Commission approves mixed‑use PUD for 930 Howland Boulevard over P&Z objection

The Deltona City Commission on first reading approved an ordinance rezoning about 7.93 acres at 930 Howland Boulevard from Retail Commercial (C‑1) to a Mixed‑Use Planned Unit Development (MPUD), despite a 4‑3 Planning & Zoning Board recommendation to deny.

City planning staff presented the request as a two‑phase commercial development. Phase 1 covers about 5.11 acres and would include a self‑storage building (described in staff materials as roughly 800 storage units) with 57 RV and boat parking spaces and a small office. Phase 2 covers about 2.82 acres and is reserved for a future commercial outparcel.

The applicant and the city negotiated specific conditions for the development agreement. The applicant agreed to prohibit car washes, to set a minimum 2,000‑square‑foot building size for any quick‑service restaurant, and to limit drive‑throughs to a single lane. The development agreement also establishes a 3‑year requirement for vertical construction from final site plan approval and commits the property owner to maintain the undeveloped parcel with enhanced landscaping until Phase 2 is built.

Planning and Zoning Board members who voted to deny cited compatibility with surrounding uses and traffic safety concerns near Pine Ridge High School. Staff and the applicant said they revised the development agreement in response to those concerns.

At the City Commission hearing Commissioner Chris Nobick moved for approval; Vice Mayor Harriet seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as: Commissioner Avila Vasquez — yes; Commissioner Colwell — no; Commissioner Howington — no; Commissioner Novick — yes; Commissioner Santiago — yes; Vice Mayor Harriet — yes; Mayor Avila — yes. The motion passed 5‑4.

Speakers emphasized traffic and school‑safety concerns; the applicant said the development would include a traffic study and site improvements keyed to that study. The developer’s presentation also stressed a local shortage of enclosed storage supply and projected local job creation from construction and operations.

The ordinance passed first reading and is scheduled for a second reading on Nov. 17, 2025. The commission included a prohibition on residential uses in the approved development agreement, meaning any future request to add apartments would require a formal amendment and another public hearing.

The commission accepted the development agreement language into the official record and directed staff to return the ordinance as adopted at first reading for second reading with the agreed conditions.