Deltona Planning and Zoning Board Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Deltona Planning and Zoning Board met on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Deltona Commission Chambers. The primary agenda item was a public hearing on Ordinance No. 36-2025, which updates regulations for certified recovery residences to comply with new Florida Statutes. The board also approved minutes from the previous meeting, received staff comments about a future joint workshop, and discussed potential updates to the Land Development Code.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes – September 17, 2025: Motion by Secretary Rachel Amoroso, seconded by Member Ron Gonzalez, to approve the minutes as presented. Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• None.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance No. 36-2025 – Certified Recovery Residence Regulations
  • City Attorney Good read the ordinance into the record. Director Smith presented the proposed code updates, explaining that the amendments bring the city into compliance with Florida Senate Bill 954 after House Bill 1153 was not enacted. The ordinance revises Section 110-814 (Additional Regulations for Certain Permitted Principal Uses and Structures) and Chapter 74 (Administration) of the Land Development Code.
  • Vice Chair Tara D'Errico relayed concerns residents had shared with her, including questions about maximum occupancy, parking regulations, distance requirements from schools, parks, daycares, bars, and liquor stores, inspection requirements similar to home businesses, and property tax classification. Attorney Good explained that maximum occupancy is complicated to regulate due to constitutional protections for family units, but the city can review state licensing requirements on a case-by-case basis. He noted that state licenses account for structure size, so a small single-family home would not be licensed for a large number of residents. Director Smith confirmed that parking regulations from the Land Development Code would apply to recovery residences.
  • During the discussion, Secretary Amoroso noted that an older version of the ordinance (in the board's book) included language allowing up to two residents per bedroom, but that language was based on the failed House Bill and was removed in the updated handout provided that day. The final ordinance does not include a specific occupancy-per-bedroom limit, instead relying on safety standards and reasonable accommodation provisions.
  • The board discussed that recovery residences are treated as residential uses under the city's zoning code. The question of taxation (commercial vs. residential) would be determined by the Property Appraiser's Office.

Key Outcomes

• Recommendation to Approve Ordinance No. 36-2025: Motion by Secretary Amoroso, seconded by Member David Stewart, to recommend that the City Commission approve the ordinance. The motion carried by a vote of 7 to 0 in favor: Chair Andrea Cardo, Vice Chair Tara D'Errico, Secretary Rachel Amoroso, Member Ron Gonzalez, Member Pat Northey, Member David Stewart, and Alternate Jeffrey Zlatos. (Alternate Lori Warnicke was present but did not vote.)
• Joint Workshop Announced: Director Smith stated that a joint workshop between the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Commission will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 5:30 PM. Topics will include air-based amendments related to the Comprehensive Plan update and Chapter 1 (Future Land Use, Housing, Property Rights, and Mixed Use Centers). The board requested a reminder email.
• Alternate Selection: Director Smith noted that the City Commission will select an alternate member for the Planning and Zoning Board at their next meeting.
• Land Development Code Update: In response to Member Northey's inquiry about previous board requests regarding code updates (including accessibility for older buildings), Director Smith said those items would be referred to the Ordinance Review Committee, but no major changes will occur until after the Comprehensive Plan update is completed.