DeLand adopts land-development changes to allow small indoor recreation venues and downtown shade structures

On second reading June 2 the City Commission adopted an amendment to the City of DeLand land development regulations to allow limited indoor recreation uses and accessory shade structures in the downtown commercial district and to authorize an administrative extension process for incomplete plan reviews.

Planning staff said the changes respond to citizens’ desire for more downtown activity. The ordinance adds a conditional-use allowance for indoor recreation facilities up to 5,000 square feet in the C2A zoning district and allows shade structures under 800 square feet as an accessory use. The amendments also create an administrative option so staff can grant extensions for incomplete development plans rather than requiring applicants to seek extensions from the commission.

Planning Director Carol (last name redacted in record) summarized the proposal: “We'd like to have the shade structures under 800 square feet in C2A… and allow indoor recreation facilities under 5,000 square feet,” and confirmed that shade structures require building permits and would be subject to community design standards and building and fire review even if temporary.

Commissioner Dan Reed moved approval and Commissioner Paiva seconded. A roll-call vote was recorded in which Vice Mayor Davis, Commissioner Dan Reed, Commissioner Kevin Reed and Mayor Christopher Cloudman voted yes; the motion carried and the ordinance passed on second reading as Ordinance 2025-8.

The ordinance takes effect per the standard adoption schedule; staff said applicants seeking extensions will be notified through the city’s plan-review system.