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Council member raises contractor complaints about DeBary permitting; city manager calls issues compliance matters
Summary
A council member reported contractor and resident complaints about permitting customer service and alleged retaliation; the city manager said investigations showed compliance with the Florida Building Code and that communication could improve, but he framed the disputes as isolated compliance matters.
During council reports, Council member Sells (speaker 3) raised multiple complaints from residents and contractors about the city’s permitting and inspections process, describing issues with customer service and allegations of retaliation by staff. "They're not happy. They're saying they, you know, they've gone to other cities, counties. They don't have the issues they do here," Sells said.
City Manager (speaker 2) responded that building permit reviews and inspections are a compliance process governed by the Florida Building Code and the licensed building official’s determinations. The manager said staff investigated the specific incidents raised and worked to resolve them, and he acknowledged the city could improve communication about the process. "At the end of the day, it's the Florida building code that rules," the city manager said.
The council did not direct specific formal remedial action in the transcript provided; the manager said he is conducting meetings with owners and staff to address communication and process questions.
Next steps: manager to continue working with department staff and owners to resolve complaints and improve communications; council members may raise the issue again if complaints persist.
