Broomfield to consider expanding reverse setbacks

BROOMFIELD — A proposal in Broomfield could keep new homes from being built near oil and gas wells. 

The Broomfield City Council is set for a final vote Tuesday on a measure that would expand reverse setbacks for pre-production wells from 1,320 feet to 2,000 feet.

A reverse setback regulates where development can occur in relation to existing oil and gas sites, while a standard setback is used to determine where wells can be drilled in relation to existing development. 

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Broomfield leaders approved 2,000-foot setbacks last year. 

“The goal of the reverse setback is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents,” Broomfield Councilwoman Jean Lim said during a March study session. 

New residents should get the same protections as existing residents under Broomfield’s standard setback rules, she said. 

The proposed measure “will impact the available land … for uses that would be prohibited from locating near oil and gas wells,” Broomfield planning director Anna Bertanzetti told city officials this year. 

According to city documents, “The most significant impacts to land use would be experienced in areas north of West 144th Avenue.”

Projects that are already approved would be exempt from the new regulations.

The measure being considered Tuesday only applies to pre-production wells and residential developments. 

In the coming months, city leaders will consider reverse setback ordinances for producing wells, plugged or abandoned wells, and for non-residential developments.