City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board Meeting – 2026-05-20

The City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board met on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 (2026-05-20), from 6:00 p.m. to 6:19 p.m. in the Deltona Commission Chambers. Seven members were present, one alternate was excused, and two members were absent. The board considered Ordinance No. 20-2025, which amends the Land Development Code to add definitions and objective standards for metal buildings, barndominiums, and storage containers. The board unanimously approved the ordinance and recommended it to the City Commission.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the April 29, 2026 meeting by voice vote, with a correction updating Rachel Amoroso from Member to Secretary. The written minutes list the item as “Minutes of April 29, 2026,” but the motion in those minutes refers to “the minutes of January 13, 2026”; this discrepancy was not addressed on the record.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the board. Chair Cardo opened and closed the public forum before and after the staff presentation.

Discussion Items

• City Attorney Good read Ordinance No. 20-2025 into the record. Community Development Services Director Jordan Smith presented the ordinance, explaining that the current code does not define barndominiums, metal buildings, or storage containers and requires case-by-case interpretation by staff. The proposed amendment adds definitions and objective standards and removes subjective discretionary aesthetic review language. Staff recommended approval and found the amendments consistent with the comprehensive plan.
• Staff stated that barndominiums would be permitted where single-family homes are allowed and would have to comply with zoning and Florida Building Code requirements, including a maximum height of 35 feet. They would be exempt from certain screening and exterior material standards. The ordinance narrows most applicability to residential areas and accessory structures, with exemptions for the Agricultural Rural Estates-1 and Rural Estates-5 zoning districts.
• Staff explained that storage containers would be allowed only as accessory structures, must be fully enclosed or screened, cannot be used as habitable space unless fully converted and permitted under the Florida Building Code, and may be used for temporary construction storage only during an active, lawfully permitted construction project. Temporary containers must be removed within 30 days of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.
• Member Northey asked whether any barndominiums currently exist in Deltona. Director Smith responded that he was not aware of any, but the city has received inquiries and currently treats them as metal buildings subject to restrictive requirements.
• Secretary Rachel Amoroso expressed support for the ordinance, saying barndominiums are more durable, energy efficient, and cheaper to build, and that the city is being proactive.
• Vice Chair Tara D’Errico asked when temporary construction storage containers may be placed on a site. Director Smith confirmed that issuance of the building permit is the trigger, and construction or use cannot begin before a permit is obtained.
• Member Lori Warnicke asked whether the ordinance would restrict dwellings built from storage containers. City Attorney Good and Director Smith responded that such structures may be permitted if they meet the Florida Building Code and applicable design standards and look like single-family homes. Commercial buildings are governed by separate architectural design standards.
• Alternate Christian O’Brien asked about tiny homes and accessory structures. Director Smith said tiny homes have separate minimum square footage requirements, and a barndominium may be used as an accessory structure if it meets accessory structure regulations. He also noted the issue was first raised in 2025 and is being addressed because of increased case volume.

Staff Comments & Administrative Updates

• Director Smith announced that board member Larry French has resigned and thanked him for his service.
• Staff noted a June 8, 2026 workshop on the Comprehensive Plan and Chapter 66 parking standards.
• Because of budget workshop scheduling, the June Planning and Zoning Board meeting was moved to Wednesday, June 10, 2026, and the July meeting to Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
• The board requested email reminders for the schedule changes.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes with the Secretary/Member correction by unanimous voice vote.
• Approved Ordinance No. 20-2025 by a 7-0 roll-call vote. Voting in favor were Chair Andrea Cardo, Vice Chair Tara D’Errico, Secretary Rachel Amoroso, Member Pat Northey, Member Lori Warnicke, Alternate Norma Jean Guida, and Alternate Christian O’Brien.
• The ordinance will advance to the City Commission, with first reading currently scheduled for June 1, 2026.
• The meeting adjourned at 6:19 p.m.