Port Wentworth council unanimously adopts moratorium on rezonings for new gas stations

Port Wentworth City Council on July 18 voted unanimously to impose a temporary moratorium on rezoning any property to establish a new service station. The measure, driven by council members and explained by City Manager Steve Davis, is intended to pause approvals while the city updates its future land use map and makes minor adjustments to the zoning ordinance.

City Manager Steve Davis told the council the pause responds to rapid growth and several pending projects: "We currently have 14 gas stations and 3 that already have zoning approval and special use permits but are not constructed yet, which is 17 total," he said, and described the moratorium as a short-term administrative pause to allow staff time to revise the comprehensive land-use guidance. Davis also noted the city saw roughly a 17% year-over-year population increase last year and that permit activity has increased this year; he added the Development Services department currently has a vacancy following the recent passing of the assistant city manager.

The council adopted the resolution without dissent. The motion to impose the moratorium was moved by Council Member Rufus Bright and seconded by Council Member Mark Stephens; the minutes record a unanimous vote by those present: Thomas Barbee, ArtLise Alston-Cone, Gabrielle Nelson, Mark Stephens, Rufus Bright and Shawn Randerwala.

The resolution text and the moratorium’s duration were not specified in the meeting record; council discussion and City Manager remarks indicated the pause is intended to remain in effect while staff works on the future land use map and draft ordinance changes. The council did not set a public timeline for completing those updates during the meeting. Staff will return to the council with proposals for the future land use map and any zoning-text amendments for further action.