Sapelo Island descendants seek to block larger homes

Voters will decide a referendum on Sapelo Island to overturn a 2023 McIntosh County zoning change that doubled the maximum home size in Hogg Hummock; residents say the change could lead to higher property tax assessments.

Voters in McIntosh County are deciding a referendum on Sapelo Island about whether larger homes should be allowed in the small Hogg Hummock community. Island landowners organized the vote after commissioners in 2023 increased the maximum allowed home size and residents voiced concern the change could raise property tax assessments. Organizers gathered more than 2,300 petition signatures and asked the Georgia Supreme Court to force a special election. County officials have said they may respond to a repeal in several ways, and assessors are examining property revaluation for the area. Key facts: - In 2023 McIntosh County commissioners raised the maximum home size in Hogg Hummock from 1,400 to 3,000 square feet. - Island residents gathered more than 2,300 petition signatures and challenged the commissioners before the Georgia Supreme Court to secure a special election. - County assessors are considering revaluing Hogg Hummock properties; the chief appraiser cited a possible rise in half-acre values from about $27,500 to $145,000 based on recent sales. - Commissioners have said that if voters repeal the zoning change they could treat Hogg Hummock as having no limits, pursue a new zoning law, or consider a moratorium on zoning and building permits. Summary: The referendum scheduled for Tuesday will decide whether residents can overturn the county's 2023 zoning change. Undetermined at this time; officials and landowners have said legal and administrative actions could follow depending on the vote outcome.