Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Amendment 3 budget gap and FY 2027/28 revenue strategies
Voters passed Amendment 3, which raises the homestead exemption and caps non-homestead value growth — costing DeLand an estimated $5.2 million next fiscal year and $8.8 million the year after. The city has to find new revenue, cut services, or both to balance the budget. This meeting was the kickoff of that multi-meeting process.
Rear storefront alteration at 116 W. New York Avenue
The owner of a 1925 brick building in the Downtown Historic District wants to add a glass egress door and roll-up security doors on sides not visible from Georgia Avenue. It's a test of how the board balances historic character with practical security and safety needs.
New firefighters and police officer sworn into city service
DeLand's fire and police departments are adding staff — three new firefighters and one new police officer were introduced. More personnel helps response times and coverage as the city grows.
General election results declared and Organizational Meeting set
Mayor Chris Cloudman, Commissioner Jessica Davis and Commissioner Kevin Reid were all elected without opposition in August, so no runoff was needed. They'll be sworn in for new four-year terms at the Organizational Meeting on November 17, 2026.
West Voorhis Avenue Streetscape Project
The CRA had to decide how much of the West Voorhis streetscape redesign to build with its $1.5 million in reserves. The project would narrow the road, slow traffic, and add wider sidewalks and bike accommodations. Picking the full Alternative 1 means borrowing about $220,000.
Fire prevention fee schedule revision
The Commission took up a resolution revising the fire prevention fee schedule — the charges the city collects for fire inspections and prevention services. Changes here can affect what businesses and property owners pay.
Proposed Wawa convenience store with gas pumps at ISB and Spring Garden
A special exception for a Wawa convenience store with gas pumps at ISB and Spring Garden, which would join two other Wawas in the area — locals joked about a 'triangle of Wawas.' It moves to Planning Board once comments are addressed.
The Vue at Blue Lake townhome development
A 35-unit townhome community on 6.1 acres near Blue Lake with a single entrance, walking paths, and a secondary emergency access route the county wants left unpaved at the property line. It still needs Planning Board and two City Commission public hearings before approval.
Stetson Baptist Church storage outbuilding
A storage building for dry goods that has been in review for over six months, with the applicant frustrated by what he called redundant comments. The committee required driveway apron paving, landscaping details, tree coverage counts, and a note that any future mechanical equipment be screened — partly out of concern that church outbuildings can creep into other uses.
Commercial land use and rezone near West Volusia and South Spring Garden
The 1925 Ida Erhart Apartments, a six-unit building one block from Stetson, got the green light to become a boutique hotel — legally, the only zoning that matches the comprehensive plan. Neighbors fear it 'cracks' a residential block inside a National Register district and sets the stage for offices replacing historic homes. Several speakers also asked the city to consider a transitional mixed-use zoning district for edges like this.
Community development trends report
The quarterly financial report showed revenue and spending compared to last year, with growth slower than hoped. Developers are waiting before committing, which could affect future city revenues.
Six-foot fence variance at 1035 E. Voorhis Avenue
A corner-lot homeowner wants to replace a four-foot chain-link fence with a six-foot wooden fence along the street side, saying vehicles have repeatedly struck the house. Staff found no visibility or neighborhood problems.
Water and Sewer Fund; Water and Wastewater Trust Fund
The commission was scheduled to review the water and sewer fund budget and the water and wastewater trust fund, which affect utility rates.
Economic development contract renewals
Renewals of the Team Volusia economic development contract and the Chamber of Commerce economic retention agreement were scheduled, continuing the city's business recruitment and retention efforts.
Oak Terrace Community Development District
A first reading was scheduled on an ordinance creating the Oak Terrace Community Development District, a special taxing mechanism often used to finance infrastructure for new developments.
Repeal of the Downtown Fair Share Agreement
A first reading was scheduled to repeal the Downtown Fair Share Agreement, which historically governed how downtown development contributed to infrastructure costs. Repeal could change obligations for downtown projects.
Volusia Sheriff's Office Headquarters utility agreements
Utility service and fair share agreements were scheduled for approval to support the new Sheriff's Office Headquarters commercial project.
Wiley M. Nash plant floodproofing and Lift Station #1 relocation
The city itself proposes a new wastewater lift station at 222 West Carolina Avenue to relieve downtown sewer capacity, a public infrastructure investment.
DeLand Municipal Airport south-central apron rehabilitation
The Municipal Airport Fund covers operations and improvements at DeLand's airport. Its budget review sets priorities for aviation facilities and services.
Orange Camp Commercial South development
The city annexed about 25 acres near the I-4 interchange and set about 22 acres of it to Highway Commercial land use and C-2 General Commercial zoning. It's a gateway to the city, so expect highway-style commercial development and the traffic that comes with it.
Historic tree mitigation on the Orange Camp site
The city annexed about 25 acres near the I-4 interchange and set about 22 acres of it to Highway Commercial land use and C-2 General Commercial zoning. It's a gateway to the city, so expect highway-style commercial development and the traffic that comes with it.
Stormwater drainage design questions
Engineering staff had flagged multiple drainage report issues, including curve numbers and retention of the 100-year storm. The applicant agreed to submit live transmittal reports addressing pre- versus post-development runoff, which staff will review with the resubmittal.
Unpermitted construction work
A dozen-plus cases involve electrical, plumbing, renovation, garage-enclosure and mechanical work done without required permits — often by property owners or investors. The magistrate was set to issue findings and orders on each.
Habitability — residence without electricity
A case at 618 Larry Dr alleged people living in a home without electricity — a health-and-safety issue, not just a paperwork one.
Property maintenance and nuisance violations
A large share of the docket involves everyday upkeep violations — cars parked on grass, overgrown lots, junk and debris, and unpermitted structures. Fines and liens can accrue on properties that stay out of compliance.
Unsafe and deteriorated residential structures
A house on W Minnesota is cited for a missing exterior wall, collapsed floor, extensive rot, extension cords used as wiring, junk vehicles, and unpermitted structures — several as repeat violations facing potential fines. Neighbors have a stake in whether the property is cleaned up or the structure is declared unsafe.
Mobile Home Park Rent Increase
Residents of the city-owned DeLand Municipal Mobile Home Park were facing a proposed $30 per month lot rent increase starting January 2027.
Downtown CRA funding priorities
The Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency Fund covers reinvestment in DeLand's historic downtown core. Its budget discussion shapes how much money flows to downtown improvements next year.
FY 2026-27 Millage Rate Set at 6.1841 Mills
The Commission approved the proposed millage ceiling for next year's budget — 2.70% above roll-back — citing uncertainty around the property tax ballot measure and a regional trend of holding or slightly raising rates.
MainStreet DeLand Update and District Expansion
MainStreet DeLand is launching a downtown business academy, conducting property owner assessments, and working to expand the MainStreet district beyond its historic core — which could bring more of the surrounding area into downtown programs.
Centennial Square Gate Design
The CRA is continuing a project to spruce up the entry to Centennial Square Park with a decorative iron gate, new lighting, and a mural, separating the improved space from the service alley behind it. Safety and lighting of the full alley remain a board concern.
Historic Tree Removals
Two resolutions were scheduled on removing historic trees — one at Stetson University's Nemec Hall parking lot and one at 445 North Hill Avenue — each requiring a replacement Live Oak.
Right-of-Way Permitting Process
Ordinance 2026-19 would create a formal permitting process for construction in the public right-of-way, with a new fee schedule. It affects contractors, utilities and anyone digging in city streets.
Country Club Pointe redevelopment plat
A preliminary plat covering about 2.64 acres on South Woodland Boulevard was before the board — an early but meaningful step in redeveloping the Country Club Pointe area, shaping future lots, streets, and drainage.
The Vue at Blue Lake townhomes
A 35-unit townhome development is proposed on 6.1 acres at 263 North Blue Lake Avenue, adding housing options in the city.
Jacobs Corner mixed-use planned development
A 4.63-acre mixed-use planned development on East Plymouth Avenue, continued to this meeting at the applicant's request.
Woodland Towers nursing home expansion
A PD amendment would raise the maximum number of beds allowed for the Woodland Towers nursing home on 6 acres at 120 Chipola Avenue.
RC Hills dealership expansion and façade improvements
Residents on the last undeveloped stretch of Woodland Boulevard fought the dealership's 16,500-square-foot expansion, citing an 8-foot elevation drop toward their homes, a dirt road that already floods, noise at 4 a.m., light pollution, and well-water contamination risk. The board attached conditions but the underlying fear — that the exfiltration trench will clog and send water downhill — goes to the City Commission.
Taylor Ridge corner-lot standards cleanup
A technical fix so one lot in the Taylor Ridge subdivision isn't doomed by a drafting oversight: corner lots on curves will now follow standard minimum widths, and Lot 31 can be built as planned. Minor, but it shows how PD language quirks can derail home construction.
Summit Place cottage homes as first-time-buyer option
The developer of Summit Place can now choose to build 90 detached cottage homes instead of 114 townhomes in phase two. Applicant data says 85% of buyers for this product are first-time buyers, with average pricing around $226,000 — a rare entry-level ownership option in DeLand.
RV carport variance on Edgewood Boulevard
A corner-lot homeowner won approval to build a 17-foot RV carport 9 feet from the street-side line, where 20 feet is required. The board conditioned it on keeping the hedge screen — the carport sits 200 feet from the nearest intersection, so sightlines aren't affected.
2026 Tax Abatement for Total Renal Laboratories, Inc.
The city was asked to grant a 100% property tax abatement for tax year 2026 to Total Renal Laboratories, Inc. — an incentive aimed at supporting local business investment.
Water Treatment Expansion Project, Phase 2 — Camera System Upgrades
A sole source purchase from DataFlow Communications would upgrade camera systems for the water treatment expansion, Phase 2.
Development and Connection Fee Amendments
Ordinance 2026-22 would update development and connection fees in Chapter 30 of the code. New construction costs and who pays for growth-driven infrastructure could shift as a result.
Water, Sewer and Reclaimed Water Rate Amendments
Ordinance 2026-21 would amend the city's water, sewer/wastewater and reclaimed water rates. Utility bills and the cost of doing business in DeLand could change if it passes.
Pedestrian safety at Orange Camp frontage road crossing
Reviewers flagged a long, unsafe pedestrian crossing at the frontage road intersection and pushed for a concrete traffic separator and possibly a refuge island to make it safer.
Stormwater Engineering Consultant Selection
The city is hiring a stormwater engineering consultant and Commissioner Dan Reed will sit on the selection committee, with interviews expected the week of August 24.
Invasive Cogon Grass Near Victoria Park
A resident reported illegal, highly invasive cogon grass planted at a development bordering Victoria Park spreading across acres, through sidewalks, and into conservation areas — she asked the city to intervene.
Building Permit Fee Overhaul
A new state law forces cities to charge permit fees that match the actual cost of running the building department — DeLand rebuilt its fee schedule accordingly.
Stormwater Mitigation and Flooding Regional Collaboration
DeLand has received over $2 million in Transform 386 grant funding for drainage studies and stormwater projects like Glen Eagle acquisition, Saddlebrook, and the Orange Camp watershed. A new countywide interactive map on volusia.org lets residents look up flood projects near their address.