On November 6, the Lafayette City Council enacted a 6-month moratorium upon the submission, acceptance, processing, and approval of all land and special use applications regarding oil and gas exploration and extraction.
This "time-out" will provide staff and Council a period of time to investigate the ability of the City to regulate oil and gas operational impacts upon Lafayette and its citizens, and to develop and implement any appropriate regulations needed to protect and preserve the public’s health, safety, and welfare.
Upon legal advice, this ordinance - originally proposed on first reading as a 12-month moratorium - was amended to reflect a shorter, 6-month time period. At the November 6 meeting, an ordinance was also approved to allow oil and gas code amendments to bypass the Planning Commission and be heard directly by City Council in order to expedite the hearing process. Because of the elimination of Planning Commission's involvement, it is logical to assume a shorter time frame for the moratorium will be needed.
A timeline of City Council actions taken to manage and minimize oil and gas impacts on the community is available at www.cityoflafayette.com/oilandgas.