A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the ordinance D 24-2, which proposed changes to encourage affordable housing development in Volusia County. The ordinance aimed to introduce incentives like density bonuses, deferred impact fees, and waived permit fees for certified affordable housing projects. These projects would be required to obtain community services’ approval before developers could receive these benefits. A timeline of 90 days for project approvals was proposed to expedite the process.

The density bonus provision sparked considerable debate. Concerns were raised about the implications of granting these bonuses, particularly in the context of low-income housing. One participant highlighted the potential risk of density bonuses being granted without a long-term commitment to affordability, stating, “If you’re going to get these density increases that you can’t take away, there’s no way to recoup that other than financial.” The commission discussed the need for a structured approach to negotiating these incentives to ensure the goals of affordable housing development are met without jeopardizing future housing availability. The ordinance included a provision for a restrictive covenant, requiring that any ADU designated for affordable housing remain so for a minimum of 20 years. However, questions about the flexibility of the covenant’s duration and its impact on homeowners’ ability to realize the value of their investments remained a focal point of discussion.

The meeting also delved into the regulations surrounding ADUs, with some members expressing support for their inclusion in the ordinance. Criticism was directed at the current code, which limits ADUs to 50% of the size of the principal structure. This provision was seen as inequitable, as it could lead to disparities between neighboring properties based on the size of the primary residence. Recommendations were made to consider maximum sizes for ADUs that would vary depending on zoning and lot size, rather than a strict percentage. The commission acknowledged the need for a review of the ADU ordinance, with a consensus on the necessity for improvements.

In addition to affordable housing, the commission addressed several variance applications, including one involving a single-family residence seeking to reduce yard setbacks, increase lot coverage, and accommodate renovations for better accessibility via an elevator. The applicants assured that the proposed changes would not increase the impervious area, as existing concrete would be removed. Public concerns were raised about potential increased density from multiple structures, with one individual noting the presence of “multiple campers” and items detracting from the neighborhood’s appearance. The commission reminded participants that issues of junk and safety hazards could be addressed through code enforcement.

Another case involved an application for variances related to an ADU in an Urban Single Family Residential (R3) zone. The applicant, Lura Grimaldo, argued that adherence to required setbacks would pose hazards due to the sloped nature of her yard and existing structures. Concerns were raised about the proposed ADU’s size exceeding 50% of the primary residence. Grimaldo clarified that the deviation was minimal and expressed willingness to adjust the size if necessary. The commission deliberated on the merits of the case, balancing staff recommendations for denial with the applicant’s explanations.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on procedural matters, including new appointments to the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission and the departure of Mr. Pat Patterson, who cited personal crises as the reason for stepping back. Members also expressed dissatisfaction with not receiving printed copies of meeting materials in advance, which they felt hindered their ability to prepare adequately. A proposal was made to draft a letter requesting the reinstatement of printed materials, highlighting the preference among several members for tangible documentation over electronic versions.