Raising the “roof” for Oconee industry

If a new ordinance passes, Oconee County will lift the restriction against the height of an industrial building. First reading of ordinance 2014-28 is on the agenda next week for County Council. According to the particulars of the ordinance, the current 65-foot height limit would give way to a 200-foot limit. More than anything, District Two’s Wayne McCall says, this is being driven by a federal regulation. The EPA is requiring electro-static scrubbers for industrial smokestacks. County Administrator Scott Moulder says starting with a request from Duke Energy for an exception to the 65-foot limit, Oconee has noticed a pattern. The ordinance would apply to structures inside zoned industrial districts and structures inside areas designated as industrial parks. And considering that a code-named economic development project (“Sarah”) is also on this Tuesday’s agenda, speculation arises that Oconee may have a pending deal with an industry in need of a height limit greater than 65 feet. “One could only assume that, couldn’t they.” Moulder told 96.3/WGOG NEWS. At this point, Moulder said he can’t provide details about the “Sarah” project.