Oconee County

This document provides an overview of the Oconee County Government's status, detailing key operational and financial aspects. It covers county budget expenditures and revenues, tax digest, personnel, residential building permits, and the activities of various departments including Planning & Code Enforcement, Public Works/Transportation, Parks & Recreation, Communications, Tourism & Visitors Bureau, Fire Rescue/OCFR, Water Resources, Senior Center, Civic Center, Keep Oconee County Beautiful, Elections, and SPLOST 27 Renewal, looking towards 2026. This comprehensive report outlines the county's current and projected operational status.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners considered and denied a request to rezone a 6-acre tract of land from AG (Agricultural District) to AR-3 (Agricultural Residential Three Acre District). The applicant, Ronald T. Chapman, sought the rezoning for property located at 1810 Elder Mill Road. Staff analysis indicated that the proposed AR-3 zoning would not be in harmony with the low density of adjacent parcels, as the majority of parcels in the area exceed 10 acres. The Comprehensive Plan supports AG zoning only in this Character Area. Staff finds the proposed Ar-3 zone is NOT in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners considered an application to revise the conditions for a previously approved rezone for property located on Champions Way. The proposed changes involve increasing the total allowable square footage for an office park development. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on November 17, 2025. The key discussion points included the suitability of the proposed use, the impact on community facilities and the environment, and the consistency with the county's comprehensive plan. Conditions were set regarding development design, construction of improvements, right-of-way improvements, building facade materials, sidewalk extensions, vehicular access, total building area, sewer system certification, and emergency access.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners addressed a resolution to grant Special Use Approval for property owned by Carter Engineering Consultants. The approval allows for revisions to conditions for a previously approved special use case, specifically modifying condition #7 to not apply to the Robinhood Road side of the property. The changes aim to bring the existing parking lot into compliance with UDC Article 8, while preserving existing trees and minimizing disruption to the parking area.

The Oconee County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing to discuss the revision of conditions for a previously approved rezone. Key points of discussion included combining lots 5 and 6 into one lot and approving a revised concept plan for a retail center. Conditions were set for site development, construction of public water and waste services, right-of-way improvements, and traffic analysis. The board also addressed the grading of ditch sections, submission of an administrative plat, visual screening of service areas, and restrictions on outdoor merchandise displays. Specific uses were disallowed within the B-2 zoning district.