Title
Conduct public workshop to:
a. Consider a preliminary draft ordinance to add Chapter 16.58 to the Monterey County Code to establish exemption procedures for land uses associated with oil and gas operations in order to implement provisions of Measure Z, a voter-approved initiative measure; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Proposed CEQA Action: Statutorily exempt per CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Consider a preliminary draft ordinance to add Chapter 16.58 to the Monterey County Code to establish exemption procedures for land uses associated with oil and gas operations in order to implement provisions of Measure Z, a voter-approved initiative measure; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY:
Measure Z authorizes the Board of Supervisors to adopt ordinances to implement Measure Z. Measure Z contains exemptions, but there is a need to develop procedures to implement the exemptions. This ordinance establishes the administrative processes to implement the exemptions. The purpose of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for staff to present the draft ordinance to the Board of Supervisors, for the Board to take public comment on the procedures, and for the Board to provide direction to staff. Following the workshop, staff would prepare a final draft ordinance and return to the Board at a noticed public hearing for the Board to consider adoption.
DISCUSSION:
Measure Z is an initiative measure adopted by the voters of Monterey County on November 8, 2016. Measure Z prohibits land uses in support of well stimulation treatments in oil and gas production or recovery including hydraulic fracturing, prohibits land uses in support of oil and gas wastewater injection and impoundment subject to a five- year phase-out period, and prohibits the drilling of new oil and gas wells in the County's unincorporated areas. Measure Z provides for exemptions from its provisions to enable per...
Click here for full text