The zoning regulations and districts as set forth in this chapter have been made in accordance with the Oconee County Comprehensive Plan. These regulations are designed to lessen traffic congestion, to protect public safety, to promote the health and general welfare of the citizens of Oconee County, reduce the sprawl of development, to provide adequate light and air, to prevent overcrowding of land, to avoid undue concentration of population, and to facilitate the adequate provisions of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements. These regulations have been made with reasonable consideration of the character of each community and reflect concern for protecting the property and lifestyles of all Oconee County citizens.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

The provisions of this chapter are adopted under authority of the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994, S.C. Code Title 6, Chapter 29.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

The regulations set forth in this chapter shall be applicable within the unincorporated areas of Oconee County.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

In the event that a regulation in this chapter conflicts with any other county regulation or zoning districts, the more stringent standard shall apply.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

If, for any reason, one or more sections, sentences, clauses, or parts of this chapter are held unconstitutional or invalid, such decision shall not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions of this chapter and they shall remain in full force and effect.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

Any lawfully existing land use or structure present at the time zoning regulations are adopted and/or amended by county council shall be exempt from these regulations or such amended regulations, respectively, until such a time as the intensity of use changes, or the use is abandoned as outlined in section 38-4.1. Nonconforming (or grandfathered) uses shall be subject to the standards listed in Article 4, "Nonconforming Uses", of this chapter.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)

This chapter was first adopted on third and final reading of Oconee County Ordinance 2007-18 by county council on November 6, 2008, and implemented on May 1, 2009.

(Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 5-15-2012)