Southfield limits oil drilling to industrial areas

Southfield — The City Council has approved an ordinance that would allow oil and gas wells only as a special use in industrial areas.

Councilmembers adopted the zoning change Monday in response to a company’s plan to explore drilling on land owned by a church. Mayor Ken Siver said oil and gas wells “have no place” in neighborhoods.

Separately, the city is suing Jordan Development, which was granted a state permit to drill at Word of Faith International Christian Center. A judge recently signed a temporary order that prevents any drilling work.

The church says any money that comes from the project would be used for good works.