How does approval for oil and gas activity occur?
In Lafayette, all zone districts require oil and gas drilling extraction to obtain an approved Special Use Review (SUR). Notice of a request for a SUR is mailed to landowners within 750' of the proposed drilling activity. Subject to compliance with the City's rules and regulations pertaining to oil and gas extraction, a SUR may be reviewed at the staff level, or be forwarded to the Planning Commission. Staff review and approval takes 15 days with a 14 day appeal period and Planning Commission SUR approval can take approximately 30 days.

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1. Do companies have a right to drill within the City?
2. Are oil and gas companies allowed to use Lafayette water?
3. How does approval for oil and gas activity occur?
4. What is the purpose of a Special Use Review?
5. What is hydraulic fracturing (or "fracking")?
6. Are drilling and fracking the same thing?
7. How can "fracking" affect ground water?
8. What chemicals are used in "fracking"?
9. Can the City force co-location of wells?
10. What are the City's setback requirements for new wells?
11. How many wells are within the City?
12. Once a well is capped, can it be reentered?
13. What is the surface owners' rights related to oil and gas extraction?
14. When purchasing property, are the mineral rights included?
15. Can an existing non-fracked well be fracked without additional approval?
16. Can the City provide input for new wells proposed near the city limits?
17. How are well locations determined?
18. Who, at the government level, is involved in approving oil and gas extraction?
19. What rights does the City have regarding the regulation of oil and gas extraction within the City?
20. What would a moratorium prevent and what would it allow?
21. It appears the chemicals used in fracking have changed over the years. Why has this occurred?
22. Do air, noise and visual mitigation requirements apply?
23. Has there been a study on how trucks will impact public roads? Who will pay for the repair work needed on these roads?
24. How will the City regulate air pollution from the dust, vehicles, trucks, compressors, etc.? Who will monitor the pollution?
25. Is there a way to know which chemicals are used in fracking specific wells?