Planning board recommends limits on metal accessory buildings in residential zones

The Planning and Zoning Board on June 18 recommended that the City Commission approve Ordinance 20‑2025, which updates Deltona’s Land Development Code to define “metal building” and prohibit such buildings in most residential zoning districts above a specified size.

Matthew West, Planning Manager for the City of Deltona, presented the proposed amendment and said the change clarifies earlier, vague standards by providing a measurable definition: a metal building is any accessory structure over 240 square feet in area with metal cladding covering more than 30 percent of the exterior wall surface (excluding window, door and garage‑door areas and the roof). West told the board the amendment would prohibit metal buildings in specified residential zoning districts but would still permit them in the city’s agriculture, RE‑1 and RE‑5 districts.

The proposed change preserves legal nonconforming status for existing metal buildings and allows applicants to clad accessory structures with alternate materials so they do not appear as metal buildings. West described a recent counter case in which a resident wanted a 560‑square‑foot metal building for storage; the existing code lacked clear screening standards and the resident declined to proceed. West said the amended definition and district list would provide clarity for staff and applicants.

Board members sought clarifications. Member Stewart asked whether smaller metal sheds remain permitted; staff confirmed structures under 240 square feet would continue to be allowed as currently defined. Stewart and others noted that hobbyists and property owners who value workshop and storage flexibility would still be able to build accessory structures so long as they meet the size and material rules or use alternative cladding. The board discussed compatibility expectations — ‘‘it typically matched the style of the house, the materials, colors,’’ staff said — and confirmed the changes would not require retrofitting existing legally permitted buildings.

After discussion the board made and seconded a motion to recommend approval. The board then held a roll call vote and approved the recommendation; the ordinance will proceed to City Commission first reading. West said the first reading is scheduled for July 7, 2025 and that the resident who previously raised concerns may attend the ordinance’s second reading in August.

The amendment text posted to the board lists affected sections and includes standard ordinance provisions for conflicts, codification, severability and effective date.