Colleyville, Texas

Are gas wells allowed in Colleyville?
Gas wells are permitted but only through application and approval of a special use permit by the City Council.  An applicant must submit an application and plans to city staff prior to a public hearing.  Once staff has received all required documents and has had adequate time to review the application, the case is scheduled and heard before the Planning and Zoning Commission.  During this hearing, the public is allowed to speak for or against the request.  Upon a recommendation by the Planning and Zoning Commission, the case may be finally heard by the City Council.  The case will go before council during two consecutive city council meetings.  The first meeting will be for discussion and to hear from the applicant and the public.  The second meeting will have a similar format but will include a deciding vote by the City Council.  This public hearing process typically takes 60 to 90 days.  As part of a special use permit, City Council has authority to add or remove almost any specification regarding the request, dependent on the circumstances.  If City Council approves the special use permit, then the applicant may apply for a drilling permit through the permit office located at City Hall.  Once the permit is approved, the gas drilling process may begin.     

How far must a well be from my property or public structures/areas?
The distance requirement is regulated by the city’s gas and oil well ordinance, which is Chapter 3.1 of the Land Development Code. No well may be drilled closer than 1,000 feet from any building intended for human occupancy, such as a residence, religious institution, public building, hospital, or school, or closer than 1,000 feet from a public park, without a waiver from the City Council.

Can someone else own the minerals underneath my property? How can I tell if I own my minerals?
Yes, it is possible that the mineral ownership may be different than surface ownership. A deed/title search may be necessary for a resident to determine who actually owns the minerals under a piece of property.

Will drilling affect the foundation of my house?
There is no documented evidence of drilling affecting foundations. Most foundation problems occurring in the North Texas area are a result of ground swell and contraction during alternating periods of wet and dry weather.

What emergency plans are in place in case of an accident? 
In the case of gas wells, it has been determined that one plan is not a viable alternative and that if a situation should arise, it should be handled based on the type of incident and the information available.  The gas well operator must submit an emergency response plan that must be approved by the city’s Fire Marshal prior to issuance of a permit.