The Arapahoe County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) on Tuesday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. will hold a public hearing on whether to enact a moratorium of up to six months on accepting new oil and gas applications for unincorporated Arapahoe County. 

If approved, the moratorium would allow Public Works and Development Planning staff to develop appropriate amendments that align current regulations with neighboring jurisdictions and industry best practices. Potential amendments would further protect public health, safety, welfare, and the environment.

The request comes after a review of the first full year of Oil and Gas regulations that were approved in November 2021. Since then, two new sites and four amendments to existing sites have been approved with the current regulations. 

Potential amendments include increased water reservoir setbacks, updating fire requirements that reflect current fire codes and increased wildlife and habitat protections. 

If the moratorium is approved, a BOCC study session is scheduled for April 10. This meeting will be streamed live and the public is encouraged to listen. No public comment is taken during study sessions. 

The County expects to have draft amendments available for public review and comment in May. Any amendments proposed to the current regulations will require approval by the Planning Commission and County Commissioners following public hearings. Hearings are tentatively set for June for the Planning Commission and August for the Board. Updates will be posted on the Oil and Gas web page..