McIntosh County voters to decide fate of controversial Sapelo Island zoning ordinance

McINTOSH COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Voters in McIntosh County will decide Tuesday whether to repeal a controversial zoning ordinance that more than doubled the size of homes allowed in Sapelo Island’s Hog Hammock community.

The 2023 zoning ordinance passed by the McIntosh County commission drew immediate backlash from residents of one of Georgia’s last intact Gullah Geechee communities. Residents expressed concerns the ordinance would allow development that would fundamentally change the fabric of the community.

In July 2024, activists and Sapelo Island residents collected enough signatures to put repealing the ordinance to a vote. McIntosh County ended up challenging this in court, leading to a legal battle that reached the Georgia Supreme Court.

In October 2025, the court ruled in favor of the Gullah Geechee people, clearing the way for Tuesday’s election.

Polls will be open in McIntosh County from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.