaryandmethodforwhichsuchinformationwasobtained.Thereport
shouldincludefreshwaterwellsamplingpre-drillinganalysisthatmeetsthe
followingrequirements:
i.Water sampling must be collected and analyzed in accordance with
established federal sampling and laboratory protocol. All labor
TCEQ or EPA certified laboratories. Pre-approval by the Citys
Environmental Services Director, or designee, of all sampling me
preservationtechniques, analytical methods and contract laboratories is
required. This information is required to be submitted with the
Permit application.
ii.At a minimum, the following parameters shall be tested for: meth
chloride, sodium, barium, strontium, total dissolved solids, total suspended
solids, and pH. Other parameters may be required at the discret
Citys Environmental Services Director, or designee.
iii.This freshwater well sampling requirement may be partly or entird if
a well(s) is(are) abandoned, or if one or more of the freshwater
within 1,500 feet of the Drilling and/or Production Site deny th
request to have the well(s) sampled. The Operator must produce
evidence to supportthat the well(s) is(are) abandoned or that their sample
request(s) was(were) denied by the freshwater well owner(s).
30
u. The Operator shall submit a deed, lease, contract or similar
evidencing the location of the Drilling and Production Site, whi
be filed with the County Records Department upon approval of the
Development Site Plan.
v. The Operator shall provide a copy of its Emergency Action Pla
prepare one pursuant to federal or state law.
w. Any other information deemed necessary by the Oil and Gas Ins
compliance with these standards.
C. Processing of Applications.
1. An application for a Gas Well Development Site Plan shall be
manner for an application for a gas well development plat, as pr
35.16.19 of the DDC.
, and shall be decided by the Oil and Gas Inspector
2. A Watershed Protection Permit shall be processed in accordanc
a. All applications for Watershed Protection Permits shall be fi
Department, who shall immediately forward all applications to th
review. Incomplete applications shall be returned to the applica
the City shall provide a written explanation of the deficiencies
applicant. The City shall retain a processing fee determined by
The City may return any application as incomplete if there is a
before the Railroad Commission regarding the determination of th
application shall be deemed accepted for filing until the applic
b. The DRC may attach such conditions to approval of a Watershed
Permit as are necessary to assure that the requirements of Subse
met.
c. Each Watershed Protection Permit approved by the DRC shall:
i.Identify the name of each well subject to the permit;
ii.Specify the date on which the Permit was issued;
iii.Incorporate by reference all applicable standards of approva
iv. Incorporate by reference all applicable conditions of approv
D. Criteria for Approval.
1.No Gas Well Development Site Plan shall contain more than one
Production Site, and the Drilling and Production Site shall not
31
acres in size. All standards in Section 35.22.5 shall be met, an
to prior approvals shall be incorporated in the approval of the Gas Well Development
Site Plan.
2. The following standards apply to an application for a Watersh
a. For land inside the City limits, all conditions imposed by an
MPC District or a PD District for the land subject to the Waters
Permit.
b. Standards in Subsection 35.22.5A.6 and 35.22.5A.8.
..
3. An Operator shall submit an amended Gas Well Development Site
approval if the items required by 35.22.6.B.3, subsections b.,
different than those contained in the earlier approved Gas Well
Plan. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall review the amended Gas We
Site Plan in accordance with this Subsection D.
E. Expiration.
1. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall automatically expire o
date of approval, unless a Gas Well Permit has been issued by th
site.
a. A Gas Well Development Site Plan shall not be extended unless
exception has been approved by the Board of Adjustment pursuant
35.22.16. The applicant may submit a new Gas Well Development Si
application for review and approval in accordance with all appli
requirements of the DDC then in effect.
b. If the Gas Well Development Site Plan expires, then all permi
or simultaneous with the site plan for the same activity shall l
the same date.
2. An associated Watershed Protection Permit shall expire with t
Well Development Site Plan and may not be extended prior to expi
35.22.7. - Gas Well Permit Required.
A. Any person, acting for himself or acting as an agent, employe
or servant for any person, shall not engage in the drilling and
within the corporate limits of the City without first obtaining
under this Subchapter.
B. When a Gas Well Permit has been issued covering a well, the P
authority for drilling, operation, production, gathering of prod
32
re-working, testing, site preparation consisting of rigs or tank
abandonment, and any other activity authorized by this Subchapte
drilling or production by the Operator and their respective empl
contractors. A Gas Well Permit shall also constitute authority f
of all facilities reasonably necessary or convenient in connecti
gathering lines and discharge lines, by the Operator and its res
contractors and subcontractors.
C. A Gas Well Permit shall not be required for exploration for g
geologic or geophysical activities, including, but not limited t
exploration, related to the search for oil, gas, or other sub-su
seismic permit is required for impact-based exploration.
D. A Gas Well Permit shall not, however, constitute authority fo
of a plugged and abandoned well. Re-entry and drilling of a plug
shall require a new Gas Well Permit.
E. Applications for Gas Well Permits shall be in accordance with
1. Shall be in writing;
2. Shall be on forms provided by the City;
3. Shall be signed by the Operator;
4. Shall include the application fee;
5.Shall include a copy of the applicable SUP, PD District, or Ga
Site Plan; and
6. Shall include the information required by the Application Criteria Manual unless such
information has been previously provided to the City.
35.22.8. - Insurance and Indemnification.
The Operator shall provide or cause to be provided the insurance
well for which a Gas Well Permit is issued, such insurance to co
abandoned and the site restored. The operator may provide the re
"blanket basis for multiple wells". Such coverage shall be appro
the City of Denton.
A.
General Requirements. Indemnification and Express Negligence Pro
1. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the City shall include the fol
Operator does hereby expressly release and discharge, all claims
judgments, and executions which it ever had, or now have or may
33
may have, or claim to have, against the City of Denton, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, successors, assigns, sponsors, volun
created by, relating to or arising out of personal injuries, kno
injuries to property, real or personal, or in any way incidental
the performance of the work performed by the operator under a Ga
the Operator caused by or arising out of, that sequence of event
the Gas Well Permit, and work performed by the Operator shall fu
indemnify, and hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or i
agents, officers, servants, employees, successors, assigns, spon
from and against each and every claim, demand, or cause of actio
liability, damages, obligations, judgments, losses, fines, penal
expenses incurred in defense of the City of Denton, Texas, and/o
agents, officers, servants, or employees, including, without lim
injuries and death in connection therewith which may be made or
Operator, its agents, assigns, or any third parties on account o
any way incidental to or in connection with the performance of t
by the Operator under a Gas Well Permit and, the Operator agrees
hold harmless the City of Denton, Texas, and/or its departments,
agents, servants, employees, successors, assigns, sponsors, or v
liabilities or damages suffered as a result of claims, demands,
against the City and/or, its departments, it's officers, agents,
created by, relating to or arising out of the acts or omissions
occurring on the Drilling and Production Site or operation site
of inspecting and permitting the gas wells INCLUDING, BUT NOT LI
CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ARISING IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON OCCURRING ON THE
DRILLING AND PRODUCTION SITE IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF
INSPECTING AND PERMITTING THE GAS WELLS. IT IS UNDERSTOOD
AND AGREED THAT THE INDEMNITY PROVIDED FOR IN THIS SECTION IS
AN INDEMNITY EXTENDED BY THE OPERATOR TO INDEMNIFY AND
PROTECT THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS,
AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR EMPLOYEES FROM THE
CONSEQUENCES OF THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS
AND/OR ITS DEPARTMENTS, AGENTS, OFFICERS, SERVANTS, OR
EMPLOYEES, WHETHER THAT NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE CAUSE OF THE
RESULTANT INJURY, DEATH, AND/OR DAMAGE. LIABILITY FOR THE
SOLE NEGLIGENCE OF THE CITY IN THE COURSE AND SCOPE OF ITS
DUTY TO INSPECT AND PERMIT THE GAS WELL IS LIMITED TO THE
MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF RECOVERY UNDER THE TORT CLAIMS ACT.
2. All policies shall be endorsed to read "this policy will not
renewed without thirty (30) days advanced written notice to the
except when this policy is being cancelled for nonpayment of pre
ten (10) days advance written notice is required".
34
3. Liability policies shall be written by carriers licensed to d
with companies with A: VIII or better rating in accordance with
Rating Guide, or with nonadmitted carriers that have a financial
carriers licensed to do business in Texas approved by the City.
4. Liability policies shall name as "Additional Insured" the Cit
employees, and volunteers.
5. Certificates of insurance shall be presented to the City evid
endorsements required by this Section 35.22.8, and the acceptanc
without the required limits and/or coverage's shall not be deeme
requirements.
6. Claims made policies will not be accepted except for excess p
otherwise provided by this Subchapter.
B.
Required Insurance Coverages.
1. Commercial General Liability Insurance.
a. Coverage should be a minimum Combined Single Limit of one mil
($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Property Damag
coverage shall include premises, operations, blowout or explosio
completed operations, blanket contractual liability, underground
broad form property damage, independent contractors protective l
personal injury.
b. Environmental Impairment (or Seepage and Pollution) shall be
the coverage or written as separate coverage. Such coverage shal
damage to the lease site. If Environmental Impairment (or Seepag
Coverage is written on a "claims made" basis, the policy shall p
retroactive date applicable precedes the effective date of the i
Permit. Coverage shall apply to sudden and non-sudden pollution
resulting from the escape or release of smoke, vapors, fumes, ac
chemicals, liquids or gases, waste material or other irritants,
pollutants.
2. Automobile Liability Insurance. Minimum Combined Single Limit
dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for Bodily Injury and Proper
coverage shall include owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles.
3. Worker's Compensation Insurance. In addition to the minimum s
requirements, coverage shall include Employer's Liability limits
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for each accident, one hundr
($100,000) for each employee, and a one million dollars ($1,000,
occupational disease, and the insurer agrees to waive rights of
35
City, its officials, agents, employees, and volunteers for any w
City by the operator.
4. Excess (or Umbrella) Liability Insurance. Minimum limit of te
($10,000,000) covering in excess of the preceding insurance poli
5. Control of Well Insurance.
a. Minimum limit of five million dollars ($5,000,000) per occurr
b. Policy shall cover the Cost of controlling a well that is out
or Restoration expenses, Seepage and Pollution Damage. Damage to
the Operator's Care, Custody, and Control with a sub-limit of fi
thousand dollars ($500,000) may be added.
35.22.9. - Security.
A. A security instrument that covers each well shall be delivere
Inspector before the issuance of the Gas Well Permit for the wel
provide that it cannot be cancelled without at least thirty (30)
the City and, if the instrument is a performance bond, that the
without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice for non-pay
instrument shall secure the obligations of the operator related to the well to:
1. Repair damage, excluding ordinary wear and tear, if any, to p
but not limited to bridges, caused by the operator or by the ope
agents, contractors, subcontractors or representatives in the pe
activity authorized by or contemplated by the Gas Well Permit;
2. Comply with the insurance and security provisions set forth i
Section 35.22.9;
3. Pay fines and penalties imposed upon the operator by the City for any breach of the
Gas Well Permit; and
4. Comply with Site Reclamation requirement.
B. The security instrument may be in the form of an irrevocable
bond issued by a bank or surety approved by the City. The instru
City for the benefit of the City, shall become effective on or b
Permit is issued, and shall remain in effect until the well is a
restored.
C.A certificate of deposit may be substituted for the letter of
certificate shall be issued by a bank in Denton County, Texas, s
City, shall be payable to the order of the City to secure the obligations of the Operator
36
described above, and shall be pledged to the bank with evidence
the Director of Planning and Community Development. Interest on the certificate shall be
payable to the operator.
E.The security instrument may be provided for an individual well
each Drilling and Production Site. The amount of the security sh
City Engineer, with due regard to the costs and risks to be secu
above, either on a per-application basis, or as administratively
in the Application Criteria Manual, in the minimum amount of on
dollars ($100,000.00) for a single well on the site, two hundred
($200,000) for two (2) to four (4) wells on the same site, or t
dollars ($300,000.00) for 5 or more wells on the same site. Th
when the Oil and Gas Inspector confirms in writing that one of t
occurred:
1. The Gas Well Permit is transferred, and the Operator-transfe
security that complies with this section; or
2. The well is plugged and abandoned and the site restored.
F. An appeal of the determination of the amount of security req
may be made to the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommenda
Council for final determination of the amount of security.
35.22.10. - Review of Permits for Gas Well Drilling and Producti
A. All applications for Gas Well Permits shall be filed with the
immediately forward all applications to the DRC for review. Inco
shall be returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall
explanation of the deficiencies if requested by the applicant. T
processing fee determined by ordinance. The City may return any
incomplete if there is a dispute pending before the Railroad Com
determination of the operator. No Gas Well Permit shall be approved under this Section
unless the property owner or applicant first receives approval o
1. A SUP, where required, a Detailed Plan in a PD district, or a
authorization in a MPC district;
2. A Watershed Protection Permit, where applicable; and
3. A Gas Well Development Site Plan.
Denial or conditional approval of any such applications shall be
conditional approval of the Gas Well Permit.
37
B. The DRC shall review each application consistent with the pro
and shall determine:
1.Whether the application includes all of the information requir
2.Whether the application is in conformance with the applicable
Development Site Plan, applicable SUP, MPC Zoning District or PD
and
3. Whether the application is in conformance with the insurance
requirements set forth in Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.2
.
C. The Oil and Gas Inspector may not release the approved Gas We
Operator has provided:
1. The security required by Subsection 35.22.9;
2. Upon the Operator entering into a Road Damage Remediation Ag
obligate the operator to repair damage excluding ordinary wear a
public streets, including but not limited to, bridges caused by
operator's employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors or rep
performance of any activity authorized by or contemplated by the
Permit; and
3.A copy of the recordable instrument filed with the County Reco
required by Subsection 35.22.6.B.3.u.
D.The failure of the DRC or the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue a Gas Well
Permit within the time limits specified above shall not cause th
Permit to be deemed approved.
E. Each Gas Well Permit issued by the Oil and Gas Inspector shal
1. Identify the name of each well and its Operator;
2. Specify the date on which the Oil and Gas Inspector issued ea
4.Specify the date by which drilling shall commence, otherwise t
(such date shall not be less than 6 months after the date of iss
4. Specify that if drilling is commenced before the Permit expir
continue until the well covered by the Permit is abandoned and t
5. Incorporate, by reference, the insurance and security require
Subsection 35.22.8 and Subsection 35.22.9
;
38
6.Incorporate, by reference, the requirement for periodic report
35.22.11 and for Notice of Activities set forth in Subsection 35
7.Incorporate the full text of the release of liability provisio
35.22.8.A.1;
8.Incorporate, by reference, the conditions of the applicable Wa
Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, and applicable SUP, MPC
or PD Zoning District, and Gas Well Ordinance applicable at the
well drilling and production project;
9.Incorporate, by reference, the information contained in the Pe
10.Incorporate, by reference, the applicable rules and regulatio
the applicable "field rules";
11.Specify that no drilling operations (including the constructi
access roads) shall commence until the operator has provided the
Subsection 35.22.9;
12.Contain the name, address, and phone number of the person des
notices from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas
person or by registered or certified mail;
13.Incorporate by reference all permits and fees required by the
14.Incorporate the wells RRC permit number and the American Pet
(API) number;
15.Incorporate, by reference all other applicable provisions set
16.Contain a notarized statement signed by the Operator, or desi
information is, to the best knowledge and belief of the Operator
and correct.
17.Contain a statement that the Operator is required to comply w
and state laws and regulations, which the City will verify compliance as part of its
periodic inspections.
F. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an applicat
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision.
G. If an application for a Gas Well Permit is denied by the Oil
herein contained shall prevent a new Permit application from bei
for the same well.
39
H. Expiration of Gas Well Permit.
1. A Gas Well Permit is valid for six (6) months and shall autom
gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to expirat
2. If a Gas Well Permit has been issued by the City but gas well
have not commenced prior to the expiration of the permit, the pe
extended unless a special exception has been approved by the Boa
pursuant to 35.22.16; however, the Operator may reapply for a ne
3. If gas well drilling and production have commenced prior to t
Well Permit issued by the City, the permit shall continue, and O
subject to an Annual Inspection and Administration fee.
4. If gas well drilling and production have commenced following
Permit by the City before the expiration date, the approved Dril
Site and all activities shall be subject to inspections by the C
with terms and conditions of the Gas Well Permit and all applica
DDC.
35.22.11. - Periodic Reports.
A. The Operator shall notify the Oil and Gas Inspector of any ch
information within one (1) business day after the change occurs.
1.The name, address, and phone number of the Operator;
2.The name, address, and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of t
supervisory authority over the Drilling and Production Site;
3.The name, address, and phone number of the person designated t
from the City, which person shall be a resident of Texas that ca
or by registered or certified mail; and
4. The Operator's Emergency Action Plan if required to file one
state law.
B. The Operator shall provide a copy of any "incident reports" o
submitted to the RRC or any other state or federal agency within
operator has notice of the existence of such reports or complaints. This includes the
recording of both reportable and non-reportable events as noted
Code, Title 30.
C. Beginning the January after each well is spud, and continuing
until the operator notifies the Oil and Gas Inspector that the well has been plugged and
40
abandoned and the Drilling and Production Site restored, the ope
written report to the Oil and Gas Inspector identifying any chan
was included in the application for the applicable Gas Well Perm
previously reported to the City.
D. The Operator must provide a copy to the Oil and Gas Inspector
with the TCEQ in connection with an installed vapor recovery uni
35.22.5.A.2.n. The Operator shall also provide the City with co
provided by TCEQ. Such reports and responses shall be kept on t
Production Site and shall be available for inspection when reque
Inspector.
E. The Operator shall provide the City with copies filed with t
reports for setting surface casing, blowout preventer (BOP) pres
testing, pressure relief valve testing, and level control testin
provide the City with copies of any responses provided by the RR
reports and responses shall be kept on the Drilling and Producti
available for inspection when requested by the Oil and Gas Inspe
F. The Operator shall submit a copy of a soil sampling analysis
35.22.5.A.2.q upon request by the Oil and Gas Inspector.
G. In addition to the records listed in Subsections 35.22.5.A.6.
Operator shall provide the City with a copy of all records filed
by the Operator or by third parties. Copies of such records sha
and Production Site and shall be available for inspection when r
Gas Inspector.
35.22.12. - Notice of Activities.
A. Any Operator who intends to perform the following activities
work a well using a drilling rig; (3) to fracture stimulate a we
operations; (5) plug a well; (6) perform any other maintenance at a Drilling and
Production Site; or (7) to conduct seismic exploration not invol
shall give written notice to the City at least two (2) days bef
Damage Remediation Fees shall be paid to the City and submitted
Activities.
B. All dwellings within one thousand (1,000) feet of a well shal
forty-eight (48) hours prior to the activities.
1. The notice shall identify where the activities will be condu
activities in reasonable detail, including but not limited to th
and the time of day they will be conducted.
41
2.The notice shall also provide the address and twenty-four (24)
the person conducting the activities.
C. The Operator responsible for the activities shall post a sign
and Production Site giving the public notice of the activities,
and twenty-four (24)-hour phone number of the person conducting
D. If upon receipt of the notice the City determines that an ins
Inspector is necessary, the operator will pay the City's customa
inspection.
E. Surface Casing.
1. The Operator shall notify the Inspector within 24 hours of s
2. Casing procedures shall follow RRC Rule 3.13, or any success
F.If a proposed Drilling and Production Site is located within o
protected use, the Operator shall also host a public meeting at
convenient to surrounding property owners and residents at least
more than forty-five (45) days, prior to either: (1) the public
and Zoning Commission in connection with an SUP application, or
a Gas Well Development Site Plan if an SUP is not required. The
written notice of the meeting to all property owners located wit
feet of the proposed Drilling and Production Site. A mailing li
property and property owner shall be submitted to the Oil and Ga
compliance with this requirement. The meeting should provide in
planned activities and timelines for the site and must provide a
to ask questions about the proposed site. All notification and
borne by the Operator.
G.All surrounding property owners, businesses and residents with
feet of a Drilling and Production Site shall be notified a minim
hours prior to fracturing of a wellhead. In addition, at least
fracturing operations commence, the Operator shall post a sign a
advising the public of the date the operations will begin and se
35.22.13. - Amended Gas Well Permits.
A. An Operator may submit an application to the Oil and Gas Insp
Gas Well Permits to:
1. Commence drilling from a new drill site that is not shown on
reference as part of) the existing permit;
42
2. To relocate a drill site or operation site that is shown on (or incorporated by reference
as part of) the existing Gas Well Permit; or
3. To otherwise amend the existing Gas Well Permit, for land sub
approved Gas Well Development Site Plan.
B. Applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be in writing
provided by the Department of Planning and Development, shall be
operator, and shall include the following:
1.The application fee as set by City ordinance;
2.A description of the proposed amendments;
3.Any changes to the information submitted with the application
Well Permit (if such information has not previously been provide
4.Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
demonstrate compliance with the applicable Gas Well Development
applicable SUP or PD District; and
5. Such additional information as is reasonably required by the
prevent imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
C. All applications for amended Gas Well Permits shall be filed
Planning and Development, and the Department shall immediately f
applications to the Oil and Gas Inspector for review. Incomplete
returned to the applicant, in which case the City shall provide
deficiencies; however, the City may retain a processing fee as d
Gas Inspector. The City may return any application as incomplete
pending before the RRC regarding the determination of the Operat
D. If the activities proposed by the amendment are not materiall
activities covered by the existing Gas Well Permit or Gas Well D
and if the proposed activities are in conformance with the appli
Protection Permit, Gas Well Development Site Plan, applicable SU
PD District, or site-specific authorization in a MPC District, then the Oil and Gas
Inspector shall approve the amendment within ten (10) days after
E. If the activities proposed by the amendment are materially di
covered by the existing gas well permit, and if the proposed act
with the applicable Watershed Protection Permit, Gas Well Develo
applicable SUP or Detailed Plan in a PD District, or site-specif
District, then the Oil and Gas Inspector shall approve the amend
days after the application is filed. In addition, if the activit
are materially different or, in the judgment of the Oil and Gas
43
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons th
the activities covered by the existing permit or that was not ot
consideration by the existing permit, the Oil and Gas Inspector
amendment to be processed as a new Gas Well Permit application.
F. The failure of the Oil and Gas Inspector to review and issue
within the time limits specified above shall not cause the application for the amended
Permit to be deemed approved.
G. The decision of the Oil and Gas Inspector to deny an amendmen
shall be provided to the operator in writing within ten (10) day
including an explanation of the basis for the decision. The oper
denial in accordance with Section 35.22.16.A.1.
35.22.14. - Transfer of Gas Well Permits.
A Gas Well Permit may be transferred by the Operator with the written consent of the City if
the transfer is in writing signed by both parties, if the transf
terms and conditions of the transferred Permit, if all information previously provided to the
City as part of the application for the transferred Permit is up
and if the transferee provides the insurance and security requir
Section 35.22.9. The insurance and security provided by the tran
copy of the written transfer is provided to the City and all oth
subsection are satisfied. The transfer shall not relieve the transferor from any liability to the
City arising out of any activities conducted prior to the transf
35.22.15. - Inspection.
A. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to issue a
required to carry out the intent and purpose of this Subchapter.
comply with any such order or directive shall constitute a viola
B. The Oil and Gas Inspector shall have the authority to enter a
covered by the provisions of this subchapter, to determine compl
and all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, or direc
federal authority.
C. Pursuant to inspection authority granted by the Texas Clean A
Code, the Oil and Gas Inspector shall conduct periodic inspectio
under this Subchapter.
D. Inspections may include periodic evaluations of air quality,
of, Drilling and Production Sites. Inspections will also includ
conformance with their Hazardous Materials Management Plan and o
requirements to their site.
44
35.22.16. Appeals and variances.
A. Procedures.
1.The Board of Adjustment shall hear and decide appeals of order
determinations made by the Oil and Gas Inspector relative to the
interpretation of this Subchapter, except for those matters desc
35.22.4.F.3 and 35.22.17; furthermore the Board of Adjustment sh
requests for variances to the provisions of this Subchapter unde
set forth below. The Board may also grant a special exception ex
expiration date of a Gas Well Development Site Plan or a Gas Wel
period not to exceed one year pursuant to the criteria set forth
who desires to appeal the type of action described in this subse
variance may file an appeal or variance to the Board of Adjustme
procedural process outlined in Section 35.3.6 of the DDC. Appea
required for every appeal or variance request. The Board of Adj
the appeal or variance and any other related information.
a. Standard of review for appeals. The members of the Board of
have and exercise the authority to hear and determine appeals wh
there is error or abuse of discretion regarding the approval or
Development Site Plan, or the issuance or non-issuance of a Gas
b. Standard of review for variances. In deciding variance req
Adjustment shall consider, where applicable, the following relev
i. Whether there are special circumstances existing on the property on which the
application is made related to size, shape, area, topography, su
conditions and location that do not apply generally to other pro
vicinity;
ii. Whether a variance is necessary to permit the applicant the
use of his property that are presently enjoyed by other similarl
properties, but which rights are denied to the property on which
application is made;
iii. Whether the granting of the variance on the specific property will adversely
affect any other feature of the comprehensive master plan of the
iv. Whether the variance, if granted, will be of no material det
welfare or injury to the use, enjoyment, or value of property in
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v. Whether the operations proposed are reasonable under the circ
conditions prevailing in the vicinity considering the particular
character of the improvements located there;
vi. Whether the drilling of the maximum number of potential well
proposed drill site would conflict with the orderly growth and d
the town;
vii. Whether there are other alternative well site locations;
viii. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with the he
welfare of the public when and if conducted in accordance with t
or combined well permit conditions to be imposed;
ix. Whether the operations proposed are consistent with protecti
integrity and environmental quality, including protection of sur
ground water sources, of potentially impacted environmentally se
x. Whether there is reasonable access for town fire personnel an
equipment, including the ability to safely evacuate potentially
residents;
xi. Whether the impact upon the adjacent property(ies) and the g
operations conducted in compliance with the oil, gas, or combine
conditions are reasonable and justified, balancing the following
1. The reasonable use of the mineral estate by the mineral estat
explore, develop, and produce the minerals; and
2. The availability of alternative drilling sites; and
xii. Where a variance is requested to reduce separation standard
in addition to other relevant criteria, the extent to which owne
Uses, or freshwater wells currently in use, or previously platte
where one or more lots have habitable structures, have consented
reduction in separation standards in writing.
c. The Board of Adjustment shall determine whether to grant an e
expiration date for a Gas Well Development Site Plan or Gas Well
upon whether there are circumstances reasonably beyond the contr
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Operator, including any delay on the part of the City in issuing
permits, that justify an extension of the Site Plan or Permit, in order that the
Operator may enjoy the same rights in the use of the property th
enjoyed by other similarly situated properties, but which rights
property for which the Site Plan or Permit expires.
2. The Board of Adjustment may reverse or affirm, in whole or i
Oil and Gas Inspector's order, requirement, decision or determin
appeal is taken and make the correct order, requirement, decisio
from which an appeal is taken and make the correct order, requir
determination. The Board of Adjustment may issue a variance to t
the criteria referenced in Subsection A.1.b., and may grant a sp
the criteria referenced in A.1.c. Any action under this subsect
three-fourths majority vote of the entire Board of Adjustment.
3. Any Operator aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Adjus
court of record a petition, duly verified, stating that such dec
or in part, and specifying the grounds of the alleged illegality. Such petition shall be
presented within ten days after the date on which the decision o
Adjustment was rendered and not thereafter, and judicial review
be pursuant to Texas Local Government Code, § 211.011, as amende
B. Watershed Permit Appeals.
1.The applicant may appeal the denial or conditional approval of
Protection Permit on grounds pertaining to the standards in Subs
and 35.22.5.A.8 to the Planning and Zoning Commission within ten
days of the decision by the DRC. In deciding the appeal, the Pl
Commission shall decide the appeal based upon the standards ma
permit by Subsection 35.22.5.A.6 and 35.22.5.A.8.
2.The applicant may file a petition for review pursuant to Subse
35.22.5.A.8 on grounds therein specified to the City Council wit
days of the decision by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The
decide the petition based upon the criteria in Subsection 35.22.
C. Preemption Appeal.
1.. The regulation of gas well drilling and production in this s
Purpose
potentially overlaps with regulation of gas well drilling and pr
Texas and the United States of America. The purpose of this sec
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Operators the opportunity to demonstrate to the City that one or
procedures contained in this subchapter are preempted by state o
2.. An Operator who is aggrieved by the promulgation or
Petition Contents
application of the standards or procedures in this subchapter an
or more such standards or procedures are preempted by state or f
submit a petition to the Oil and Gas Well Inspector explaining t
bases upon which the Operator relies to support his contention t
subchapter is preempted. The petition shall be accompanied by an
waiver of any statutory time periods or time periods established
review of any filed applications which are the subject of the pe
shall include, at a minimum, the following:
a. The name, mailing address, phone number and fax number of th
person's duly authorized agent);
b. Identification of all property owned or under the control of
affected by the preemption claim;
c. Identification of the permit applications for which the appl
this section;
d. Identification of all regulations in this subchapter that th
not apply to the project due to preemption of the subject matter
law;
e. For each regulation in this subchapter that is the subject o
preemption claim, specification of the state or federal law, sta
administrative rule or order that allegedly preempts the regulat
an explanation of why such law, standard, administrative rule or
the regulation.
3.
Procedure and Decision.
The Oil and Gas Inspector shall first determine whether the appl
pursuant to DDC section 35.16.8. Once the application has been
is deemed complete, the Director shall forward the preemption pe
the required supporting information or documentation, to the Cit
Attorney for their respective reviews. Prior to rendering his
City Manager may request a pre-determination conference with the petitioner to
discuss the preemption claim and to ensure that the nature of th
completely understood by the City Manager. The City Manager, a
with the City Attorney, shall render a final administrative dete
the relief requested in the petition in whole or in part, or denies the requested relief in
whole or in part within 30 days of the date the petition is comp
Managers determination shall include a statement of the reasons
shall identify the regulations that are preempted on their face
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petitioners permit application(s) for approval under this subch
Manager may also recommend to the City Council that one or more
contained in this subchapter should be repealed or modified so a
preemption claims.
35.22.17. - Remedies of the City.
A. If an Operator (or its officers, employees, agents, contracto
representatives) fails to comply with any requirement of a Gas W
any requirement incorporated by reference as part of the Permit), the Fire Marshal or Oil
and Gas Inspector may, in connection with or separate from 35.2
to the operator specifying the nature of the alleged failure and
reasonable time to cure, taking into consideration the nature an
failure, the extent of the efforts required to cure, and the pot
safety, and welfare of the community. The Operator shall respon
forty-eight (48) hours and indicate how the violation(s) shall b
however, shall the cure period be less than thirty (30) days unl
presents a risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to
alleged failure involves the operator's failure to provide perio
Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector may issue a Stop Work Order und
B. If the Operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Fire Marshal and/or Oi
notify the RRC and request that the RRC take appropriate action
notice provided to the operator), and the City may pursue any ot
C. If the operator does not cure the alleged failure within the
Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector, the Oil and Gas Inspector
recommendation of the Health and Building Standards Commission
1. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be sus
alleged failure is cured; or,
2. Recommend to the City Council that the Gas Well Permit be rev
suspension the Operator does not cure the alleged failure.
D. The decision of the Fire Marshal and/or Oil and Gas Inspector
or revocation of a Gas Well Permit shall be provided to the Oper
ten (10) days before any action by the City Council unless the a
risk of imminent destruction of property or injury to persons.
E. If a Gas Well Permit is revoked, the Operator may submit info
Well Inspector evidencing that the alleged failure resulting in
Well Permit have been corrected, and an application for a new Ga
submitted for the same well.
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35.22.18. - Enforcements, Right of Entry.
A. The Fire Marshal and the Oil and Gas Inspector are authorized
this Subchapter and the provisions of any Gas Well Permit. Whene
enforce any provision of this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit, o
reasonable cause to believe there has been a violation of this S
Permit, the Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector, may enter upo
by this Subchapter or a Gas Well Permit at any reasonable time t
duty imposed by this Subchapter. If entry is refused, the City s
remedy provided by law and equity to gain entry.
B. It shall be unlawful and an offense for any person to do the
1. Engage in any activity not permitted by the terms of a Gas We
this Subchapter;
2. Fail to comply with any conditions set forth in a Gas Well Pe
Subchapter; or
3. Violate any provision or requirement set forth under this Sub
C. The enforcement and penalty provision under Subsection 35.1.1
violation of this Subchapter.
D. The Fire Marshal or Oil and Gas Inspector is authorized to is
court for violations of this Subchapter or Gas Well Permit.
E. The City may also notify the EPA, TCEQ, RRC or other applicab
agency in connection with violations of this Subchapter.
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