Oconee planning panel approves zoning change to allow car wash and oil‑change outlot at Eppsbridge Center

The Oconee County Planning Commission voted to recommend approval of rezoning case P240036, a request by Hepsbridge Center 2 LLC to modify prior conditions and the concept plan for an Eppsbridge Center outparcel to allow an automotive oil‑change/lubrication shop and a car wash to be added to previously permitted retail, banking and restaurant uses.

The change, presented to the commission by planning staff, would amend prior Case 6812 conditions and expand the list of allowed uses on Parcel A01AT001OP to include automotive oil change and lubrication shops, automotive accessories and tire stores, and car washes, subject to the standard staff conditions and additional limits on outdoor storage.

Why it matters: the planning commission’s approval sends the request to the Oconee County Board of Commissioners for final action. Supporters said the uses respond to tenant interest at the shopping center; opponents said the added uses represent low‑wage, transitory businesses and could alter a center originally rezoned for retail, banking and restaurants.

Staff presentation and applicant position Planning staff described the request as an amendment to the prior zoning (Case 6812), provided a recorded plat and a proposed concept plan showing the locations of a car wash and an oil‑change facility, and recommended conditional approval with standard conditions restricting outdoor storage and requiring architectural materials per the concept plan.

Frank Bishop, representing Eppsbridge Center 2 LLC, told the commission he and the owner “agree with the recommendation of the planning staff” and said the proposed uses were requested by a major tenant at the center to serve patrons.

Public comment and concerns Dan McGee, an Oconee resident, opposed the change, saying the area was rezoned previously for “retail, banking and restaurants” and that adding car washes and oil‑change outlets would shift the character and the kinds of jobs created. “Those are low‑form economic development. You do not age well,” McGee said, adding that the county already has similar businesses nearby.

Commission discussion and vote Commissioners questioned driveway ownership and whether any off‑site road improvements would be required. The applicant said the access road was owned by Eppsbridge Center Associates and that a traffic study indicated the driveway could serve the proposed uses; the applicant said no improvements were planned unless the county required them.

Commissioner Matt made the motion to approve P240036 with staff conditions; a second was recorded. The commission voted to recommend approval by a 5–4 count. The item will proceed to the Board of Commissioners for final action.

Votes at a glance - P240036 (Hepsbridge Center outparcel) — Motion to recommend approval with staff conditions; vote recorded as 5–4 in favor; forwarded to Board of Commissioners for final decision.