Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in DeLand public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues with low priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Street Lighting District Assessments
Blue Lake Woods and Glenwood Springs residents will see next fiscal year's street lighting assessments certified on the tax roll. Both were routine public-hearing adoptions.
Public Mural Art Committee Appointments
Four members were seated on the committee that reviews public mural proposals — the body the city attorney credited with raising the quality of downtown's public art.
Municipal Airport funding
The Municipal Airport Fund covers operations and improvements at DeLand's airport. Its budget review sets priorities for aviation facilities and services.
Right-of-way abandonment on W. Walts and S. Palmetto Avenues (Ordinance 2026-18)
A first reading was scheduled to abandon roughly 0.09 acres of public right-of-way at the corner area of W. Walts Avenue and S. Palmetto Avenue, effectively transferring that land from public use.
Bennett Drive right-of-way abandonment
The city considered vacating about 0.89 acres of a 50-foot-wide section of Bennett Drive next to the DeLand Business and Industrial Park — a step that changes public access and transfers right-of-way to adjacent property.
Donation to the Police Athletic League
The city is giving $10,000 to the DeLand Police Athletic League out of forfeited funds — supporting youth programs without touching taxpayer dollars.
Chisholm Center fee request from Soca Ruby Red All-Stars
A youth all-star organization asked the Commission to partner with them and lower the fees for using the Chisholm Center. No decision was made on the spot.
Historic live oak removal at 342 Churchill Downs
The city will remove one 26-inch historic live oak on Churchill Downs Boulevard. Historic tree removals require Commission approval, so this one made the agenda.
Budget workshop scheduling
The FY 2026-2027 budget workshops hit scheduling conflicts, so the City Manager will set new evening dates and let the Commission know.
Patio cover rear setback encroachment (3501 Treetop Street)
A homeowner seeks permission for an unenclosed patio cover that extends 8 feet into the required 20-foot rear setback — a routine hardship request that can set expectations for neighboring lots.
Six-foot fence in street-side setback (897 N. Garfield Avenue)
A resident wants a six-foot fence where the code allows only four feet, citing a break-in, vandalism, stray dogs, and sight-line safety at a busy intersection. It's a classic livability-versus-neighborhood-standards call.
Stetson University softball covered hitting facility
Stetson University proposed a 4,320-square-foot pole-barn structure over batting cages on its campus at 430 E Arizona Ave. It supports the university's athletic programs without major neighborhood impact.
Property purchase adjacent to Public Works & Utilities campus
The commission considered buying land next to the Public Works & Utilities campus, which could expand room for city operations.
Unpermitted fence variance at 402 Ravenshill Way
A corner-lot homeowner wants to keep a six-foot fence that sits inside the street-side setback, where the Victoria Park planned development caps fence height at four feet. The fence was never permitted and has triggered a code enforcement case, so the variance is the path to keeping it in place.