“Progress made” to end zoning squabble

The Oconee County administrator says progress has been made but, as yet, there’s no final resolution of a judge’s ruling in favor of individual property owners. The county’s action to impose an agriculture residential zoning classification on property owners who don’t want it is at the heart of the dispute. Late last year, a judge ruled in favor of Jean Jennings, David and Michelle McMahan and others. The plaintiffs had gone to court contending that the county’s inclusion of ARD zoning in its ordinance violates the South Carolina Right to Farm Act, and Judge Lawton McIntosh sided with the plaintiffs. Three months later the county moved to change the order. At that time, it’s believed the parties started to negotiate. Today Scott Moulder, the county administrator, said progress has been made, but he won’t comment further because the negotiations are not final.