Oconee County Council enacts moratorium on new large planned subdivisions after developer objections

Oconee County Council voted 4–0 on May 19 to adopt Ordinance 2026-15, imposing a temporary moratorium on new planned residential subdivisions proposing more than 10 dwelling units. Chairman Matthew Durham left the meeting early; the vote to approve the ordinance as amended was recorded before his departure.

Councilman Don Mize introduced the ordinance, which members amended on the floor to clarify that covered developments include "townhomes, apartments, duplexes or any other multi-unit development exceeding ten (10) dwelling units." The amendment to section 1(b) was made by Chairman Matthew Durham, seconded by Councilman John Elliott, and the amended ordinance passed unanimously by the four members present at that point.

The moratorium drew multiple public comments during a public hearing. Tom Markovich and Brian Wilson spoke in opposition. Ronald Martin urged Council to grandfather an existing contract on his property. Private developer Craig Roy also asked that his project tied to Mr. Martin’s contract be allowed to proceed. Brent Little, representing the Project Green Paw development at Davis Creek Road and Highway 123 in Seneca, told Council that the project team had invested two years and approximately $5 million in the development and urged that the work continue without interruption. Those requests for grandfathering were voiced but not adopted as part of the action recorded at the meeting.

Council handled other items on the agenda in short order. On second reading, Council amended and approved Ordinance 2026-13 authorizing a real property lease of the "Tobacco Barn" at 123 Brown Square Drive to Oconee History Museum, Inc.; County Attorney Rob Chumley requested insertion of the word "exterior" in Article 1 to clarify that the exterior retaining wall is not part of the leased premises. Council also approved Ordinance 2026-14 on second reading, a property tax exemption measure that would exempt 42.75% of fair market value of certain watercraft and motors according to S.C. Code Ann. §12-37-220(B)(38)(B).

Additional business advanced by unanimous 4–0 votes included Ordinance 2026-16 (an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Seneca for administration of 911 and dispatch services) and Ordinance 2026-17 (renaming the county zoning "Control Free District" to "General Use District" and making conforming code changes). First readings for conveyance of easements to Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative (Ordinances 2026-19 and 2026-20) were approved on first reading, and Resolutions 2026-07 (initiating a comprehensive zoning/design standards review) and 2026-08 (retiree eligibility clarification) were adopted on first and final reading.

Staff provided background on Purchase Order 56366 with Goodwyn Mills & Cawood, Inc., related to FEMA Public Assistance work stemming from Hurricane Helene and prior change orders; staff said $547,104 in reimbursements had been received to date and recommended a second change order of $25,000, bringing the PO total to $198,500. That agenda item had been removed earlier in the meeting at the county attorney’s request and received no further action during the session.

Council entered executive session to receive legal advice on several matters, including additional opioid litigation settlements, property acquisition and potential lawsuits, and emergency services contracts. After returning to open session and with Chairman Durham absent, Council voted 3–0 to authorize the County Administrator to remain in the national opioid class action lawsuit and to direct the County Attorney to enter negotiations regarding a proposed sale and disposition of county-owned real property.

The meeting concluded with approval of first reading in title only for Ordinance 2026-18 (confirming a property purchase and authorizing a lease to Carra H. Orr) and adjournment at 8:04 p.m. The full meeting record indicates where votes, amendments and public comments are shown in the official minutes and video archive.