Outline of Protective Zoning Categories

The following is an outline of the categories of protective zoning language. See the section on Examples of Protective Language for a full discussion and examples of each type of protective language.  

**Please note**: This list and the examples given under Examples of Protective Language are by no means exhaustive. If you know of additional types of protective ordinances, places that are not mentioned and should be, or changes to the existing ordinances that are linked here, please submit a comment and we’ll update accordingly.

We sincerely appreciate your help in keeping this an accurate and up-to-date document so that it can be the as helpful and effective as possible.

Where the infrastructure goes

• Categorizing fracking activity as an “industrial use”
• Increased Setbacks
• Overlays
• Create a Minimal Acreage

Nuisances: Limits on Noise, Light, Odors, etc.

• Noise
• Odor
• Exhaust
• Vibration
• Dust

Additional Studies, Site Information, and Notifications

• Pre-studies & Analysis
  • Air Quality Study
  • Groundwater, private well water, or general  hydrologic testing or analysis
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Map of all pre-existing gas infrastructure
  • Soil Testing
  • Risk Assessment Report
  • Geological Study
  • Traffic Study
• Additional Requirements to Include in Applications
  • Full Capacity Build-out Plans
  • Relevant DEP Permits (and their status)
  • Additional Notice to residents

Shifting Financial Burden Away From Local Governments (and You, the Taxpayer)

• Additional Bonding or Insurance Coverage
• Professional Consultant Fee Coverage
• Indemnification & Negligence Provisions
• First Responder Training

Safety

• First Responder Training
• Risk Assessment Analysis
• Copies of Emergency Protocols
• Secured Entrance Standards

Specific Kinds of Infrastructure or Stages of Infrastructure Development

• Seismic Testing Ordinances
• Pipeline Ordinances
• Injection Well Ordinances

Non-Oil & Gas Related Ordinances

• Steep Slope & Grading Ordinances
• Farmland Soil Protections
• Riparian Buffer Ordinances
• Stormwater Management
• Environmental Performance Standards

Traffic & Misc.

• Traffic
• Visual & Aesthetic Standards

Next Steps:

Begin to explore the categories of protective language by reading these articles that examine more closely content and examples for each type of protection.  Because it is so significant, you may want to begin with: Where the Infrastructure Goes