[HISTORY: Derived from Art. XI of Ch. VII of the Charter and Ordinances, 1974, of the City of Buffalo. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Excavations — See Ch. 169.
Flammable liquids — See Ch. 186.
Gasoline — See Ch. 219.
Hazardous materials — See Ch. 235.
Liquefied petroleum gas — See Ch. 266.
No person, firm or corporation shall drill any well for gas or oil within the limits of the City of Buffalo or erect any derrick, building or other structure or place any machinery or equipment for such purpose without having obtained the consent of the Council and the permit hereinafter referred to.
Any applicant for permission to drill such a gas or oil well shall file, with the City Clerk for presentation to the Council, a verified petition giving the name, address and business of the petitioner, the location of the proposed well and the kind and nature of the drill, derrick, machinery, equipment and power proposed to be used and the kind and size of any buildings to be erected.
Before granting its consent for such drilling, a public hearing shall be held by the Council or one of its Committees upon such notice as the Council deems appropriate, and the application may be referred to the Commissioners of Fire and Public Works for their recommendations.
In granting its consent for such drilling, the Council may impose conditions in the interest of public safety and health governing the drilling operations and the placing, maintenance and removal of buildings and equipment and may limit the hours during which such drilling may be done.
Upon receiving the consent of the Council, as aforesaid, the petitioner shall obtain a permit from the Commissioner of Public Works expiring six months after the same is issued. Said permit may be renewed annually thereafter providing all building, fire and health regulations and all ordinances have been complied with.
Before said permit shall be valid, the petitioner shall file a bond with the Comptroller in the penal sum of $1,000,000, conditioned to indemnify and save harmless the City of Buffalo against all loss, cost, damage or expense which may accrue against said City because of any happening or circumstance arising from or in connection with such drilling or erection, installation and maintenance or operation of any building, structure, machinery or equipment used therefor.
After the well has been completed and all unnecessary buildings, structures, machinery and equipment have been removed and the premises placed in condition to be approved by the Commissioner of Public Works, the permittee, in lieu of said bond, may file a certificate with the Comptroller evidencing the issuance to the permittee of a policy of public liability insurance in the sum of $1,000,000 indemnifying the City of Buffalo, among others, against all loss, cost, damage or expense which may accrue by reason of the use or maintenance of such gas or oil well.