Deltona commission approves first reading of revised vehicle and parking rules; staff to clarify commercial weight and enforcement before second reading

The Deltona City Commission approved first reading on Aug. 18 of Ordinance No. 23‑2025, a comprehensive update to Chapter 66 of the city code governing parking and vehicles. The ordinance, presented by Jordan Smith, planning director, was described as a modernization intended to improve enforceability, enhance public safety and align the code with state law. Smith said the revision updates definitions, clarifies where vehicles may not park, adds towing and enforcement procedures, and establishes a base limit of three recreational vehicles per residential lot.

“Chapter 66 was originally adopted in 1999 and has been amended over time, but not comprehensively reviewed until now,” Smith said. Among the specific changes, staff proposed restricting commercial vehicle parking in residential areas and prohibiting parking in rights-of-way except for limited, short-term situations; the code also increases a previous “two vehicle” reference to “three” in certain rear-yard allowances. Smith added that the ordinance aligns references to Florida Statutes chapters 316 and 318.

Commissioners raised implementation questions during the public hearing. Commissioner Caldwell objected to using a factory sticker weight of 10,000 pounds to label vehicles as “commercial” because many field-equipped service trucks (for example, with booms) exceed that weight after equipment is added. Smith said staff will pursue vehicle-weight information via registration records, manufacturer specifications or employer documentation and bring a recommendation back before second reading.

Commissioner Santiago asked whether parking in the right-of-way would remain permitted; staff said the ordinance would limit parking in rights-of-way while allowing exceptions for short-term circumstances such as family events. Staff also said the code would permit driveway and front-yard improvements by permit to create additional on-property parking consistent with zoning and building standards.

Commissioner Lully noted an explicit change in the clean version of the code under section 66‑18 to allow a maximum of three vehicles in a rear or interior yard (changed from two) and emphasized that staff will return with requested clarifications. The ordinance passed first reading on a 6‑1 vote; second reading is set for Sept. 15. No amendments were adopted at first reading, and staff will prepare the requested technical clarifications on commercial-vehicle weight determination and enforcement procedures before the next hearing.