Committee moves noise-enforcement changes for Clemson-area fraternities; considers listing Tannerite in fireworks rules

Oconee County's Law Enforcement, Public Safety, Health and Welfare Committee on the committee's special meeting voted to send revised noise-related ordinances to the full County Council after representatives described enforcement steps focused on Clemson University fraternities and on reducing disturbance complaints.

The committee's discussion centered on enforcement practices, outreach and closer coordination with Clemson University. Mr. Root, a Sheriff's Office representative, told the committee that deputies have been retrained on the county's noise ordinance and on an objective decibel standard the county added a few years ago to reduce inconsistent enforcement. "The noise ordinance has been getting a lot of attention," Root said, adding that the county currently has "about 10 10 to 11 fraternities" that draw most complaints, with "6 down at the Pier, Apartment Village Complex" and "another 4 or 5" near Seneca.

Root described…