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.

The Planning Commission shall hold hearings and shall approve or disapprove all applications for exploration and production of oil and gas drilling and production operations, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

The following definitions shall be used in the context of this chapter.

1. "Applicant" means any person signing and/or making application for a permit under this chapter.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

2. “Well” means any oi1 or gas well for the discovery of oil or gas; any prospect well on lands producing or reasonably presumed to contain oil or gas; any well drilled for the purpose of injecting fluids or gas for stimulating oil or gas recovery, repressuring or pressure maintenance of oil and gas reservoirs, or disposing of waste fluid from an oil or gas field; any well used to inject or withdraw gas from an underground storage facility.

3. "Prospect well" means any well drilled to extend a known oil and/or gas field or to explore a new potentially productive reservoir.

4. "Exploratory phase" means the operation necessary to drill the prospect well and collect data on its potential and either abandon the well or propose development.

5. "Producer well" means any well drilled and completed which shows commercial production potential.

6. "Production phase" means the operation necessary to construct and operate facilities to extract the resource until the well is abandoned.

7. "Drilling site" means the area of land within which wells, structures, and uses and improvements accessory thereto are located and maintained for either a prospect or producer well.

8. "Structure" means anything constructed or erected for a prospect or producer well, the use of which requires location on the ground, including roads.

9. "Inspector" means oil and ga well inspector and includes their deputies and assistants.

10. "Abandoned well” means a well which has been permanently withdrawn from production activities.

11. "Shut-in well" is a well which has been temporarily taken out of production.

12. "Operator" means any person engaged in exploration, production or abandonment activities of a well.

13. “Sump” means a temporary open depression or pit in the ground for the purpose of holding cuttings or other materials.

The Planning Commission shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and the Director of Planning and Building may appoint an oil and gas inspector to act in the Director's behalf to enforce the provisions

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

of this chapter as required by the Planning Commission. The inspector shall be a person having knowledge of the methods used in the drilling and operation of oil and gas wells adequate to enable the performance of duties in a proper and efficient manner. No action implied or intended by these regulations are to be construed as duplicating or as being more restrictive than the regulations of Division 3 (commencing with Section 3000) of the Public Resources Code governing the extraction of oil and gas of the State of California.

For the purpose of these regulations and to establish an orderly procedure for exploration and development of oil and gas in San Mateo County, oil and gas well drilling shall be handled in two distinct phases.

A. Exploratory Well Permit:

The Planning Commission may issue an exploratory oil or gas drilling permit following a public hearing. Such a permit may be issued on a prospect well or re-entry of a previously abandoned well providing the applicant can meet the specific requirements of this ordinance and other applicable ordinances as well

as provide for the general health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this County and the protection of the environment. Such a permit shall be only for the duration of the proving of the well or its appropriate abandonment when not proved. Also, such a permit will become inactivated within 2 years of its issuance. An extension to the permit may be made by the Director of Planning and Building for no longer than one year and for good cause.

B. Production Well Permit:

A producer well may be given a production well permit by the Planning Commission following a hearing. Such a permit shall be for the life of the well and shall be effective until such time as it is abandoned in accordance with State and County regulations.

Separate applications shall be required for the drilling and structure siting of prospect wells and producer wells. Prospect wells shall require an exploratory well permit and producer wells shall require a production well permit.

• A. Application for a prospect well shall be done in writing on an exploratory well permit form provided in the office of the Planning Division. Accompanying such an application, the applicant shall also provide a copy of the application to the State Division of Oil and Gas. The following information shall be required as part of the application:

  1. The name and address of the person, firm, association, or corporation desiring such permit.

  2. The name, address, and telephone number of personnel responsible for emergency problems and ongoing maintenance and operation of the drilling site and structures.

  3. The applicant shall prepare and submit a brief concept plan which contains a description of the environmental setting and a description of the exploration plan. The description of the environ- mental setting shall include environmental resources of the property, including the constraints that such resource

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

characteristics place on oil or gas development. The description shall include topography, geology, soil characteristics, hydrology, climate, vegetation and landscape characteristics, wildlife, road access, and cultural and other special features pertinent to the proposed site, drilling, and oil and gas extraction. The plan shall include, in general terms, the development intentions of the applicant and the surface rights owner, consistent with the findings and conclusions of the environmental setting description. The exploration plan shall include but not be limited to:

• a) a statement of the location and intensity of all proposed uses and activities;

• b) a physical description of proposed facilities accommodating such uses, including types of structures and landscape and circulation elements;

• c) a statement of the type of site management and sequence of development;

• d) the exact location of each well;

• e) limits of the pad preparation;

• f) location and dimensions of sump or tanks;

• g) inventory and location of structures such as temporary storage tanks, trailers, drilling rigs and other appurtenant facilities

• h) a timetable indicating the time within which it is proposed to commence using the drilling permit. The timetable shall include: timing of preparation of the site, including grading for roads, drilling pads and sumps, drilling phase and abandonment, including revegetation. Notice of such activities shall be required no later than 30 days prior to planned commencement of drilling.

4. Plans and profiles of any grading required as part of the drilling activity, including but not limited to; access roads, pad construction and sump construction and a site restoration plan, in the event that the well does not prove productive.

5. A description of the land and the title held by the applicant and document of rights for access.

6. A plan for eliminating or mitigating adverse impacts on habitat areas, scenic resources, archaeological resources, streams and to neighboring residents.

7. Provide noise data and mitigation for the proposed drilling rig including attention to the clanging of drill pipes,

8. Information concerning the source, quantity, quality of water; how the water will be transmitted and stored on-site; where water and liquid drilling discharge wastes will be disposed; and the transportation route to be used. ·

9. The applicant shall submit an accurate topographic map of the proposed development area at a scale not less than 111=4001 and a scale sufficient to show all pertinent information. The contour interval shall be no greater than 10 feet. The following information must be presented upon the map:

   • a) Property lines indicating total ownership upon which oil or gas development is to occur;

   • b) Location of existing and proposed roads;

   • c) Location of drainage structures required on roads, including a specification list (type of drainage structure, diameter and length, contributing drainage area to the structure in acres, schematic plans for structure if other than manufactured culverts);

   • d) Location of all buildings within 500 feet of drilling site;

   • e) Location of all streams;

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

  - f) All wells within 1 mile radius, including pending applications. 

• B. Application for a production well shall be done in writing on a production well permit form provided in the office of the Planning Division. The following information shall be required as part of the application:

  1. A production plan which includes all the information as required for the exploration plan described in Section 8.424.070 (A) except the description of the production plan shall include:

     • a) The facilities located on-site (at the well) and off-site including a phasing plan for construction and timetable for development including an approximation for the life of the well.

     • b) Estimate of future wells which may be proposed on the drill site or additional drill sites.

     • c) A description of all potential development facilities and consideration of consolidating these facilities, particularly storage tanks and a plan indicating frequency, number of trucks, haul routes and timing for unloading oil from the storage facilities.

  2. A plan for eliminating or substantially mitigating adverse impacts on habitat areas, recreational areas, scenic resources, streams, ambient noise, air and water quality and archaeological re- sources due to construction and operation.

  3. An oil spill contingency plan indicating location and type of cleanup equipment, designation of responsibility for cleanup, disposition of wastes and reporting of incident.

4. The application shall be accompanied with plans and profiles of any grading required for construction and production of a development well including pad and road preparation. A site restoration plan shall also be included indicating restored contours of the land, topsoil replacement and revegetation upon abandonment.

   5. Landscape plan to include methods and materials for screening storage tanks and pumping equipment. These may include siting, depression below grade, and/or berms, fencing and plant species.

The inspector and the Planning Division shall examine the application for permit and report to the Planning Commission. Legal notice shall be given as required for use permits (Section 8.280.030 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code} in the newspaper and to property owners within 300 feet of the exterior limits of the property. The Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing or public hearings and make a finding whether the granting of such permit will or will not have a significant effect on the environment, conform to the criteria and standards of the zoning ordinance and be consistent with the General Plan. Based on their finding the Commission shall either grant or deny the permit.

The action of the Planning Commission in authorizing or denying either an exploratory or production well permit may be appealed by the applicant, or any other person who is aggrieved by issuance of or non-issuance of the permit or any conditions thereof.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

Permits considered and acted upon by the Planning Commission may be appealed to the Board of Supervisors by filing a written protest with the Secretary of the Board of Supervisors within ten (10) days from issuance or denial of said permit. The Board of Supervisors shall hear such appeal and render a decision following such hearing. The decision of the Board of Supervisors shall pe final. The action taken by. the Board of Supervisors shall be reported to the affected parties.

• A. Bond or Security Cash Deposit. A bond or security cash deposit shall be made with the County in an amount of $5,000 per well to cover the permit conditions in accordance with recommendations of the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may require a larger amount to assure proper restoration. No single property shall require more than a total $75,000 bond or security cash deposit. Such a bond or cash deposit shall run concurrently with the bond or security deposit required by the State Division of Oil and Gas for the life of the well. After three (3r years, the bond may be reduced to no less than $2,000 per well for the life of the well.

Release of the bond shall be conditioned on the faithful performance of the conditions of the permit and that upon the abandonment of the oil or gas well within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of such abandonment. This bond will be subject to release after the site has been restored to the satisfaction of the County Inspector, and when abandonment has been approved and the final letter of approval is issued by Division of Oil and Gas.

The principal on said bond shall be a person for whom the well is drilled or pumping structures are erected or the owner of the land, and the surety shall be a corporate surety authorized to do business in the State of California.

In the event that any drilling or pumping structures are not removed or completely torn down or dismantled, or the site and roads not restored, as required by this chapter and in accordance with State regulations, the applicant shall be deemed to have defaulted under this chapter upon the expiration of 120 days.

• B. Inspection Fee. An inspection fee, as set by the Board of Supervisors in the Fee Schedule, for each well shall be payable to the County no later than one week before drilling." Once a well has been proved capable of producing, the annual inspection fee shall be required on the first day of January following proving of the well.

All inspection fees shall be paid in lawful money of the United States to the Planning Division.

• C. Permit Fee. Exploratory well permit and production well permit fees as set by the Board of Supervisors in the Fee Schedule shall be paid with the permit applications. All permit fees shall be paid in lawful money of the United States to the Planning Division,

Prospect drilling and production of oil and gas wells may be permitted in the following zones: Resource Management (RM), Timber Preserve Zone (TPZ), Planned Agricultural District (PAD), Heavy Industrial (M 2), Agricultural (A-1), Exclusive· Agricultural (A-2); as set forth in the San Mateo County Ordinance Code.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

The permit authorized by Sections 8.424.060 (A) and (B) shall specify the conditions under which the applicant may drill and/or produce oil and gas. The following performance requirements shall be and are hereby made part of said permit and apply to each well depending upon location and type of the well as determined by the Planning Commission.

A. Land and Water Resources.

1. Roads and Drilling Pads Location:

   • a) Location: All roads and drilling pad locations shall be subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.

   • b) Use of existing roads: Roads existing prior to application for a drilling permit may be used regardless of location when, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, their use will result in less ground disturbance and stream contamination than a new road constructed in accordance with this chapter.

   • c) Road cut banks: Roads shall be constructed with no overhanging banks and any trees with more than 25% of the root surface exposed by reason of road construction shall be felled. Where road cuts exceed 6 feet in vertical height, all trees over 6 inches in diameter for a distance of equal to the height of the cut at right angles from the top of the cut may be required to be removed by the County representative. All roads shall be constructed to the standards established by the Department of Public Works.

   • d) Follow contour of land: Roads are to be laid out and constructed in such a manner that the general contours of the land are utilized to the fullest extent possible to avoid excessive cuts, fills and road grades that will increase erosion.

   • e) Builder: The person constructing the road shall be a licensed contractor or other person whose work has been reviewed and found adequate for such construction by the Planning Commission.

   • f) The Planning Department shall be notified 5 days in advance of any construction under this section.

   • g) Clearing, grading, filling, cutting or other movement of earth shall not be conducted except in an - emergency during periods of inclement weather.

   • h) All grading shall be governed by the current County Grading Ordinance.

2. Erosion Control.

Roads, drilling pads; and other structures shall be so located, constructed, used and left after well abandonment so that water flow therefrom and water flow in natural water courses shall not cause erosion and not impair the productivity of the soil or appreciably diminish the quality of the water. No equipment shall be operated in. the bed of any watercourse.

• a) Streamside buffer strip: Construction of roads shall only be permitted when it is clearly shown that there is a protective strip between the proposed construction and the stream having sufficient filter capacity to effectively remove water-borne sediment to prevent any serious risk that construction and use of said facilities will cause significant degradation of water quality. Construction shall not

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

occur within the buffer zones established in the Local Coastal Plan. Where it is determined that the filter capacity is insufficient, additional erosion control may include but is not limited to any or all of the following:

• i. Increased width of a protective strip.

• ii. Decreased interval between waterbreaks.

• iii. Treatment of the travel surface to protect soil from erosion.

• iv. Treatment of fill slopes to protect soil from erosion which may include installation of surface water control measures.

• v. Installation of surface water control measures between the toe of the fill and the stream.

• b) Seeding or planting of disturbed areas.

  • Waterbreaks: Waterbreaks shall be constructed on all roads prior to significant rainfall so as to prevent excessive erosion. Waterbreaks shall:

  • i. Be effective in diverting surface water from the road.

  • ii. Provide unrestricted and controlled discharge into an area having sufficient filter capacity to effectively remove water-borne sediment to prevent a serious risk of causing significant erosion or degradation of water quality.

  • iii. Be installed at such intervals as is necessary to reasonably prevent surface water on or from such roads from accumulating in sufficient volume or accelerating to sufficient velocity to cause excessive erosion.

• c) Waterbreak interval: The following will aid in determining waterbreak interval:

  • i. On grades of 10% or less--at intervals of 100 to 200 feet.

  • ii. On grades of 11-20%--at intervals of 75 to 150 feet.

  • iii. Advance flagging of waterbreak location shall be required to insure that the location and spacing of the waterbreaks is adequate to prevent water flow from creating a serious risk of causing significant degradation of water quality.

• d) Permanent roads, which have been compacted and rock surfaced or paved are not required to have waterbreaks. Other roads shall have waterbreaks cut a minimum of 12 inches into the road surface and shall be constructed so they will not be rendered ineffective by the passage of motorized vehicles.

• e) In an emergency, should weather and/or soil conditions prevent installation of waterbreaks as specified above, the drainage of roads shall be constructed and maintained by hand to prevent excessive erosion until permanent facilities can be installed.

• f) Roadside berms shall be constructed where necessary to guide surface waterflow to the point of planned diversion and prevent unnecessary erosion of fills and side cast material.

• g) To provide protective ground cover, all side cast and fill material that exceeds 5 feet in slope distance at right angles to a road shall be seeded, planted or treated for prevention or reduction of soil erosion. Such work shall be completed within 15 days following the first rain in the fall season.

• h) When a well or drilling site is left in an inactive state, the permittee is responsible to ensure that all erosion control facilities are constructed prior to November 1 of the current year and that said erosion control facilities are maintained in effective condition through April l of the following year. Should the drilling permittee fail, after being contacted in writing, to provide the r quired erosion

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

control measures, the County is authorized to perform the required work to correct the violation and to assess the drilling permittee accordingly and charge all reasonable costs against the drilling permittees security deposit.

3. Restoration.

• a) Cleared and exposed lands, abandoned roads, well sites, and work sites and other areas not needed for normal operation of a development well shall be revegetated within 120 days of either site abandonment or construction of the development well.

• b) The abandonment of any well drilled for the purpose herein described shall be deemed complete upon the approval of abandonment by the State Division of Oil and Gas.

• c) Upon the completion of the exploratory phase of drilling pursuant to the terms of this chapter, all earthen sumps used in conjunction with the drilling (unless used in conjunction with other operations on said land) shall be emptied of all liquid and refilled with dry earth and the premises restored as nearly as possible to its original grade and condition, as required by the California Administrative Code, Section 1776,. and approved by the inspector.

4. Removal of Materials.

The exercise of any right granted by the permit shall conform in all respects to the regulations and requirements of the California State Regional Water Pollution Control Board and the Division of Oil and Gas. All water, mud, oil, or any other substances removed as waste material from the land for which the permit is issued shall be deposited in a disposal site approved by the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board.

5. Archaeological or Historical Sites.

If archaeological or historical artifacts are uncovered during construction activities, all work shall be stopped and a qualified archaeologist shall be retained to determine the significance of the site.

6. Siting Limitations.

In accordance with good operating procedures, well and structure locations shall not be allowed where the site would be in conflict with the Local Coastal Program as defined in Policies .3 (Locational Criteria) and 4.4-4.21 (Performance Standards) including public recreation areas, scenic corridors, or where significant geotechnical hazards exist. Siting shall be prohibited on prime agricultural soil and in sensitive habitats.

7. Water Quality.

• a) It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, place, throw, divert, or in any manner dispose of or to cause or permit to be deposited, placed, thrown, diverted, or in any manner disposed of, any water produced or arising from the drilling operation containing more than fifty (50) grains of salt content per gallon, or any other mineral or material which may substantially injure or damage the soil, plant life, or surface or subsurface water supply, into, along, or upon any land premises, or place in such a manner that the same or any portion thereof may run or be transferred or carried to the waters of any fresh- water, lagoon, river, or tributary thereof, or stream, or percolate, or penetrate to any subsurface strata containing water that might be suit- able for irrigation or domestic purposes.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

• b) In order to conserve potable water, the applicant shal1 use non-potable water were possible in drilling operations.

• c) No pollution of surface or subsurface waters or lands by oil field wastes shall be permitted (as protected by the State Water Resources Control Board and State Division of Oil and Gas respectively). Oil wastes shall be kept to a minimum and shall be prevented from entering stream courses or adjacent properties by the construction of levees, ditches or other structures.

8. Sensitive Resources.

   • a) In areas of permeable sediments, tank ponds, sumps and brine mixing ponds shall be lined with impermeable material to prevent release of harmful substances.

   • b) Direct flow of water from well pads shall be prohibited from entering sensitive habitat areas.

B. Neighborhood Quality

1. Pollution Control.

   • a) Applicant shall furnish a pollution control plan including provisions for disposing of human and other wastes, for control- ling oil spillage and preventing saline or other polluting or contaminating substances from reaching the water courses and reservoirs. The plan shall be· consistent with the requirements of County Department of Environmental Health, State Water Resources Control Board and the Environmental Protection Agency.

   • b) Any oil spill from pipes or sumps shall be cleared and corrected in accordance with the oil spill contingency plan provided in 7716.2.c. and shall comply with the oil spill contingency plan re- quired by the Division of Oil and Gas under the California Administration Code, Section 1722.

   • c) The permittee shall immediately suspend any drilling and production operations, except those which are corrective, protective, or mitigative, in the event of any disaster or of pollution of ocean or domestic waters caused in any manner or resulting from operations under a permit. Such drilling and production operations shall not be resumed until adequate corrective measures have been taken and authorization for resumption of operations has been made by the Director of Planning and Building and the Division of Oil and Gas.

2. Lights.

All lights shall be directed or shielded so as to confine direct rays to the drill site wherever there are homes or structures present or the public is likely to be adversely affected by direct light beams.

3. Oil Transfer.

Except in an emergency, transfer activities shall be restricted to daylight hours where homes are within such distance to production storage tanks that transfer activities create noise greater than allowed by the County Noise Element to the General Plan.

4. Safety

   • a) Fire suppression equipment shall be required and approved by the appropriate fire authority and shall be maintained on the premises at all times during drilling and production operations.

   • b) Unless permitted to remain by the State Division of Oil and Gas, all drilling equipment and sumps shall be removed from the well site within 90 days after the drilling of each well. Landscaping or revegetation shall be required with approval of the Director of Planning and Building. Fencing or removal of structures shall be required if for any reason the well is temporarily or permanently

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

abandoned.

C. Scenic Quality.

1. Drilling within 500 feet of a residence or scenic corridor as described and mapped in the Coastal Element of the General Plan shall require special mitigation to be approved by the Planning Commission.

2. All permanent facilities for a development well shall be fenced in accordance with the requirements of the Division of Oil and Gas and screened with vegetative materials, painting or other methods subject to the approval of the Planning Commission.

3. Pumps, storage tanks and other major structures associated with a development well shall be painted to blend with its surrounding.

4. Pumping units and equipment shall be sited at least their height below the ridge line or otherwise screened from public view.

D. Air Quality.

1. All drilling operations shall be constructed and operated in accordance with the rules and regulation of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

2. All valves, flanges, and connections shall be routinely maintained (i.e., tightening and replacing packings) in a manner re- presentative of good oil industry practices so as to minimize air pollution emissions as required by the State Division of Oil and Gas.

3. Within 60 days of the completion of each production well, storage capacity with vapor recovery equipment which reduces emissions to the atmosphere by at least 90% by weight or a control system acceptable to the Bay Area Quality Management District, shall be utilized on the subject site.

E. Noise.

1. The engines used in connection with the drilling of any well shall be equipped with muffler systems which meet current State standards.

2. Noise shall be controlled to limit interference to surrounding land uses. Maximum noise levels at the nearest residence shall not exceed those required by State regulation or the San Mateo County Noise Element whichever is stricter.

• A. Right of Inspection. The inspector, or any person designated by them, shall have the right, at any time, to enter upon the premises where any oil or gas well is located in the unincorporated portion of the County for the purpose of inspecting any well and t9 make such investigations as they may deem necessary to determine compliance with County regulations. A key and lock shall be provided for the oil and gas inspector for those areas where fencing and gates are provided to prohibit trespass.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

• B. Abandonment of Well. For the purpose of this chapter, the abandonment of any well drilled for the purposes herein described shall be deemed complete upon the approval of abandonment by the State Division of Oil and Gas and the County Oil and Gas Inspector.

Upon the abandonment of any well drilled pursuant to the terms of this chapter, all earthen sumps used in conjunction with the drilling or operation of such wells shall be emptied of all liquid and refilled with dry earth and the premises restored as nearly as possible to its original grade and condition as required by the State Division of Oil and Gas and to the satisfaction of the Planning Commission.

• C. Conditions for Permit. The following conditions shall be and are hereby made part of an exploratory and/or production well permit (where appropriate) and apply to each well.

  1. That said operations shall meet the requirements of the Division of Oil and Gas of the State of California, the agency given primary regulatory authority for the drilling, operation, maintenance and abandonment of all oil, gas and geothermal wells in the State or its successor under whatever name it may be known. The County inspector has the right at all times to inspect the operations.

  2. Copies of all logs and records shall be presented to the inspector for every hole drilled either for geological purposes or for the development of oil or gas. These logs are required by the State in accordance with Section 1724 and 1724.l of Title 14 of the State Oil and Gas Regulations.

  3. The operator of a producing oil or gas well or wells shall file a copy of the Oil Production and Gas Production Report filed by such operator with the Division of Oil and Gas of the State of California or with its successor by whatever name it may be known, with the inspector, on or before the 20th day of each month, designating the location of, and the amount of oil produced from each well during the preceding calendar month. Statements or records filed pursuant hereto by any operator shall be open to inspection only by the Planning Com- mission, the inspector, and to persons authorized in writing by such operator.

by whatever name it may be known, with the inspector, on or before the 20th day of each month, designating the location of, and the amount of oil produced from each well during the preceding calendar month. Statements or records filed pursuant hereto by any operator shall be open to inspection only by the Planning Com- mission, the inspector, and to persons authorized in writing by such operator.

• D. State Responsible Agencies. All operations for exploration and development of oil and gas resources shall meet the requirements of State responsible agencies where applicable, including the Division of Oil and Gas, the Department of Fish and Game, Department of Industrial Safety, State Water Resources Control Board and the Regional Water Quality Control Board, Air Resources Board and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the Department of Water Re- sources.

• E. Ownership. In the event of any change of ownership of any oil or gas well or any well proposed to be drilled after a permit to drill same has been issued (whether permit is obtained pursuant to this chapter or any ordinance repealed by this chapter), both the new owner or owners and the old owner or owners shall notify the inspector of such change of ownership and furnish such inspector with the address of such new owner or owners.

• F. Notices.

  1. Each applicant must submit the following notices, in writing, to the inspector at a time to be set by the inspector. Copies of reports submitted to the State Division of Oil and Gas will be acceptable notice.

     • a) Change of well status.

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code

  - b) Intention to install or remove permanent production facilities. 

  - c) Intention to plug and abandon a well. 

  - d) Transfer of operation and/or surety: The operator of (or any persons who acquires) any well, property or equipment appurtenant thereto, whether by purchase, transfer, assignment, conveyance, exchange or otherwise, shall each notify the inspector within ten (10) days of said action. The notice shall contain the following: 

     - i. The names and addresses of the persons from whom and to whom the well(s) and property changed. 

     - ii. The name and location of the well(s) and property. 

     - iii. The date of acquisition. 

     - iv. The date possession changed. 

     - v. A description of the properties and equipment transferred. 

     - vi. The new owner's agent, or person designated for service of notice and their address. 

     - vii. The names and addresses of the new owners, bonding and insurance companies. 

  - e) Suspension of Drilling Operations: The operator of any well shall notify the inspector of suspension of any drilling operations, greater than five (5) days. The operator shall notify the inspector, in writing, upon resumption of operations giving the date thereof. 

  - f) Change in name and/or address and telephone number of applicant's representative responsible for emergency problems and on- going maintenance and operation of the drilling site and structures.

2. Notification of the following operations must be given to the inspector in advance, but need not be in writing, when:

   • a) Drilling operations start.

   • b) Work over of any well no later than 14 days in advance.

• G. Violations. Violations of this ordinance shall be punished as provided for in Sections 1.08.010 through 1.08.050 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code.

• H. Permit Revocation. The Planning Commission may revoke any permit, or revoke and reinstate any permit upon suitable conditions, if applicant fails, neglects, or refuses to fulfill any of the requirements of this chapter or conditions of the permit or violates any provisions of applicable law. The inspector shall give notice to the permittee. If after ten (10) days from the receipt of the notice the applicant fa41s to respond or if the applicant fails to correct the requirements of the notice within the time limit set by the inspector, the inspector shall bring the matter before the Planning Commission after proper notice. The Director of Planning and Building may request the District Attorney (without approval of the Planning Commission or the Board of Supervisors) to secure an injunction to stop all work should time be of the essence. The Director of Planning and Building shall immediately notify the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors in writing of their action.

(Prior code Chapter 4 Repealed and Replaced by Chapter 6 - Ordinance #02676 - September 16, 1980)

(Prior code Section 7721.l(f) - Amended by Ordinance #02696 - December 16, 1980)

San Mateo County, California, Code of Ordinances Title 8 – Zoning & Development Code