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Residents back zoning change in public hearing; Oconee Council adopts ordinance
Summary
After a lengthy public hearing with more than two dozen speakers and 64 emailed comments in support, Oconee County Council adopted Ordinance 2024-18 on July 16, 2024 to amend minimum lot-size and maximum density rules in unincorporated areas.
Oconee County Council on July 16 adopted Ordinance 2024-18, changing minimum lot-size and maximum lot-density standards that apply to unincorporated parts of the county.
The ordinance was the subject of a public hearing at which more than two dozen residents spoke in favor and two residents spoke in opposition. Chairman Matthew Durham told the meeting he had received 64 emails in support that were filed in the meeting backup. After hearing public comment, the council approved the ordinance on third and final reading by a 4–0 vote.
Supporters who addressed the council included Watson Johnson, Martha Steele, Leigh Mackenzie, Frank and Janice Garcia, Peter Botenhoff, Marla Queen, Mary Beth Geltz, Larry Bowman, Kathy Capsouto, Barb Leonard, Dave Emmanuel, Robin MacLauchlan, Greg Barlow, Paul Liepa, Pattie Cason, Sharon Hamilton, Ron Cilensek, Robert Moore, Sandra Stricker and Kam Flynn. Two named speakers—Tom Markovick and Perry Smith—spoke in opposition during the hearing. The minutes state the council received 64 supportive emails in the backup files for the meeting.
Councilmembers discussed the ordinance briefly on the dais; Councilman John Elliott said the measure does not affect municipalities and commented on affordable housing. The council’s approval applies only to unincorporated areas, per council statements during the meeting.
Next steps: the county’s planning department was assigned follow-up tasks to update the zoning code and maps and to publish the adopted ordinance.
