Chapter 8.424 — OIL AND GAS WELL REGULATIONS

It is the purpose of this chapter to protect the health, safety and public welfare and physical environment of the County of San Mateo by the regulation of onshore petroleum facilities and operations including but not limited to exploration, production, removal storage and transportation of oil and gas and of operations accessory and incidental thereto. In order to protect resources in the County, petroleum operations are regulated.

The County recognizes that the Division of Oil and Gas of the State Department of Conservation is given primary regulatory authority for the drilling, operation, maintenance and abandonment of all oil, gas, and geothermal wells in the State. It is also recognized that the regulations of other responsible State agencies shall also apply including the Department of Fish and Game., Department of Industrial Safety, State Water Resources Control Board, Air Resources Board and the Department of Water Resources.

It is not the intent of this ordinance to supersede, duplicate or exceed the controls of these State agencies. This chapter, insofar as it regulates oil and gas operations also regulated by the State is intended to supplement such State regulations and to be in support of their intent to encourage the wise development of the oil and gas resources and conserve and protect natural resources and freshwater sources.

This chapter is intended to supplement the State regulations and specifically protect the sensitive resources of San Mateo County.

It is required to obtain a permit for the drilling, sinking, or boring of any well, hole, or bore for oil or gas or any other hydrocarbon substance. Such permit shall be required in accordance with procedures and conditions of this chapter.