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Commission approves transfer of Fernanda Drive from Volusia County and directs staff to pursue area annexation
Summary
Deltona accepted a county offer to transfer a section of Fernanda Drive to city maintenance and instructed staff to begin coordinating a broader annexation of adjacent parcels; the transfer aims to enable city permitting and expedite a pending single‑family permit.
The City Commission voted 5–2 on Monday to accept a transfer of a portion of Fernanda Drive from Volusia County, and to direct staff to begin immediate coordination with Volusia County about voluntary annexation of adjacent parcels.
The county requested transfer of the completed road segment; city staff said the county paused a building permit for a single‑family parcel because the right‑of‑way remained under county jurisdiction. Public Works staff and several commissioners argued that accepting the road for city maintenance will improve service response times because the road lies near the city’s Public Works depot.
Key actions - The commission approved Resolution 2025‑90 authorizing the city manager to accept the road transfer under Florida Statute § 335.04 and to assume maintenance responsibilities for the specified segment of Fernanda Drive. - The approval included additional direction — added by motion on the dais — instructing staff to coordinate with Volusia County to explore voluntary annexation of the rectangular block bounded roughly by Howland Boulevard, Clarion Street and Fernanda Drive and the back of the Landing Lane lots, and to report back. The mayor secured a second for that amendment and the motion carried 5–2.
Why commissioners supported transfer Commissioners said city control will allow a faster operational response (pumping, right‑of‑way clearing) because of the section’s proximity to the Public Works depot; one commissioner cited a recent heavy‑rain incident and rapid city response on nearby streets. Several commissioners asked staff to approach the county about seeking group annexation for the vacant parcels in the area rather than addressing annexation parcel‑by‑parcel as development occurs.
What the vote does not guarantee Staff cautioned that the transfer itself does not force property owners to annex; under city code parcels typically must annex when they request city water and/or sewer service. The commission’s direction is to begin outreach and coordination. Staff also noted that voluntary annexation of all parcels would require agreement by property owners or a process the city and county negotiate; if voluntary group annexation cannot be achieved, parcels will annex individually as owners seek city utilities or apply for development approvals.
Next steps Public Works takes over maintenance responsibility once transfer documents are executed; Planning staff will begin coordination with county staff and property owners to explore group annexation and to identify service, land‑use and permitting implications. The commission asked staff to return with a timeline and recommended approach.
