Deltona Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - September 17, 2025

The Deltona Planning and Zoning Board met on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The board approved minutes from the previous meeting, considered three new business items, and concluded with staff and board comments. Key actions included granting a major variance for a quick service oil change facility, recommending approval of updates to communication antenna regulations, and recommending approval of amendments to the administration code to encourage urban infill redevelopment.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of August 20, 2025: Approved unanimously (9-0) with a correction to the motion language regarding Ordinance No. 32-2025, changing "failed" to "passed."

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7A (Variance): Eric Sewell, owner of 3135 Howland Boulevard, opposed the variance, arguing that the 150-foot frontage requirement is necessary for safety and that the applicant's hardship is self-created. Mike Chavlo, representing 3174 Howland Boulevard, requested consideration of a frontage road to reduce curb cuts along Howland Boulevard, but did not object to the variance itself.
• Items 7B and 7C: No public speakers.

Discussion Items

• Item 7A – Resolution 2025-116 (Major Variance): Staff Planner Brandon Hatch presented the request to reduce the required street frontage from 150 feet to 100 feet for a quick service oil change facility (Five Minute Quick Change) at 3150 Howland Boulevard. The property had prior conditional use approval for the oil change use. The applicant's attorney, Bill Barfield, argued that quick service oil changes do not require 150 feet of frontage because customers remain in their vehicles, and the reduction would allow the lot to be subdivided for a second use (a retail space). Board discussion included concerns about traffic, queuing, and precedent. Staff recommended approval. The board voted 5-2 to grant the variance, with Vice Chair D'Errico and Member Northey dissenting.
• Item 7B – Ordinance 33-2025 (Communication Antennas and Towers): Director Jordan Smith presented updates to Chapter 82 to align with the current zoning code, removing outdated references to a tower map and Deltona Lakes plans, and adding design standards for osprey nesting platforms. Member Larry French requested the inclusion of information from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the American Bird Conservancy regarding tower impacts on birds. The board voted 7-0 to recommend approval to the City Commission, with the direction to staff to evaluate adding such references.
• Item 7C – Ordinance 30-2025 (Chapter 74 Administration, Urban Infill): Director Smith presented amendments to streamline plat approvals in compliance with Senate Bill 784, giving the Planning Director final authority for plats and replats, and establishing an urban infill redevelopment program as a conditional use reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board. The program provides flexibility on zoning standards for vacant or underutilized parcels. Vice Chair D'Errico asked about contingency plans if the Director is unavailable and about ensuring underutilized lots are not flood-prone. The board voted 7-0 to recommend approval.

Key Outcomes

• Item 7A: Approved Resolution 2025-116 (major variance) by a vote of 5-2 (For: Chair Cardo, Secretary Amoroso, Member Gonzalez, Alternates French and Warnicke; Against: Vice Chair D'Errico and Member Northey).
• Item 7B: Recommended City Commission approval of Ordinance 33-2025, with a request to evaluate adding wildlife impact references, by a vote of 7-0.
• Item 7C: Recommended City Commission approval of Ordinance 30-2025 by a vote of 7-0.
• Staff Comment: Welcomed Alternate Larry French as a new permanent member, noting an alternate will be appointed by the City Commission.
• Board Comments: Members thanked staff for educational class information.