Planning board approves two‑phase Daytona Beach Condominium site plan, including 21‑story, 165‑unit tower

The Planning Board voted Nov. 20 to approve a major site plan for the Daytona Beach Condominium project, a two‑phase development planned on approximately 4.16 acres along North Atlantic Avenue.

Senior planner Emilio O'Brien told the board Phase 1 is a two‑story, 14,322‑square‑foot sales center and Phase 2 is a 21‑story multifamily building with 165 dwelling units, amenities and a three‑level parking garage. O'Brien said the proposal meets T1 zoning and Land Development Code dimensional standards and that the project provides 350 parking spaces where 345 are required.

Developer representatives said they had held neighborhood meetings, revised plans through technical review and intentionally designed the project to meet code rather than seek waivers. Rob Merrill, the developer’s director, told the board the administrative record contains the technical documentation that constitutes competent, substantial evidence in support of the application.

Several neighbors spoke. Denise Jones, representing the Island Crown condominium association at 1900 North Atlantic Ave., thanked staff for recent turning-lane improvements but raised concerns about setbacks, land use intensity and infrastructure impacts — specifically past sewer backups and the potential strain on water, sewer and emergency services. Other commenters described concerns about landscaping and side-yard buffers to preserve beach view sheds.

Legal counsel advised the board that denying a code‑compliant application without competent, substantial evidence could expose the city to an appeal; counsel emphasized the record assembled during technical review.

The board moved to approve the major site plan (DEB 2024695) and the motion passed by voice vote. The developer said construction sequencing would begin with the sales center and move to tower construction once presales and financing conditions are met.