Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in development with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ROW Abandonment Enables Tiny Home Community
Abandoning 0.09 acres of old right-of-way grows the Neighborhood Center's parcel to half an acre — enough for ten tiny homes, the city's first such community. An easement protects the utilities underneath.
Mac McBride mural relocation to public building
The Mac McBride mural has been through years of disputes — a code enforcement issue at its old private location, committee denials over the 'Back-the-Blue' flag, and a reversed owner decision. The city now wants to honor the late officer with a reimagined mural on the public Fish Building downtown. The new design includes the American flag and was painted as a draft by local artist Paulo Jimenez.
Demolition of 1945 Stetson University building at 635 Bert Fish Drive
Two pre-1950 buildings got demolition approval: a 1949 house on Clake Street and a 1945 Stetson University building on Bert Fish Drive. The city discourages demo without redevelopment plans, but approved both anyway.
Elliano's Coffee Shop drive-through site plan
A new drive-thru coffee shop is planned for the corner of South Woodland and Cliff Street, but the lot can't fit the required 30-foot landscaping buffers. The variance would let the buffers shrink to 14 and 19 feet, changing how much green screening neighbors and drivers see at a busy Gateway Corridor corner.
Demolition of pre-1950 residence at 338 Clake Street
A pre-1950 house on Clake Street faces demolition at the request of its owner's contractor. The board's review determines whether the structure meets the city's bar for demolition of older buildings.
Minor subdivisions on Armstrong Ave and Parsons Ave
A proposed two-parcel split at 536 W Armstrong Ave hit a snag: the sewer manhole may be too shallow and the water line only ¾-inch, raising questions about whether new homes can connect without costly upgrades.