Can a permit be administratively issued for a new gas well?
Yes. The Town’s ordinances provide that if an applicant meets the requirements of the oil and gas ordinances, than the oil and gas inspector shall issue a permit for the drilling of the well or the installation of the facilities for which the permit application was made. If there is an appeal from the applicant, usually because a setback variance is needed, then the Oil and Gas Board of Appeals either grants or denies the requested variances. In addition, section 2.02.3 of the Town Charter authorizes the Town Manager to enforce state law and Town ordinances.