The McIntosh County Commission voted Tuesday to extend the zoning moratorium for the Hogg Hummock area of Sapelo Island. The move would again extend the moratorium on development for another 90 days to Aug. 19, 2026, while a new ordinance is drafted and vetted.
The commission initially imposed the pause in January, following a referendum in which voters overwhelmingly rejected the county’s 2023 zoning amendment that allowed larger structures to be built in Hogg Hummock. Many feared the new zoning would lead to gentrification, forcing Gullah Geechee descendants off the island in favor of wealthy developers.
McIntosh County Attorney Ad Poppell told the commission in Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting that extending the moratorium keeps a steady process in place. The commission has held three public listening sessions to gather information for a new ordinance. He said he expects the commission to have a draft ordinance for the zoning board to consider at its next meeting. The process requires a series of public hearings before the commission can vote to finalize a new zoning ordinance. Poppell said it may be possible “by end of summer” to have new Hogg Hummock zoning in place.
The Tide brings regular notes and observations on news and events by The Current GA staff.
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