No oil or gas exploration or production related use may commence without or inconsistent
with a Conditional Use Permit approved pursuant to this Chapter. Furthermore, a Zoning
Clearance must be obtained by the permittee to confirm consistency with the Coastal
Zoning Ordinance and/or Conditional Use Permit prior to drilling every well, commencing
site preparation for such well(s), and/or expansion of existing facilities, including
redrilling of existing wells or changing from a producing well to a water injection
well, or installing related appurtenances as defined by the Planning Director, or
prior to abandonment. However, a single Zoning Clearance may be issued for more than
one (1) well or drill site or structure. Possession of an approved Conditional Use
Permit shall not relieve the operator of the responsibility of securing and complying
with any other permit that may be required by other County ordinances, or State or
Federal laws. No condition of a Conditional Use Permit for uses allowed by this Chapter
shall be interpreted as permitting or requiring any violation of law, or any lawful
rules, or regulations or orders of an authorized governmental agency. When more than
one (1) set of rules apply, the stricter one shall take precedence.
