Palm Coast city council voted 3–2 on Aug. 26 to approve an interlocal agreement with Flagler County implementing airport protection zoning regulations and overlay zones required by state statute.

The agreement ties the city to the county’s airport protection rules, including height restrictions and noise‑contour considerations around the nearby airport. Council members who opposed the ILA said they preferred creation of a joint advisory or decision board and expressed concern about doing the work retroactively after the statutory deadline. "I still am just because we can't make this retroactive," Vice Mayor Pontieri said during the discussion, urging a joint board rather than the ILA. Other council members supported approving the ILA to ensure the city complies with state requirements.

Why it matters: State law requires municipalities adjacent to certain airports to adopt compatible zoning or enter into interlocal agreements to address airport protection areas; the measures typically involve overlay zones that limit building heights and address noise contours. City staff noted that the county considered and advanced the ILA at its meeting and that the agreement must be in place to meet statutory obligations.

Council debate and vote: The discussion covered whether the ILA would protect residents from future airport expansions and whether the overlay could affect homeowners if airport contours change. "My biggest concern is just preventing any overreach in terms of going into someone's personal property because of the growth of the airport," one council member said, citing the potential consequences of future airport changes. The motion to approve carried 3 to 2 (Vice Mayor Pontieri voted no; another no vote recorded), and the resolution was adopted.

Ending: City staff said the ILA will be transmitted to relevant parties and that the city remains able to pursue interagency coordination; several council members asked staff and county partners to keep the council briefed on any future airport changes that could affect sound contours or required protections.