With the passage of Colorado Senate Bill 181, additional authority has been given to the county governments to enhance oil and gas regulations in the communities. In response, Arapahoe County has drafted an amendment to the Land Development Code to include oil and gas regulations for unincorporated parts of the county. These proposed changes are to protect quality of life, public health, safety and welfare for county residents. Public feedback on the process is critical.
Staff has drafted Oil and Gas regulations based on feedback from the public and stakeholders. The revised draft regulations are available for your review. Please direct any questions or comments to County Oil and Gas Specialist Diane Kocis by email dkocis@arapahoegov.com or by calling 720-874-6500.
Public hearings will be held on the following dates:
Aug. 17, 2021: Planning Commission - 6:30 p.m. Hearing continued to Oct. 5
Oct. 5, 2021: Planning Commission - 6:30 p.m. Hearing will be held at Lima Plaza, 6954 S. Lima Street, Centennial, CO 80112, in the Arapahoe Room
Oct. 26, 2021: Board of County Commission - 9:30 a.m. (Date is tentative)
It is important to keep in mind that the Criteria the Board of County Commissioners have given staff in drafting the new rules are as follows:
- Impact on the Public
- Alignment with the State (Colorado Oil & Gas Conservation Commission new rules & Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment new and existing rules)
- Best Management Practices
- Industry Impact
- Impact to County Resources
The Big Picture
Arapahoe County has a diverse landscape and many residents have sought a rural lifestyle in the eastern portion of the County where oil and gas drilling primarily occurs. The County is committed to balancing quality of life, health and safety issues without inhibiting responsible development through an open feedback process with stakeholders. New regulations have been drafted to reduce the impacts of oil and gas development on nearby properties and local infrastructure. Updates to the Land Development Code have provided the framework. The following issues have been raised by the community. Click the icons to explore more information. Please check back periodically for updates and announcements.