Overlay Districts

What are overlay districts?

  • Special areas in which additional standards 'overlay' existing zoning districts.
  • Standards impose more or less stringent limits on activities within the boundaries than may be found outside of the overlay area.
  • Overlay districts are not separate zoning districts.
  • Overlay districts do not coincide with the boundaries of any given zoning district.

Overlay Districts:

  • Lake Keoweee/Jocassee Overlay District:
    Boundary is measured 750 feet from the full pond contours of Lake Keowee (800 MSL) and Lake Jocassee (1110 MSL). Special density, special land use restrictions, and a 25-foot undisturbed buffer requirement are imposed, according to Section 38-11.0 of Article XI of the Oconee County Zoning Enabling Ordinance. This overlay area is intended to protect water quality, maintain the natural beauty, and limit any negative impacts of development around the lake. All parcels impacted by this overlay are listed in the Lake Front Parcels document.
  • I-85 Overlay District:
    An area consisting of the Carolina Gateway, Fair Play Village, and Cleveland Creek subdistricts, in which special design, density, and land use restrictions are applied. The intent of the restrictions is to promote sustainable development and marketability while maintaining the original character and lifestyle of the area. Building codes for all non-residential uses, excluding agriculture, still apply, as defined by Appendix A of the Zoning Enabling Ordinance.

Our Mission

It is the mission of Oconee County to provide our current and future citizens and visitors quality services while protecting our communities, heritage, environment and natural resources, in an ever-changing world.

Vision

Oconee County – A diverse, growing, safe, vibrant community guided by rural traditions and shaped by natural beauty; where employment, education and recreation offer a rich quality of life for all generations, both today and tomorrow.