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Residents urge stricter enforcement of noise, parking and short‑term rental activity near Clemson; council hears multiple complaints
Summary
Multiple Oconee County residents told the council about years‑long disruptions from student party houses near Clemson University, citing noise, blocked roads, safety concerns and unpaid commercial activity by ride‑hail drivers; council promised follow‑up but took no formal action.
Several Oconee County residents used the May 20 public‑comment period to urge the council to address what they described as recurring parties, noise and parking problems near Clemson University rental properties.
Lehi Hill told the council the problem has grown since about 2003, with multiple fraternity and party houses clustering near Shiloh Road and other rural roads. Hill said some party houses host large out‑of‑county crowds and questioned why a Delta Chi fraternity property carries a commercial designation while other party houses remain zoned residential.
Daryl Morris of 255 Demorest Way presented a stack of noise complaints and said enforcement by deputies has been inconsistent; he said officers sometimes reported they could not take action until 10 p.m., leaving repeated warnings rather than citations. Dr. Hailey Smith, who identified herself as a Clemson‑area resident and owner of a parcel across from the Delta Chi house, described an August 2024 incident where her pregnant self and her infant were delayed for about 30 minutes because vehicles were parked on the only access road. She told the council a local towing company would not tow on private property and said blocked roads present an emergency access risk.
Speakers also raised a business‑licensing issue for ride‑hail drivers (Uber/Lyft) operating in Oconee County but based in neighboring Pickens County; Hill suggested counties can require business licenses for these drivers. Residents asked the council to explore enforcing existing ordinances and to consider whether new rules are needed for large gatherings, short‑term rentals or commercial activity in residential zones.
Council members thanked speakers, noted the need for follow‑up with law enforcement and county staff, and said they would discuss the matters further during council comments and at a future meeting. There was no vote or ordinance introduced during the public‑comment segment.
