PLDRC approves several variances, forwards tower and code change to council; contentious dog-diving request continued

Volusia County's Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission on March 20 approved multiple variances for waterfront and residential projects, voted to forward an ordinance and a proposed communications tower to the County Council for final action, and continued a contested special‑exception request for a dog‑diving business to May 15.

The commission approved a series of site‑specific variances for private property owners seeking to resolve code violations or rebuild storm‑damaged docks and decks. Planning staff presented each item and recommended approval in most cases. Miss Ray, planning staff, told the commission the variances generally met the ordinance criteria or otherwise addressed longstanding encroachments.

The most contested item at the hearing, a special exception and related variances for a private dog‑diving and training facility on Marsh Road (case S‑25‑001 with companion V‑25‑023), drew the largest public turnout and sustained neighborhood concern about traffic, noise and event management. After extended public comment and discussion the commission voted unanimously to continue the special‑exception and its companion variances to the May 15 PLDRC meeting to allow the applicant and nearby property owners to meet…