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Commission limits detached garages on large lots to 75% of principal structure, updates design standards to match Florida law
Summary
Ordinance 2025‑35 was adopted to bring local residential design standards into alignment with Florida Statute 163.3202, and after debate the commission amended and approved ordinance 2025‑36 to allow detached garages up to 75% of the principal structure on lots of two acres or larger (4–1 vote).
The City Commission approved two land‑use items that change how Ormond Beach regulates residential design and accessory detached garages.
On the first reading of Ordinance 2025‑35, Planning Director Steven Spreaker explained the change is intended to make the city’s land development code consistent with Florida Statute section 163.3202, which preempts local governments from imposing residential building design standards on single‑family homes. “We’re seeking to make our land development code consistent with the Florida statutes,” Spreaker said. The planning board recommended approval and the commission voted unanimously to approve the first reading.
The second ordinance (2025‑36) amends the code’s definition of principal structure and adjusts the maximum detached garage size for properties two acres or larger. Staff said the amendment came at the commission’s direction. Resident Ralph Coates (733 Santa Fe Ave.) described being about 300 square feet short of the existing allowance and asked for relief to build a 1,200‑square‑foot detached garage; he said adding an attached garage was not financially feasible and raised insurance concerns.
Commissioners debated options (a straight 100% allowance vs. a stepped percentage or a cap tied to house size), setbacks, and the fact that sheds over 150 square feet are classified as garages in the code. After discussion the commission amended the proposed allowance to 75% of the principal structure for lots two acres and greater; the motion carried 4–1 with Mayor Jason Leslie dissenting.
Staff noted the land development code currently requires larger setbacks for detached garages than for sheds and that the amendment would require a formal code change. The commission directed staff to return if a different percentage or additional safeguards were desired.
The vote provides immediate relief for owners of larger lots while leaving room for the commission to revisit percentages or caps in a future amendment or workshop.
