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Denton planning commission reviews gas-well setbacks, relief options
Summary
City staff reviewed how Denton measures setbacks for new and existing gas wells, limits on local regulation under state law, and the permit and relief options available to operators and developers.
At a Planning and Zoning Commission work session, city staff reviewed local rules for gas-well development, including setback distances, relief procedures and how state law limits municipal authority.
“Continuing with our trend of educational boot camps, today, we're going to be delving into the world of gas wells and gas well regulations,” said Angie Mangleris, development review manager, who reviewed the Denton Development Code provisions and state limits. She told commissioners the discussion would cover zoning districts, required setbacks and relief procedures.
The discussion matters because gas-well activity touches property rights, public safety and land use. Mangleris summarized state limits in the Texas Natural Resources Code, Section 81, saying that “a municipality or political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance or other measure, that effectively bans, limits, or otherwise regulates an oil and gas operation,” and noted one exception in subsection (c) that allows some regulation of above-ground activity.
Under the city code (Denton Development Code, Chapter 6 and related provisions in…
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