Oconee County Magistrate Court Judge Finds Oconee Waste Transport Violated Zoning Ordinance
Oconee County Magistrate Court Judge Eric Norris on Friday found Matt Elder in violation of a county zoning ordinance when Elder began operating his Oconee Waste Transport business before 6 a.m. on July 11 of this year.
Though Elder pled not guilty to the charge, he admitted operating his trucks on his lot before the allowed opening time. Elder’s attorney contended that since Oconee Waste Transport had not opened the business office, it was not in violation of the zoning restriction.
Norris disagreed, saying “I think I have to find that if the business was conducted prior to 6 a.m. or after 6:30 p.m....there is a violation.”
Norris did not decide on Friday if he will grant the county’s request to fine Elder $1,000 for the violation. Norris asked attorneys for Elder and the county to submit to him suggestions on the next course of action.
Norris said he expects his decision to be appealed.
For more on the trial on Friday and video clips of testimony, go to Oconee County Observations.
james hunter
8:04 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
I think this is crazy the man is trying to work and make aliving pay taxes and so what if he needs to get there early.Do u know how many people wont even get up by ten because they get gov.paycheck.And hes not even close to any houses and he made his building so nice so it wouldnt be a eyesore to the county.I say if this is all it is to it leave the man alone.James Hunter
Racer X
9:20 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
James-
You have a good point. Mr. Elder is indeed a hard working man and deserves consideration. The rub is that he knew about the County Zoning ordinance before he built his shop and the County already made special allowances for him to build his shop where it now is.
The people that live around there may well be hard working folks as well. I believe waking them up before 6:00 by running equipment, especially when it is a violation of County ordinance, is not very considerate to them.