The proposed tower, designed to accommodate five tenants including AT&T, is positioned between the CSX Transportation Railroad and North US Highway 17 and about 1,400 feet away from residential dwellings. Representing Ignite Wireless and City Switch, the applicant highlighted the importance of the tower for enhancing wireless internet and first responder network services. They argued that the tower’s height was essential for meeting engineering requirements and topography. Despite opposition from local business owners Andrew Nusan and Jeremiah Leonard, who cited concerns about visual impact and property values, the commission voted to approve the special exception along with necessary variances due to the property’s shape and the fall zone design of the tower.

Furthermore, the commission discussed the potential impact of a residential development near DeLand’s airport industrial complex. Environmental staff raised issues regarding wetlands and the need to demonstrate avoidance and minimization of impacts. The developer acknowledged these concerns and the need for further design work to address them, including the preservation of tree areas and impacts on nearby properties during significant rain events.

A rezoning request for a 5.05-acre parcel from a planned unit development to rural residential was also on the agenda. The applicant sought to build a single-family residence on the property, previously a plant nursery. The staff recommended approval, and the commission voted unanimously to forward the application to the County Council.

Companion cases involving a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and a rezoning application for 35 acres to allow the construction of 90 duplex units were discussed. Questions were raised about the impact on traffic and environmental concerns. After deliberation, the commission forwarded both applications to the County Council with recommendations of approval.

The commission also deliberated on a proposed ordinance to streamline variance criteria and survey requirements for building permits. Clarification was sought on the timing and potential retroactive application of the ordinance changes, which would take effect upon approval by the County Council and the Department of State. The proposed ordinance was forwarded with a recommendation for approval.

Additionally, the commission welcomed new planning team members Courtney Harris and Robert MacArthur and discussed the accommodation of shipping containers on non-residential and agricultural properties. They addressed the challenges posed by Florida statutes in the building permit review process and debated the need for streamlining reviews to improve efficiency.

Other cases included a variance request to increase the maximum fence height from four feet to six feet, which staff recommended to deny, but the commission approved following public support for the request. Another variance request dealt with a property owner’s application to reduce yard requirements for a new dock and boat lift. Despite staff’s recommendation for denial and the opposition of a neighbor, the commission moved to approve the variances.