Santa Paula Municipal Code Ch. 120 Oil Wells

Section

General Provisions

Drilling Permit

Drilling and Operating Requirements

Storage Facilities

Oil Field Waste

Statutory reference:

Authority to regulate oil production activities, see Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 3690

GENERAL PROVISIONS

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Santa Paula Oil Code.”

('81 Code, § 5.40.010)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words used in the present tense include the future, words in the singular number include the plural and words in the plural number include the singular.

ABANDONMENT. The restoration of the drill site as required by these regulations.

A.P.I. The American Petroleum Institute.

APPROVED BY THE BUILDING INSPECTOR, APPROVED TYPE or APPROVED DESIGN. Improvements, equipment or facilities of a type or design approved by the Building Inspector.

A.S.M.E. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

BLOWOUT. The uncontrolled discharge of gas, liquid, or solids or a mixture thereof from a well into the atmosphere.

BLOWOUT PREVENTER. A mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic or other device or a combination of such devices secured to the top of a well casing, including valves, fittings and control mechanisms connected therewith designed and capable of preventing a blowout.

BUILDING INSPECTOR. The Building Inspector of the city.

CELLAR. An excavation around or above the top joint of the casing in a well.

COMPLETION OF DRILLING. A well is completed, for the purpose of these regulations, 30 days after the drilling crew has been released, unless drilling or remedial operations are resumed before the end of the 30 days.

DERRICK. Any frame work, tower or mast which is used in connection with the drilling, redrilling or well servicing of, or in, any oil or gas well.

DESERTION. The cessation of operations on the property with the intent to abandon such property without compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

DIVISION OF OIL AND GAS. The Division of Oil and Gas of the Department of Natural Resources of the state, or any other state agency that may in the future be charged with its responsibilities.

DRILLING. Digging a hole in the earth formation for a well, as such term is defined in this section.

GAS. The gaseous components or vapors occurring in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.

NATURAL GASOLINE PLANT or ABSORPTION PLANT. A plant for the processing of natural gas for the purpose of extracting gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas from natural gas produced from wells.

OIL. A hydrocarbon which is liquid in its natural state and does not include gasoline or liquefied petroleum gas.

OPERATOR. The person actually in charge and in control of the drilling, maintenance, operation or pumping of a well or lease.

OUTER BOUNDARY LINE. Where several contiguous parcels of land in one or different ownerships are operated as a single oil or gas lease or operating unit, the exterior limits of the land included in the lease or unit. In determining the contiguity of any such parcels of land, no street, road or alley lying within the lease or unit shall be deemed to interrupt such contiguity.

PERSON. Any individual, firm, association, corporation, joint venture, or any other group or combination acting as a unit.

REDRILLING. The drilling of an existing oil well beyond the limits of the existing hole. Except with reference to permit procedure, the provisions of this chapter relating to drilling shall be equally applicable to redrilling.

SHALL. This word is mandatory and not directory.

SOURCE OF IGNITION. Any flame, arc, spark, or heated object or surface capable of igniting flammable liquids, gases, or vapors.

STRUCTURE. That which is built or constructed, including but not limited to a tank, edifice, or building of any kind.

SUPERINTENDENT. The Building and Safety Inspector of the city.

TANK. A container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of an oil well, for holding or storing liquids at or near atmospheric pressure.

WELL or OIL WELL. A well or hole drilled into the earth for the purpose of exploring for or extracting from the earth oil, gas or other hydrocarbon substances, or a well or hole in the earth by means of and through which oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances are extracted, produced, or capable of being produced from the earth, or a well or hole for the purpose of secondary recovery or waste disposal. A temporary core or test hole drilled for the purpose of seismic or geophysical operations shall not be considered as a well within the meaning of this code.

WELL SERVICING. Remedial or maintenance work performed within any existing well which does not involve drilling or redrilling.

('81 Code, § 5.40.020)

In the manner, and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this code, it shall be lawful for any person to drill a well, or wells, for and to produce oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances, or any thereof, and to conduct any other lawful operations, including the installation and maintenance of any derrick, drilling and producing equipment and appurtenant structures or machinery proposed or intended to be used, or used for, or in connection with the drilling for or production of oil and gas on or from any land within any portion of the city which is zoned to permit such operations, and on any other land where such operations may be authorized pursuant to the provisions of the zoning ordinance of the city; provided, that all of such operations shall conform with the provisions of this chapter.

('81 Code, § 5.40.030) Penalty, see Ch. 13

DRILLING PERMIT

(A) A permit shall be required to drill, own, operate or maintain an oil well. Each oil well permit shall be valid only for the calendar year for which issued.

(B) It is unlawful for any person to construct, commence to construct, or maintain or use within the city, any derrick or other structure, equipment or machinery proposed or intended to be used, or used for, or in connection with the drilling for or production of oil, gas and other hydrocarbon substances, after the effective date of this code, without first obtaining such written permit therefor to be issued by the Building Inspector in accordance with the terms of this code.

('81 Code, § 5.40.040(A-B)) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) (1) Each permit shall be renewed on December 31 of the year following the year in which it was granted or renewed unless such well has been abandoned prior thereto.

(2) On or before December 15 of each year subsequent to the effective date of this code, the owner of any and all wells previously drilled and not heretofore abandoned shall make application for a permit covering the operation and maintenance thereof.

(B) No additional permit shall be required for well servicing, redrilling or use of any well for injection purposes.

('81 Code, § 5.40.040(C-D))

In the event of any change of ownership of any oil or gas well after a permit has been granted to cover the drilling thereof, or to cover the operation and maintenance of an existing well, the permit and all rights and obligations pertaining thereto may be assigned and transferred to such new owner as provided in § 120.033.

('81 Code, § 5.40.040(E))

Any person desiring any permit required by § 120.015 shall file a written application therefor with the Building Inspector on forms furnished for that purpose which shall contain and be accompanied by the following:

(A) Description. The name or number and location of the proposed or existing well as such well may be identified and described in notices filed with the Division of Oil and Gas shall accompany each application.

(B) Bond.

(1) Except as provided in this division, every application for a permit required by this code for which a bond is not on file shall be accompanied by a faithful performance bond, on a form approved by the City Attorney, in the sum of $2,000 for each well. Such bond shall be conditioned that the principal named in the bond shall faithfully comply with all of the provisions of this code. The bond shall secure the city against all costs, charges and expense incurred by it by reason of the failure of the permittee to fully comply with the provisions of this code.

(2) In lieu of filing such bond for each well a blanket bond in the amount of $10,000 to cover all operations under this code of a single permittee may be filed. A rider to such blanket bond shall be filed with the city identifying each well not then subject thereto and to be covered by such blanket bond.

(3) Each such bond shall be kept and maintained in full force and effect until terminated or superseded as provided in § 120.033.

(C) Permit fees.

(1) A fee in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council shall accompany each application for a permit to cover the drilling of a new well.

(2) A fee in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid annually for the operation and maintenance of each well.

(D) Issuance of permit.

(1) The application shall be approved and permit granted by the Building Inspector within five days after receipt of any application which conforms with the provisions and requirements of this code. No permit shall be issued which would conflict with any provision of the zoning ordinance or building code of the city.

(2) Each such permit covering the drilling of any well shall include the installation and use of all temporary structures, steel derrick or portable mast, tanks, equipment and facilities necessary or convenient for such operations.

(3) Each such permit covering the operation and maintenance of any oil well shall include the installation and use of all structures, tanks, equipment and facilities necessary or convenient for the temporary field storage, separating, gauging, handling and shipping of oil, gas and other substances produced from or injected into any well customarily used in connection with such operation.

('81 Code, § 5.40.050)

(A) The applicant, as principal, and the surety under any bond filed under this chapter may have such bond terminated and cancelled if and when the applicant, or the assignee of any permit granted under this chapter, shall furnish a new bond therefor.

(B) Any bond or rider thereto shall be terminated and cancelled upon the final and permanent cessation or abandonment of all operations in connection with any well or wells for which such bond or rider thereto was given, subject to compliance with the applicable provisions of this chapter.

('81 Code, § 5.40.060)

DRILLING AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

(A) Location of wells. Well location shall be in accordance with the requirements of the state. No wells shall be drilled within 100 feet of any building used for human occupancy, except any building owned by the operator or his lessor, or any owner who consents in writing to such location, or building incidental to the operation of the well, or any building located on land the surface of which is under development for oil and gas purposes. Well location shall be in accordance with the requirements of the state and the zoning ordinance of the city.

(B) Derricks. All derricks and masts hereafter erected for drilling or redrilling shall be at least equivalent to the American Petroleum Institute Standards 4A, 15th Edition and 4D, 4th Edition.

(C) Signs.

(1) A sign having a surface area of not less than two square feet and no more than six square feet bearing the current name and number of the well and the name or insignia of the operator shall be located and maintained at every well in a place where it will be fully visible at all times, from the commencement of drilling operations until the well is abandoned.

(2) In lieu of the sign mentioned in subdivision (1) of this division and in the event there are more than two producing wells on one leasehold or one operating unit, it shall be sufficient if the entrances to such leasehold or operating unit are posted with a sign not less than 18 inches by 24 inches bearing the name of the operator together with the name or designation of the lease together with an openly visible sign on each producing well designating the particular number thereof.

(D) Blowout prevention. Protection shall be provided to prevent the blowout of a well, during drilling and redrilling operations, in accordance with the requirements of the state, Petroleum Safety Orders—Drilling and Production of Cal. Code of Regs. Title 17, §§ 1722 et seq.

(E) Sump fencing. All sumps or sump holes not attended 24 hours per day shall be enclosed by a steel chain-link-type fence not less than five feet in height, or a substitute approved by the Building Inspector. There shall be no aperture below such fence greater than four inches. Fencing of the outer boundaries of one leasehold or one operating unit shall be deemed to be compliance with this provision. Fence gates shall be kept locked at all times when unattended by a watchman or serviceman.

(F) Well cellars. Except during drilling and servicing operations, well cellars shall be kept reasonably free from water, oil, drilling fluids, or other substances and means shall be provided to keep such cellars covered.

(G) Removal of equipment. All drilling equipment shall be removed from the premises within 60 days following the completion, abandonment or desertion of any well. With respect to all wells drilled subsequent to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter all derricks shall be removed from the premises within 60 days following the completion, abandonment or desertion of any well. Once any well drilled subsequent to the enactment of the ordinance codified in this chapter is a producing well, it shall be serviced with a portable derrick and such derrick shall be removed from the premises within 60 days following the completion of such servicing operations.

(H) Surfacing of roads. Private roads leading to well sites shall be surfaced in such a manner as to prevent undue amounts of dust from being carried onto adjacent property or the public streets.

(I) Sanitary facilities. Suitable and adequate sanitary toilet facilities shall be installed during all drilling operations and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

('81 Code, § 5.40.070) Penalty, see Ch. 13

A well shall be considered properly abandoned for the purposes of this code when:

(A) A copy of the Division of Oil and Gas “Notice of Intention to Abandon” furnished by the Division of Oil and Gas is mailed to the Building Inspector; and

(B) The well has been abandoned in accordance with the requirements of the Division of Oil and Gas; and

(C) The site has been cleared of all drilling or producing equipment and left in a clean condition, which shall include draining and backfilling of any sump used in connection with the well and removal of concrete, pipe and other foreign materials from the surface of the ground, and the surface of the land, insofar as practicable, left in a neat and orderly condition; and

(D) The Building Inspector shall have inspected and certified in writing that such well has been properly abandoned in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

('81 Code, § 5.40.080)

(A) Whenever in the opinion of the Building Inspector desertion has occurred, he shall so certify in writing to the City Council. Within two weeks after receipt of such certification, the City Council shall set the time and place for a public hearing, which hearing shall be held not more than 30 days, nor less than 15 days, from the date when the City Council shall so set the hearing for the purpose of determining whether or not such desertion has occurred. Within two days after the setting of such hearing, a certified copy of the resolution of the City Council calling such hearing shall be served upon the operator by the Building Inspector.

(B) Such service shall be deemed complete when such resolution is deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and directed to operator at his last known address. Notice of such hearing shall also be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city.

(C) At such hearing the City Council shall hear and review all evidence concerning the alleged desertion and shall make a determination thereon.

(D) If the City Council makes a determination that desertion has occurred, the city may, in addition to any other proceeding provided for by law, proceed against and collect from the bond filed by such operator and with the proceeds thereof the city may perform or cause to be performed whatever work or services as are necessary to abandon properly any such well and restore the premises in accordance with the provisions of this code.

('81 Code, § 5.40.090)

(A) The permittee shall notify the Building Inspector in writing of the sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or exchange of any well within 30 days after such sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or exchange, and the new owner thereof shall succeed to all the rights and obligations of permittee under the permit applicable to such well, upon the filing by the new owner of a faithful performance bond as provided in § 120.018 to cover its future operation and maintenance of such well.

(B) The notice shall contain the following:

(1) The name and address of the person to whom such well is sold, assigned, transferred, conveyed, or exchanged;

(2) The name and location of the well;

(3) The date of sale, assignment, transfer, conveyance, or exchange;

(4) The date when possession was relinquished by the former permittee.

('81 Code, § 5.40.100) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Materials and design. Piping, valves, and fittings for flammable liquids shall be designed for the working pressures and structural stresses to which they may be subjected. They shall be of steel or other material suitable for use with the liquid being handled. Pipe wall thicknesses shall be determined in accordance with nationally recognized good practice; except that carbon steel pipe shall not be thinner than standard wall thickness pipe. Pipe wall thickness shall be determined according to the provisions of ASA B31.1-1955 “American Standard Code for Pressure Piping.” All threaded joints and connec-tions shall be made up tight and suitable lubricant or piping compound. These provisions shall apply to all piping for flammable liquids which falls within the scope of this chapter.

(B) Protection against corrosion. All piping for flammable liquids, both aboveground and under-ground, where subject to external corrosion, shall be painted or otherwise protected.

(C) Supports. Pipe systems shall be substantially supported and protected against physical damage and excessive stresses arising from settle-ment, vibration, expansion or contraction.

(D) Valves. Pipe systems shall contain a sufficient number of valves to operate the system properly and to protect the plant. Pipe systems in connection with pumps shall contain a sufficient number of valves to control properly the flow of liquid in normal operation and in the event of physical damage. Connections to pipelines, by which equipment such as tank cars or tank vehicles discharge flammable liquids by means of centrifugal pumps into aboveground storage tanks, shall be provided with check valves for automatic protection against backflow.

('81 Code, § 5.40.220) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Electrical equipment. All electrical equipment used, installed or maintained within 50 feet of a drilling well and within 25 feet of a producing well, shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the Electrical Code of the city.

(B) Internal combustion engines, storage tanks, fired equipment and open flames. No internal combustion engine, storage tanks, boiler, fired equipment or open flames except welding supervised by the production foreman, drilling foreman, drilling engineer, drilling supervisors, or safety supervisors shall be located closer than 25 feet to a producing well nor closer than 100 feet to a drilling well. Internal combustion engines (and their fuel tanks) used in the drilling, production and servicing of oil wells are exempt from the above provisions. During drilling operations on a drill site of two acres or less in area where two or more wells are drilled and drilling and production equipment are located on such sites, the provisions in this division relating to distance of storage tanks may be altered at the discretion of the Building Inspector after consideration of the special features such as topographical conditions; nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings on adjoining property and height and character of construction of such buildings; capacity and construction of proposed tanks and character of liquids to be stored; degree of private fire protection to be provided, and facilities of the Fire Department to cope with flammable liquid fires.

(C) Muffling exhaust. The engines used in connection with the drilling of any oil well or in any production equipment of any oil well shall be equipped with an exhaust muffler to prevent excessive or unusual noise. Means shall be provided on all engines used during drilling operations to prevent the escape of flames, sparks, ignited carbon and soot.

(D) Flammable waste gases and vapors. Flammable waste gases or vapors escaping from a production drill site shall be burned or controlled to prevent hazardous concentrations reaching sources of ignition or otherwise endangering the area.

(1) Flares. Approved means of ignition shall be provided whenever hydrocarbon gases are released to the air through flares.

(2) Venting. Gases or vapors not burned may be discharged to the atmosphere at not less than 20 feet vertically above grade and not less than 25 feet horizontally from any source of ignition and at locations that do not create a hazard to the general area.

(E) Waste control of drill site.

(1) No person shall permit or cause to be permitted the discharge of any liquid containing crude petroleum or its products into or upon any street, public highway, drainage canal, or ditch, storm drain or flood-control channel.

(2) No person shall permit or cause to be permitted any oil, waste oil, refuse or waste material to be on the surface of the ground, under, around or near any oil well, pump, boiler, oil storage tank or building except within an oil sump, tank, catchment basin or skimming pond.

(3) All land within 25 feet of any oil well, flammable liquid tank or other appurtenance to any such well shall be at all times kept free and clear of dry weeds, grass, rubbish or other combustible debris. When this distance is not sufficient to provide reasonable fire safety, a greater distance may be required which shall not exceed the height of the derrick or greatest dimension of the tank.

(F) Smoking. No person shall smoke nor cause, permit or allow another person to smoke within 50 feet of any well, tank location, or any area contaminated by oil or waste gas.

(G) Fire control equipment. A minimum of two fire extinguishers shall be maintained at all oil well locations where drilling, servicing or repair work is being conducted. Each such extinguisher shall have a minimum classification of 20B as set forth in N.B.F.U. No. 10, “First Aid Fire Appliances,” in accordance with the Fire Code of the city. Fire control shall be as follows:

(1) Where flammable liquids are used or dispensed, first aid fire appliances shall be provided. The number and type of appliances shall be as provided in N.B.F.U. No. 10, N.F.P.A. No. 10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers.”

(2) Whenever flammable liquids are stored in containers, provision shall be made and maintained for the detection of leakage. Leaking containers shall be immediately removed or made tight.

(3) Access shall be provided by unobstructed aisles whereby first aid fire control apparatus may be brought to bear on any part of such flammable liquids storage.

(4) In buildings, rooms or other confined spaces in which flammable liquids are stored, no combustible waste materials shell be allowed to accumulate.

(5) Crankcase drainings and flammable liquids shall not be dumped into sewers, but shall be stored in tanks or tight drums outside of any building until removed from the premises.

('81 Code, § 5.40.230) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Any permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this code may be revoked by the City Council upon its finding, after a public hearing as provided in this chapter, that the permittee has failed, neglected or refused to perform, comply with and abide by any of the conditions and provisions of this chapter.

(B) It shall be the duty of the Building Inspector to enforce the provisions of this chapter, and for that purpose the Building Inspector and his deputies shall have the powers of a police officer.

(C) Proceedings before the City Council for the revocation of any permit may be instituted by the Building Inspector causing to be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises covered by the permit, readable from the ground level, a notice entitled “Notice of intention to revoke permit,” and cause a copy thereof to be mailed, postage prepaid, to permittee, or his designated agent, at his last known address, and a copy to be filed with the City Council. Such notice shall set forth the date of the posting hereof, and the reasons and grounds upon which such revocation will be based, and shall require permittee, within 15 days after the date of posting specified therein, to cure and remedy any default under, noncompliance with, or violation of any condition of the permit, or to show cause before such City Council why such permit shall not be revoked.

(D) Upon application therefor by permittee, the City Council may, at its discretion, extend the time for curing and remedying any claimed default, noncompliance or violation by permittee, but no such extension of time shall be for a longer period than a total of 60 days from and after the service upon permittee of such notice of intention to revoke such permit.

(E) At any time prior to the expiration of such period of 15 days, or any extension thereof, the permittee may file with the City Council a written appeal from the order, requirement, decision or determination of the Building Inspector as set forth in the notice mentioned in division (C) of this section, and request a hearing thereon by the City Council. Failure to file a demand for such hearing within the period of time, mentioned in this division, or any extension thereof, shall be deemed to be an admission on the part of the permittee that valid grounds exist for the revocation of such permit forthwith, unless the permittee has commenced with a diligent and bona fide effort to cure and remedy the default, noncompliance or violation for which such notice was issued.

('81 Code, § 5.40.240)

(A) The City Council shall have and exercise the power to hear and determine appeals where it is alleged there is error or abuse of discretion in any order, requirements, decision or determination made by the Building Inspector in the administration or enforcement of any of the provisions of this chapter.

(B) An appeal shall be in writing and shall be filed in triplicate in the office of the City Clerk. An appeal from any order, requirement, decision or determination by the Building Inspector must set forth specifically wherein it is claimed there was an error or abuse of discretion by his action or where the decision is not supported by the evidence in the matter.

(C) Within five days from and after the filing of the appeal, the Building Inspector shall transmit to the City Council all papers involved in the proceedings. In addition, he may make and transmit to the City Council such supplementary report as he may deem necessary to present clearly the facts and circum-stances of the case.

(D) Upon receipt of the record, the City Council shall set the matter for hearing and give notice by mail of the time, place and purpose thereof to appellant and to the Building Inspector and any other party at interest who has requested in writing to be so notified and no other notice need be given.

(E) Upon the date set for the hearing, the City Council shall hear the appeal, unless for cause the City Council shall on that date continue the matter. No notice of continuance need be given if the order therefor is announced at the time for which the hearing was set.

(F) Upon the hearing of such appeals, the City Council may affirm, change or modify the ruling, decision or determination appealed from or in lieu thereof may make such other or additional determina-tion as it shall deem proper in the premise's subject to the same limitations as are placed upon the Building Inspector by this code and by other provisions of law.

('81 Code, § 5.40.250)

STORAGE FACILITIES

If oil or other liquid storage facilities are established incidental to a producing well on a drill site, such storage facilities shall not exceed a total of 2,000 barrels per well.

('81 Code, § 5.40.110) Penalty, see Ch. 13

Any open, accessible, surface or subsurface installation used for the disposal of permitted waste liquids shall be fenced in accordance with the fencing provision in this chapter.

('81 Code, § 5.40.120) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) (1) Location of an aboveground tank for storage of flammable liquids with respect to distance from the nearest line of adjoining property which may be built upon, which shall be such that the distance between any part of the tank and the line shall be not less than that set forth in the following table:

Minimum distance of outside aboveground tanks for flammable liquids other than crude petroleum to line of adjoining property which may be built upon.

(2) Tanks with capacities in excess of 50,000 gallons and all tanks for the storage of crude petroleum shall be located in accordance with the following provisions (applicable to gas-tight tanks including conservation type tanks constricted in compliance with these or equivalent standards):

(B) Location of any aboveground tank for the storage of flammable liquids on the premises of any Division VI, commercial and industrial establishment, or any Division VII, processing plant, with respect to the distance to the nearest building or line of adjoining property which may be built upon, shall be such that the distance between any part of the tank and such building or property line is not less than that set forth in the following table:

Minimum distance between any outside aboveground tank for flammable liquids on the premises of any Division VI or VII occupancy to the nearest building of line of adjoining property which may be built upon.

Diameter of Tank Minimum Distance to

(in feet) Building (in feet)

Under 15 15

15 to 30 tank diameter

30 to 60 30

Over 60 ½ tank diameter

(C) In particular installations these provisions may be altered at the discretion of the Building and Safety Inspector after consideration of the special features such as topographical conditions; nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings on adjoining property and height and character of construction of such buildings; capacity and construction of proposed tanks and character of liquids to be stored; degree of private fire protection to be provided, and facilities of the Fire Department to cope with flammable liquid fires.

(D) Where two tank locations of diverse ownership have a common boundary, the Building and Safety Inspector may, with the written consent of the owners of the two properties substitute the distances provided in § 120.053 for the minimum distances set forth in the tables under this section.

('81 Code, § 5.40.130) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) The location of a tank for the storage of any flammable liquid with respect to any such other tank shall be such that the distance between them shall be not less than three feet.

(B) For banks above 50,000 gallons individual capacity storing any flammable liquid, except crude petroleum in producing areas, the distance shall be not less than one-half the diameter of the smaller tank.

(C) In producing areas, for tanks storing crude petroleum and having capacities not exceeding 126,000 gallons (3,000 bbls.), the distance between tanks shall not be less than three feet; in excess of 126,000 gallons (3,000 bbls.), the distance shall be not less than the diameter of the smaller tank.

(D) The minimum separation between an LP gas container and a flammable liquid tank shall be 20 feet. Suitable means shall be taken to prevent the accumulation of flammable liquids under adjacent LP gas containers such as by diking, diversion curbs and grading. When flammable liquid tanks are diked, the LP gas containers shall be outside the diked area and at least 10 feet away from the centerline of the dike. The provisions set forth in this section shall not apply when LP gas containers of 125 gallons or less capacity are installed adjacent to Class III-B flammable liquid tanks of 275 gallons or less capacity.

('81 Code, § 5.40.140) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Tanks shall rest directly on the ground or on foundations or supports of concrete, masonry, piling, or steel.

(B) Exposed piling or steel supports shall be protected by fire-resistive materials to provide a fire resistance rating of not less than two hours.

('81 Code, § 5.40.150) Penalty, see Ch. 13

Stairs, platforms and walkways hereafter installed, elevated more than three feet above the surrounding ground level, shall be of noncombustible construction.

('81 Code, § 5.40.160) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Required. Tanks or groups of tanks shall be protected from the effects of flammable liquid spills originating at or encroaching upon the tank setting.

(B) Methods. Diversion walls or drains safely directing the flow to catchment basins, impounding basins formed by dikes around tanks or groups of tanks, or combinations thereof shall be used.

(C) Capacity. The net capacity of a catchment basin, diked impounding basin, or any combination thereof shall be equal to the capacity of the largest tank, plus six inches of freeboard. In computing the required capacity of a catchment basin, diked impounding basin or combination thereof:

(1) The volume of the largest tank up to the height of the dike shall be considered as part of the available capacity of a diked impounding basin.

(2) No part of the volume of tanks other than the largest tank shall be considered as part of the available capacity.

(3) The capacity of a separate catchment basin may be used to reduce the required capacity of a diked impounding basin provided drainage sufficient to prevent overflow of the dike and effective control of flow are provided.

(4) The capacity of a single separate catchment basin may be applied to reduce the required capacity of each of the diked impounding basins draining to it.

(D) Dike construction, drainage and division. Where dependence is placed in whole or in part on diking for compliance with this subchapter, dikes shall be constructed, drained, and divided as follows:

(1) Construction. Dikes shall be of earth, concrete or solid masonry designed to be liquid-tight to withstand a full hydraulic head, and shall be maintained at full design capacity. Where piping passes through dikes, provision shall be made for movement without damage to the dikes and to minimize leaks under emergency conditions. Earthen dikes shall be built and maintained at a minimum height of two feet. The distance between the inside toe of any dike and the shell of any tank not over 30 feet in diameter shall be not less than five feet, and for tanks over 30 feet in diameter shall be not less than 10 feet.

(2) Spill dikes. Where tanks within a common diked impounding basin may cause mutual exposure from spills, spill dikes shall be provided between tanks of 10,000 barrels or greater individual capacity. Groups of tanks of less than 10,000 barrels individual capacity and not in excess of 15,000 barrels aggregate capacity may be enclosed within a single spill dike. The height of such spill dikes shall not exceed 50% of the height of the main or perimeter dikes.

(3) Drainage. Drainage shall be provided at a consistent slope of not less than one percent away from tanks and fittings toward a sump, drain box or other safe means of disposal located within the diked impounding area and at the greatest possible distance from the shell of the tank. Traps with not less than six inches of liquid seal shall be provided between the sumps, drain boxes or drain openings within the diked area and the sewers or drains intended for disposal of spills. A valve, operable from outside the dike, shall be provided in the dike drain system and shall normally be kept closed.

(4) Disposal. Approved provision shall be made for disposing of water and oil retained by diked impounding basins or catchment basins.

(E) Deviations. In particular installations, deviations from the provisions of this section may be granted by the Building and Safety Inspector, after consideration of special features such as:

(1) Topographical conditions, nature of occupancy and proximity to buildings on the same or adjacent property;

(2) Capacity and construction of proposed tanks and character of liquids to be stored and nature and quantity of private and public fire protection provided.

('81 Code, § 5.40.170) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Materials. Tanks shall be built of steel or concrete unless character of liquid stored requires other materials. Steel commonly known as “mill seconds” shall not be used. Tanks built of materials other than steel shall be designated to specifications embodying safety factors equivalent to those specified in this section for steel tanks. Concrete tanks shall be built in accordance with sound engineering practice. Unlined concrete tanks shall only be used for storage of liquids having a gravity of 40° A.P.I. or heavier. Concrete tanks with special linings may be used for other services provided the design is approved by the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Steel tanks shall be built in accordance with the requirements of divisions (B) through (E) of this section. All shop-built tanks shall be tested at a pressure of not less than five and not more than 10 pounds per square inch (measured at the top of the tank) for a period of at least 10 minutes without leakage or permanent deformation.

(B) Field erected vertical tanks. Vertical tanks erected in the field shall be built in accordance with the following specifications:

(1) A.P.I. Standard No. 12A, September, 1951, Specification for Oil Storage Tanks with Riveted Shells;

(2) A.P.I. Standard No. 12C, September, 1955, Specification for Welded Oil Storage Tanks;

(3) A.P.I. Standard No. 12B, September, 1955, Specification for Bolted Production Tanks;

(4) A.P.I. Standard No. 12D, August, 1955, Specification for Large Welded Production Tanks;

(5) A.P.I. Standard No. 12F, August, 1955, Specification for Small Welded Production Tanks.

(C) Small, shop-built vertical tanks. Vertical tanks not over 1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following requirements.

Capacity Minimum Thickness of Steel

(in gallons) U.S. Standard

• 1 to 60 18 gauge

• 61 to 350 16 gauge

• 351 to 560 14 gauge

• 561 to 1,100 12 gauge

(D) Large, shop-built vertical tanks. Vertical tanks over 1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following requirements:

(1) For tanks up to 25 feet in height the shell shall be not less than three-sixteenths of an inch thick. For tanks from 25 to 30 feet high the bottom ring shall be not less than one-quarter of an inch thick and the remainder of the shell not less than three-sixteenths of an inch thick. For tanks between 30 and 35 feet high, the first two rings shall be not less than one-quarter of an inch thick and the remainder of the shell not less than three-sixteenths of an inch thick. All one-quarter of an inch thick rings shall be not less than five feet wide.

(2) The tops of tanks shall be either dished or cone-shaped and of not less than No. 10 U.S. standard gauge steel.

(3) Tanks shall be welded, or riveted and caulked, or otherwise made tight in a workmanlike manner. The roof of the tank shall be securely fastened to the top ring of the shell with a joint having the same tightness as the joints between rings. The joint between roof and shell shall be weaker than any other joints in the shell of the tank. Joints in the roof shall be welded or riveted or made tight by other process satisfactory to the Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention. Roofs of tanks shall have no unprotected openings.

(E) Shop-built horizontal tanks. Horizontal tanks shall be constructed in accordance with accepted engineering practice and shall meet the following minimum requirements: joints shall be riveted and caulked, riveted and welded, or welded. Tanks heads over six feet in diameter shall be dished, stayed, braced, or reinforced.

(1) Small, shop-built horizontal tanks. Horizontal tanks not over 1,100 gallons capacity shall meet the following requirements:

Capacity Minimum Thickness of Steel

(in gallons) U.S. Standard

• 1 to 60 18 gauge

• 61 to 275 14 gauge

• 276 to 550 12 gauge

• 551 to 1100 10 gauge

(2) Large, shop-built horizontal tanks. Horizontal tanks over 1,100 gallons capacity having a diameter of not over six feet, made of steel, shall be three-sixteenths of an inch or greater nominal thickness. Tanks having a diameter of over six feet and not more than 12 feet, made of steel, shall be one quarter of an inch or greater nominal thickness.

('81 Code, § 5.40.180) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Vents for normal breathing. Tanks shall have normal venting capacity sufficient to permit the filling and emptying of such tanks, plus their breathing due to temperature changes, without distortion of tank shell or roof. Tanks storing Class I and Class II flammable liquids shall be equipped where practical with either venting devices which shall be normally closed when not under pressure or vacuum, or with approved flame arrestors, except that tanks under 2,500 gallons capacity for Class I liquids and tanks under 3,000 barrels capacity for crude petroleum in producing areas may have open vents.

(B) Vents for emergency relief. In addition to the provisions for normal venting required in division (A) of this section, every aboveground storage tank shall have some form of construction or device that will relieve excessive internal pressure, caused by exposure fire, that might cause the rupture of the tank shell or bottom. In a vertical tank, this construction may take the form of a weakened seam in the roof. The joint between the roof and the shell of a tank 36 feet or more in diameter, if built in accordance with the provisions of division (B) of § 120.057, shall be deemed to be a weakened seam for this purpose. Where entire dependence for such additional relief is placed upon some device other than a weak roof seam or joint, the total venting capacity of both normal and emergency vents shall be enough to prevent rupture of the shell or bottom of the tank if vertical, or of the shell or heads if horizontal. Such device may be a self-closing manhole cover, or one using long bolts that permits the cover to lift under internal pressure, or an additional or larger relief valve or valves. When emergency relief is provided by other than a weak roof seam or joint, the total capacity of the normal breather and emergency relief shall be sized according to the following table:

Required Total Pressure Relief Capacity of Vents

Required Total Pressure Relief Capacity of Vents

('81 Code, § 5.40.190) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Each connection to an aboveground tank storing flammable liquids located below normal liquid level shall be provided with an internal or external control valve located as close as practicable to the shell of the tank.

(B) Except for flammable liquids whose chemical characteristics are incompatible with steel, such valves, when external, and their connections to the tank shall be of steel.

('81 Code, § 5.40.200) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Location. Tank vehicle loading racks, loading platforms or movable loading spouts or arms dispensing flammable liquids shall be separated from tanks, warehouses, other buildings, public streets and nearest line of property that may be built upon by a clean distance of not less than 25 feet, measured from the nearest position of any fill stem. Buildings for pumps or for shelter of loading personnel may be part of the loading rack or platform. No person shall load or unload, or permit the loading or unloading of a tank vehicle unless such vehicle is located outside of any public street right-of-way.

(B) Loading and unloading operations. During the loading or unloading of a tank vehicle, a qualified person shall be at the loading controls or unloading controls. Provision shall be made for the safe disposal of the oils released by overflow and from loading spouts or lines.

('81 Code, § 5.40.210) Penalty, see Ch. 13

OIL FIELD WASTE

The storing or spreading of what is commonly known as oil field waste in the city is a nuisance and unlawful, except under the conditions mentioned in this subchapter.

('81 Code, § 8.36.010) Penalty, see Ch. 13

It is unlawful for any person acting as principal, agent or otherwise, to spread or store within the city water, mud, acids, brine, oil or other substances constituting what is known as oil field waste, without permission therefor first had and obtained from the Council and the issuance of a permit therefor as provided in this subchapter.

('81 Code, § 8.36.020) Penalty, see Ch. 13

(A) Before the Council may grant any permit required by § 120.071, an application shall be made to the Planning Commission of the city on forms to be furnished by the city and a hearing shall be had at which time property owners of the city or any person interested or who might be damaged thereby be heard and present objections to the Planning Commission.

(B) Notice of such hearing shall be given by publication at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least three days before the date of the hearing.

('81 Code, § 8.36.030)

At the time of the filing of the petition with the Planning Commission, the petition shall be accompanied by a filing fee in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council.

('81 Code, § 8.36.040)

(A) At the hearing referred to in this subchapter, the Planning Commission shall consider the application and the objections thereto, if any, and shall make their findings, recommending to the Council that the petition for permit be denied or granted, with or without reasonable conditions imposed, among which shall be that all operations under the permit shall conform in all respects to the regulations and requirements of the State Regional Water Pollution Control Board and any other valid applicable governmental regulations.

(B) The decision of the Planning Commission shall be made and transmitted to the Council within 30 days from the date of the hearing and shall be advisory only.

('81 Code, § 8.36.050)

The Council shall set the application for a permit for hearing at the next regular meeting of the Council and shall cause written notice thereof to be given to the applicant, the notice of the hearing to be published once in a newspaper of general circulation in the city at least three days before the date of the hearing.

('81 Code, § 8.36.060)

(A) At the time of the hearing by the Council, the applicant and all interested persons shall be heard for or against the granting of the permit and the Council may consider any and all matters affecting the best interests of the city, the public safety, health and general welfare and may approve or disapprove the recommendations of the Planning Commission and, if approved, may impose such conditions as it deems advisable.

(B) The action of the Council shall be final.

('81 Code, § 8.36.070)

(A) The permit provided for in this subchapter, when granted, shall be subject to a license fee in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council if the spreading or storing of oil field waste will be completed within six months.

(B) An additional license fee in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council shall be paid for each six months thereafter, or fraction thereof.

('81 Code, § 8.36.080)