Port Orange adds mitigation options to economic-incentive code for Riverwalk, Eastport and CRA areas

The Port Orange Planning Commission voted to approve a Land Development Code amendment (case DCAM-25-0002) that expands the list of mitigation options developers may request as part of an economic incentive agreement.

Tim Burbank, community development, told the commission the amendment “opens up the ability for developers in targeted businesses, specifically the Riverwalk area in Eastport, to ask for some assistance in terms of developing their sites.” He said the change adds mitigation options — for example, tree mitigation and gopher tortoise relocation — that developers may propose when seeking incentives.

Burbank emphasized the amendment does not change the economic incentive agreement process. He said applications would still be evaluated under existing criteria, the city manager’s recommendation would be forwarded, and City Council would ultimately vote on any agreement. He added the city attorney’s office prepares a signed agreement between the developer and the city when incentives are approved.

Commissioners asked whether the change applies citywide and whether it is targeted to redevelopment areas. Staff replied it is citywide but “more geared…to our CRAs,” and cited the Riverwalk and Eastport areas as examples. When a commissioner asked if CRAs are set up for a limited time, staff answered “36,” but the unit (years or other) was not specified during the discussion.

Staff framed the amendment as a tool to help facilitate infill redevelopment and to provide flexibility when a site has unforeseen mitigation obligations, such as previously undiscovered gopher tortoises or tree impacts. Public comment on this item was not offered. The commission approved the amendment by roll call vote.