SUBJECT: Revision to Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas.
RECOMMENDATION: (Summary) An ordinance amending Chapter 47 of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas, by repealing Section 47-50(b) of the Code of Ordinances, Houston, Texas, relating to a variance for wellhead protection.
SPECIFIC EXPLANATION: Chapter 47, Article I, Section 47-50 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances contains the City’s requirements related to wellhead protection. Section 47-50(b) of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances contains a provision allowing the utility official to grant variances to the wellhead protection requirements. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has requested that the authority to grant wellhead protection variances be removed from the City of Houston Code of Ordinances. The Department of Public Works and Engineering, Drinking Water Operations has determined that no adverse effect will occur to the wellhead protection program by the removal of Section 47-50(b) of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.
It is recommended that City Council repeal Section 47-50(b) from the City of Houston Code of Ordinances according to the attached ordinance.