Oconee developers propose synthetic wood fence and evergreen buffer for property project

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, particularly regarding development and environmental considerations.

The meeting began with a discussion about the installation of a synthetic wood fence to enhance privacy for neighboring properties. A representative indicated that they were open to either maintaining the existing 50-foot buffer of trees or clearing it to plant evergreens and create a berm, emphasizing the importance of a clean and visually appealing buffer.

Next, the conversation shifted to a traffic study related to the development. It was clarified that the study included traffic patterns into and out of Bell Road, and a condition was set for the study to be updated before any development proceeds. This measure aims to ensure that any potential issues are addressed prior to construction.

Concerns about light pollution were also raised, with assurances that new code requirements would prevent light from crossing property lines, addressing issues that were not considered during the development of adjacent properties.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions from the commissioners, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing community concerns and ensuring compliance with regulations. Overall, the discussions highlighted the county's commitment to balancing development with environmental stewardship and community interests.