Commission approves Halifax Crossings MPUD amendment after revisions on lot sizes and unit mix

The Deltona City Commission voted 4–3 at first reading to approve ordinance 14‑2025, a substantial amendment to the Halifax Crossings mixed‑use planned unit development (MPUD), after the applicant agreed to changes requested by commissioners.

The amendment moves acreage from multifamily housing to commercial uses, reduces the minimum lot size for certain commercial parcels, and changes the residential unit mix. Jordan Smith, planning director for the city, told commissioners that staff finds the proposal compatible with the city’s comprehensive plan and recommended approval: “Staff recommends approval of ordinance number 14 dash 20 25 at first reading.”

The applicant’s design team said the changes respond to current market conditions and to requests from prospective commercial tenants. Alex Stringfellow, the project land planner, described the rationale for the revision and said the ownership group was willing to negotiate: “We are willing to work with the commission,” he told the commission, and acknowledged the team could limit the number and character of smaller commercial lots.

What the commission approved at first reading: the ordinance as amended removes the previously approved “option a” as a choice available to the developer and establishes a single approved plan (option b as modified). Under the terms agreed in the public hearing, the approved changes include: a reduction of multifamily acreage and units to 34 acres and 275 multifamily units, respectively; an allowance of 300 age‑restricted units; and an increase in commercial acreage to about 75.71 acres with a new minimum commercial lot size of 1.0 acre (the applicant had sought a half‑acre minimum but agreed to 1.0 acre during the hearing). The applicant also agreed to limit how many small lots could be created and to include stronger buffering and a 50‑foot building setback where the MPUD abuts residential parcels.

Commissioners who opposed the amendment cited concerns about traffic, stormwater and the loss of the originally advocated age‑restricted senior community. Supporters said the change would increase commercial development and tax base, create jobs and better align the project with market demand. Commissioner Dori Howington and two colleagues voted no; Commissioners Villavazquez, Santiago, Vice Mayor Harriot and Mayor Avila voted yes.

The ordinance passed at first reading; the motion included the specific concessions the applicant made on unit counts and commercial lot size and limited the number of the smallest lots. City staff said they will incorporate the agreed conditions into the development agreement and the second‑reading package. The commission and staff also discussed several permit and infrastructure items commissioners asked staff to track during final document preparation, including traffic studies, stormwater design and the inclusion of planting and buffer language in the development agreement.

Votes at a glance (other measures during same meeting) - Resolution 2025‑62 (Resilient Florida grant / comprehensive vulnerability assessment): passed 7–0 (consent agenda). The grant is 100 percent state funding and will fund a city vulnerability assessment under Florida statute 380.093. Staff explained the study will identify critical assets and prioritize infrastructure for future funding. - Ordinance to repeal Article XIV (medical marijuana dispensaries): motion to adopt failed 1–6 at first reading; the proposed local prohibition did not pass. - Resolution 2025‑55 (Planning & Zoning Board bylaws updates): passed 7–0. The update aligns bylaws with current code and practice and clarifies member residency and attendance provisions. - Ordinance 25‑2025 (general penalty / noise enforcement): adopted at second reading, passed 7–0. The ordinance harmonizes penalties and enforcement procedures for code and noise violations and aligns procedures with Volusia County Sheriff cooperation. - Ordinance 26‑2025 (parks rules including smoking / metal detecting): adopted at second reading, passed 7–0. - Ordinance 27‑2025 (solicitation on public rights‑of‑way and parks): passed on first reading 7–0; the code exempts clearly protected political speech from the permit requirements.

What’s next: staff will prepare the revised development agreement and ordinance redline for second reading that incorporate the concessions the applicant agreed to on lot sizes, unit counts, buffering and other conditions. The applicant retains the ability (per the development order as amended) to proceed under the approved option in the MPUD; the commission directed staff to return with the formal second‑reading packet and with requested exhibits and technical studies for the record.

The commission’s action at first reading does not constitute final administrative action on the MPUD amendment until second reading, when the ordinance will be adopted or denied.