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Deltona moves to administrative fines for noise enforcement; higher penalties, affidavit rule removed
Summary
At first reading the commission approved changes to general penalty and the city’s noise ordinance (Ordinance 25‑5‑2025), eliminating prison as a potential punishment and creating an administrative fine schedule (up to $1,000 first violation; escalations for repeat or irreparable violations).
The Deltona City Commission on May 19 approved on first reading a code revision that removes criminal imprisonment as a penalty for certain code violations and creates an administrative fine structure to aid enforcement of the city’s noise ordinance.
What changed: City attorneys told the commission the new general penalty language eliminates the possibility of imprisonment "not to exceed 60 days" and instead adds an administrative fine schedule with maximums tied to state statute thresholds: $1,000 for a first violation, $5,000 for repeat violations and up to $15,000 when a violation is "irreparable or irreversible in nature," language the city attorney emphasized represents maximum thresholds rather than mandatory amounts.
Enforceability and sheriff coordination: Staff said the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VSO) reviewed the revisions and confirmed the law would be enforceable under the county’s general counsel. The change addresses prior uncertainty about enforcement authority for noisy and disruptive events.
Public comments and fireworks: Multiple residents urged the commission to use the ordinance to address repeated late‑night noise and fireworks, especially events that continue for many nights and affect residents with medical or PTSD sensitivities. Kathy Bridal asked specifically whether fireworks enforcement would be covered; staff said existing noise provisions likely encompass fireworks but the city would review any additional tools if needed. Courtney Crossbergos and others urged caution on fine levels for first offenses; a commenter suggested $1,000 for a first offense could be excessive and asked the commission to revisit fines as needed.
Next steps: The ordinance passed first reading and staff said it can be enforced following second reading and final adoption. The city attorney flagged that staff can reduce or change the fine schedule on second reading if the commission chooses; the VSO has indicated it can and will enforce the revised code provisions.
