Oconee County Council approves moratorium on planned subdivisions with more than 10 units

Oconee County Council approved Ordinance 2026-15 on second reading during a special meeting May 7, imposing a moratorium on any new construction or development of planned subdivisions that seek to establish more than 10 residential dwelling units.

Vice Chairman Don Mize (District III) requested the ordinance, which the minutes describe as "an ordinance to impose a moratorium on any new construction or development of planned subdivisions seeking to establish more than 10 residential dwelling units, and other matters related thereto." Councilman Glenn Hart (District V) moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; the motion was seconded by Thomas James (Chairman Pro Tem, District IV) and recorded as approved, 3–0. Council members John Elliott (District I) and Matthew Durham (Chairman, District II) were listed as absent.

The meeting minutes do not specify the moratorium’s duration, effective date, or any implementing language beyond the ordinance title; those details were not provided during the meeting. The minutes also do not identify which council members cast individual yes votes, only the 3–0 tally is recorded.

The special meeting convened at 3:30 p.m. and adjourned at 3:33 p.m. County staff listed in the minutes include County Administrator Stewart Jones, Deputy Administrator Phil Shirley and County Attorney Rob Chumley; Jennifer C. Adams is listed as Clerk to Council and signed the minutes. A video recording of the meeting is available at www.oconeesc.com.

The council took no other recorded actions during the brief special meeting.