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Deltona Planning and Zoning Board backs ordinance to align dispensary rules with Florida law
Summary
The board recommended approval of Ordinance 07-2025 to update Article 14 (medical marijuana dispensaries) in Chapter 110 to conform to Florida statutes, adding definitions, location standards and a major conditional-use process; vote was unanimous.
The City of Deltona Planning and Zoning Board on March 19 recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 07-2025, which amends Article 14 of Chapter 110 to update local rules for pharmacies, drugstores and medical marijuana dispensaries and to align those rules with Florida law.
Jonathan Knight, a planner with the city, told the board the rewrite adds definitions for "medical marijuana treatment centers" and related facility terms, incorporates pharmacies and drugstores into the title, and explains location rules. The draft ordinance would prohibit facilities from locating within 1,500 feet of each other and would create a 500-foot buffer from private or public parks, houses of worship and elementary, middle or secondary schools; it also establishes a major conditional-use approval pathway for facilities that would otherwise conflict with local rules.
Board members asked whether the Planning and Zoning Board would retain approval authority; staff clarified the board's recommendation is advisory and that final approval rests with the City Commission. Board members also discussed whether the 1,500-foot separation and 500-foot school buffer are fixed by statute or open to local adjustment. Staff said the 1,500-foot separation is set by statute but the board may recommend a larger separation; the 500-foot school buffer was described in the ordinance text and would trigger a major conditional-use review before the commission.
Staff noted the city currently has three medical marijuana dispensaries and that the proposed changes would grandfather existing facilities where necessary. After questions and no public comment, a motion to recommend approval passed on a unanimous roll call.
"Accordingly, staff recommends that the planning and zoning board recommend the city commission approve ordinance number 07-2025 to modify Article 14," Jonathan Knight said during his presentation.
The board's recommendation sends the draft ordinance to the City Commission for final action; the commission could adopt, amend or reject the ordinance, or direct staff to revise it further.
Votes at the meeting were roll-call; the Planning and Zoning Board's approval is advisory and does not by itself change the city code.
