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PLDRC deadlocks on large-lot coverage increase for Venetian Way property; motion fails
Summary
A request to raise maximum lot coverage from 35% to 42.18% for a new home failed after a 3–3 tie vote on April 17; applicant may appeal or accept denial.
The Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission on April 17 failed to approve an increase in allowable lot coverage for a proposed new single-family home on a Venetian Way lot after the vote ended in a 3–3 tie.
Why it matters: The request, if approved, would have allowed a new home to cover a larger share of the lot than current rules permit. Commissioners cited concerns about impervious-area impacts and whether a two-story design could instead meet coverage limits.
Staff said the existing home — built in 1963 and damaged by Hurricane Milton — meets setbacks but the proposed replacement would increase roofed area to about 4,282 square feet on a 10,151-square-foot parcel, raising lot coverage to 42.18%. Staff recommended denial, finding the application did not meet the five variance criteria; the applicant supplied neighborhood examples and said a single-story design was preferred for aesthetic reasons.
Commission action: Commissioner Frank Costa moved to approve the variance with three staff-recommended conditions; the applicant agreed to a single-story condition during discussion. After deliberation the board was split 3–3, which under PLDRC rules is considered a denial/technical failure. The applicant chose not to request a continuance and may appeal the decision to the Volusia County Council.
Quotes: “I am concerned about approving a variance with additional lot coverage without mitigating where surface water is going to go,” Commissioner Emily Bush said during debate.
Next steps: The applicant can (1) appeal to Volusia County Council, (2) propose reduced coverage or a different design that meets the code, or (3) request a continuance to return with additional evidence.
