Macon County tightens permit threshold to 1 acre amid public objections

The Macon County Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 on Aug. 13 to adopt an amendment to the county's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Ordinance that raises the permitting threshold from one-half acre to one acre, a change recommended by the Planning Board.

Commissioner Shearl moved adoption, and Commissioner Higdon seconded. The motion passed with Commissioners Shearl, Higdon, Shields and Young voting in favor and Commissioner Antoine opposed.

Members of the public urged the board not to relax protections. Technical and community speakers warned the change would make enforcement harder and could lead to greater erosion, sedimentation and damage to streams and rivers. "The changes would cause irreversible damage to the county," said Alex Haiss, who asked the board to "listen to the experts" and to protect land and waterways for future generations. Bill McClarney provided a technical document for board review and asked whether certain subcommittee meetings complied with open meetings law.

Commissioners said they appreciated the public input but favored the Planning Board's recommendation; the board discussed enforcement and stop-order authorities as part of the motion. The board adopted the change despite repeated public requests for more time and outreach.

Board action: the ordinance amendment was approved 4-1; the board directed staff to carry out enforcement steps and follow-up work related to violations and stop orders.

Provenance: public commenters raised concerns during the public comment period and again during the Old Business discussion before the vote.

Next steps: County staff will implement the ordinance amendment and address enforcement questions raised by commissioners and commenters.