Title
Consider and take action on a request by Lynn Watkins of Venture 2, LLC. for variances to Chapter 42, Article III, of the Code of Ordinances of the City of League City, entitled “Oil and Gas Well Drilling” related to a proposed drilling permit application for a site generally located south of the Magnolia Creek Golf Course, southwest of the Brittany Lakes Subdivision, east of Bay Area Boulevard, and west of Landing Boulevard (Director of Planning and Development)
Council postponed 7-0-0 with 1 absent on June 27, 2017.
Council postponed 7-1-0 on July 11, 2017.
Background:
The applicant is requesting several variances to the City’s Oil and Gas Well Drilling ordinance to facilitate an exploratory drilling operation. Action on these requests will not authorize the approval of a drilling permit, and approval or denial of the variance requests will not create any precedence in future requests.
Timeline:
December 1, 2010 - Due to an overwhelming response from the citizens, League City conducts Town Hall Meeting to discuss the City initiated revision to Chapter 42, Article III of the League City Code of Ordinances entitled Oil and Gas Wells.
August 2, 2011 - City Council adopts revisions to the Oil and Gas ordinance in which three separate articles are created to address drilling, drilling production, plugging and abandonment, and pipelines.
May 18, 2015 - Governor signs HB 40 into law.
February 15, 2016 - Applicant submits to City initial application for a proposed drilling permit. As part of the submitted documentation, the applicant requests variances to several of the City’s ordinance requirements.
March 22, 2016 - At the request of the applicant, item to consider variances moved from the March 22, 2016 City Council agenda to that of April 12, 2016.
April 12, 2016 - City Council approves or conditionally approves twenty-three (23) requested variances (see attached summary from April 12, 2016).
June 15, 2016 - City submits Mr. Watkins’ application docume...
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