Historic Preservation Board recommends demolition of accessory structure at 403 E. Ridge Ave.; owners plan to rebuild

The Historic Preservation Board on June 3 recommended that the City Commission approve a demolition permit for a residential accessory structure at 403 East Ridge Avenue, citing staff findings that the request complies with the City of DeLand’s demolition-review regulations.

City staff said the primary residence on the lot was built in 1895 and the accessory carriage house was built in 1927. Because the accessory structure predates 1950 and the property lies in a downtown historic support district, the demolition requires Historic Preservation Board review and a separate City Commission review. Staff told the board the application was reviewed against the City of DeLand Land Development Regulation section 33 35 and staff “recommends the Historic Preservation Board for the recommendation to city commission for final action.”

According to the staff presentation, the Florida Master Site File contains limited information on the carriage house; the main residence has retained most architectural integrity. The property’s context includes nearby examples of frame vernacular, folk Victorian and Colonial Revival styles dating from about 1895 to 1940; staff said the accessory structure is “one of the last remaining examples of its kind within the neighborhood” in that block.

Staff also told the board that the owners, Jacqueline and Mark Barton, told staff they intend to rebuild a similar structure — a two-car garage on the first floor with an apartment above — but that no formal redevelopment applications have been submitted. Staff noted structural reports and documentation are requested but not required under the land development regulations; the property owner has not provided a structural inspection or detailed repair documentation. The owners’ stated reasons for demolition include termite damage, rotten wood and a leaking roof, according to staff.

Board members questioned whether the board could require replacement or impose deed restrictions; staff clarified the board may consider proposed reuse when evaluating demolition but that the code does not allow the board to require a specific replacement or to place a deed restriction. One board member said the condition and owner representations made it easier to support the demolition, while others said it would be preferable to see redevelopment plans before demolition occurs.

After discussion, a motion to recommend approval of the demolition to the City Commission carried on a unanimous vote. The demolition recommendation will go to the City Commission for final action on June 16; any redevelopment or building permits would be reviewed separately by staff and possibly through building-permit or variance processes.