DENVER (AP)- Colorado regulators have formally voted to require new oil and gas wells to be drilled at least 500 feet from homes and buildings.

On Monday, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission voted 8-1 in favor of the new setback rule.

Currently, wells must be 150 feet from buildings in rural areas and 350 feet away in more populated areas.

The Denver Post reports that operators can still apply for permission to drill closer than 500 feet.