DeBary council OKs first reading to transmit 2045 comprehensive plan to state reviewers

The City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 03-2026 to replace DeBary's current comprehensive plan with a new 2045 plan and transmit the package to state reviewing agencies.

Stephen Babb, Growth Management Director, summarized an 18‑month process that included more than ten workshops and interagency coordination. He said Volume I compiles data and analysis across required elements — future land use, transportation, housing, public facilities, capital improvements, intergovernmental coordination and property rights — and Volume II sets goals, objectives and policies intended to implement the city's vision through 2045.

Babb explained three substantive edits made since the council's March 4 discussion: revised wording in policy 4.803 to be more reader‑friendly, a correction to show Port Orange Road's level of service as "C" rather than "E," and addition of map 30 to the transportation plan. He noted that the future land use map (the legally binding map) was available on the dais during the hearing.

Babb told the council the plan will be transmitted to state agencies for review, which typically takes about 60–120 days, and that any substantive state comments would be addressed before adoption. Council members thanked staff for the work and described the document as a major undertaking.

A motion to approve first reading was made and seconded; the council voted unanimously (Vice Mayor Butland, Council members Pappalardo, Sell, Stevenson, and Mayor Chisholm recorded "yes" votes). Staff will transmit the plan and return with any state comments and a scheduled adoption hearing.

The hearing was a transmittal (first reading) only; the plan does not take effect until the council completes the adoption process after state review.