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.