The Daytona Beach City Commission on Oct. 15 approved on first reading a text amendment to the Land Development Code to add auditorium or theater uses to the RDD‑1 and RDD‑2 downtown redevelopment zoning districts and to add or revise definitions for auditorium, theater, nightclub and live entertainment.

The amendment adds auditorium/theater as an allowed use in the RDD‑1 (Redevelopment Downtown Beach Street Retail) and RDD‑2 (Redevelopment Downtown Central Business District) zoning districts and establishes general standards for the use. Planning staff said the change was prompted by interest in small‑venue live entertainment uses — for example, a small comedy club on Beach Street — and that occupancy limits will be determined by the Florida Building Code.

Public comment: One citizen, John Nicholson, asked why the text amendment was needed and requested clarification about the purpose; he cited a history of problematic theater uses in the city and asked for the justification for the change. Planning staff replied the amendment is intended for downtown, primarily commercial/mixed‑use blocks, not residential neighborhoods, and that building occupancy will be governed by code.

Vote: The ordinance passed on first reading by a 6‑0 vote.

Next steps: As a first‑reading public hearing item, the ordinance will return to the commission for second reading as required by the city’s ordinance process.