City of Deltona Parking Ordinance Review Workshop - February 9, 2026

The Deltona City Commission convened a workshop on February 9, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive review of Chapter 66 of the City Code, which governs parking and vehicle regulations. The workshop followed a directive from a September 2025 ordinance amendment that suspended enforcement of sections 66-16 and 66-18 and mandated a traffic consultant review. Consultants Ed Ng and Diana White of The Corradino Group led the presentation, covering crash data, planning considerations, operational trade-offs, and potential edits to the ordinance.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Blodett criticized the lack of baseline context for the 68 crashes presented over three years. He urged the commission to prioritize fire truck access safety over aesthetics and questioned commissioner impartiality, recommending the issue be handled by the Ordinance Review Committee.
• Kathy Bryan emphasized that changing family dynamics require updated parking rules and that developers should be held accountable for narrow streets. She raised safety concerns about blocked sight lines at curves and intersections and urged finding a compromise between no parking and full right-of-way parking.
• Matthew Borgins stated that Florida Statute already defines commercial vehicles, excluding common work trucks like F-150s and F-250s. He argued better definitions were needed, not broader restrictions. He cited a fatal incident where a fire truck response was delayed by parked cars.
• Pamela Brown stressed Deltona's unique character as a working-class, bedroom community. She supported distinguishing heavy commercial vehicles from standard work vehicles. She raised fire safety concerns about boats and RVs parked between homes, referencing the 1998-99 wildfires.

Discussion Items

• Crash Data and Traffic Engineering: Diana White presented crash data showing 68 crashes involving on-street parked vehicles over three years. Commissioner Nabicht argued the number was too statistically insignificant to drive broad policy changes. Commissioner Howington requested a breakdown by roadway width. Discussion covered swale damage, the difference between on-street (pavement) and right-of-way (swale) parking, and sight distance issues on curved roads.
• Community Character and Commercial Vehicles: Mayor Avila strongly opposed regulations that would effectively turn Deltona into a large HOA by restricting standard commercial vehicles (e.g., work vans with logos), stressing the working-class nature of the community. Commissioner Colwell raised concerns about modified vehicles (F-450s, booms) damaging sidewalks and swales. Commissioner Heriot urged distinguishing heavy commercial vehicles from small business vehicles. Vice Mayor Avila-Vazquez noted the lack of dedicated truck parking in the city and suggested the city explore providing it.
• Enforcement and Operational Challenges: Code Enforcement Manager Danny confirmed that most violations occur after standard enforcement hours (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and the Sheriff's Office does not enforce parking rules. Commissioners discussed the need to align enforcement capabilities with rules. Commissioner Heriot advocated for an educational plan before enforcement. Commissioner Santiago suggested revisiting driveway expansion permits. Commissioner Nabicht warned about fire hazards created by parking boats, RVs, and trailers between structures.
• New Developments and Future Options: A consensus emerged to proactively address parking in new subdivisions through the Land Development Code (wider streets, alley-load garages, fire sprinklers). Commissioner Howington proposed an HOA forum to discuss coordinated rules. Mayor Avila requested a follow-up workshop with the Sheriff and Fire Rescue to discuss enforcement and emergency access.

Key Outcomes

• No Formal Votes: This was a workshop to gather public input and provide policy direction; no ordinances were passed.
• Focus on New Subdivisions: The commission directed staff to prioritize proactive measures for future developments via updates to the Land Development Code.
• Future Workshop Scheduled: The commission agreed to hold a dedicated workshop with the Sheriff's Office and Fire Rescue to discuss enforcement feasibility and emergency access.
• Educational Plan Direction: Staff was directed to develop a comprehensive resident education plan before implementing any future enforcement changes.
• Proposed HOA Forum: Commissioner Howington's suggestion to invite Homeowners Associations for input was met with interest.
• Continued Enforcement Suspension: Enforcement of the suspended sections (66-16, 66-18) will remain on hold pending final ordinance amendments.