All technical industry words or phrases related to the drilling and production of oil and gas wells not specifically defined shall have the meanings customarily attributable thereto by prudent operators in the oil and gas industry. The following words, terms, and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
BUILDING. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term BUILDING shall be construed as if followed by the words “or portions thereof.”
CLOSEST EDGE OF CONSTRUCTION OR SURFACE DISTURBANCE. The nearest point or location of the drill site or pad site.
DRILLING. Digging or boring a new well for the purpose of exploring for, developing or producing oil and/or gas or other hydrocarbons, or for the purpose of injecting gas, water, or any other fluid or substance into the earth to develop, produce or improve the production of oil and/or natural gas or other hydrocarbons.
GAS. Any fluid, either combustible or noncombustible, which is produced in a natural state from the earth and which maintains a gaseous or rarefied state at standard temperature and pressure conditions and/or the gaseous components or vapors occurring in or derived from petroleum or natural gas.
GAS WELL. Any well drilled, to be drilled, or used for the intended or actual production of natural gas.
HABITABLE STRUCTURE. Any structure suitable for human habitation or occupation, including but not limited to a single or multifamily residence(s), hotel, condominium building, building for commercial purposes and enclosed spaces in which individuals congregate for education, worship, amusement or similar purposes, or in which occupants are engaged at or in labor, and which is equipped with means of egress, light and ventilation facilities. Each building of a condominium regime is considered a separate HABITABLE STRUCTURE, but if a building is divided into apartments, then the entire building, not the individual apartments, is considered a HABITABLE STRUCTURE.
OIL WELL. Any well drilled, to be drilled, or used for the intended or actual production of oil.
PUBLIC BUILDING. All buildings used or designed or intended to be used for the purpose of assembly of persons for such purposes as deliberation, entertainment, amusement, or health care. PUBLIC BUILDINGS include, but shall not be limited to, theaters, assembly halls, auditoriums, armories, mortuary chapels, dance halls, exhibition halls, museums, gymnasiums, bowling lanes, libraries, skating rinks, courtrooms, restaurants, churches, and hospitals.
PUBLIC PARK. Any land area dedicated to and/or maintained by the city for traditional park-like recreational purposes, but shall not include equestrian trails, trailheads, trails, and privately-owned or privately-managed golf courses.
RE-DRILL. Re-completion of an existing well by deepening or sidetrack operations extending more than 150 feet from the existing well bore.
RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. Any building in which persons regularly assemble for religious worship and activities intended primarily for purposes connected with such worship or for propagating a particular form of religious belief.
RESIDENCE. A house, duplex, apartment, townhouse, condominium, mobile home, or other building designed for dwelling purposes, including those for which a building permit has been issued on the date the application for an oil, gas, or combined well permit is filed with the oil and gas inspector. The term also includes structures attached to the residence, including but not limited to garages, porches, carports and similar structures.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. Public rights-of-way including streets, easements, and other property within the city and which is dedicated to the use and benefit of the public.
SCHOOL. Any public or private primary, secondary and post-secondary educational facilities providing education up through and including college
or university level courses or instruction; and any licensed day care centers, meaning a facility licensed by the State of Texas or by the City of Whitesboro, Texas, that provides care, training, education, custody, treatment or supervision for more than six children under 14 years of age, and for less than 24 hours per day.
STORAGE TANK. Any vessel, having a liquid capacity that exceeds 230 liters (60 gallons) containing a flammable or combustible product that is intended for fixed installation.
STREET. Any street, highway, sidewalk, alley, avenue, recessed parking area, or other public right-of-way, including the entire right-of-way.
TANK. A container, covered or uncovered, used in conjunction with the drilling or production of oil and gas or other hydrocarbons for holding or storing fluids.
WELL. A hole or holes, bore or bores, to any horizon, formation, or strata used for the purpose of producing oil, gas, liquid hydrocarbon, brine water, or sulphur water, or used as an injection well for secondary recovery, disposal or production of oil, gas, or other hydrocarbons from the earth.
(Ord. 1152, passed 11-10-20)