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Commission adopts small wireless facilities ordinance after debate over right-of-way impacts
Summary
The City Commission adopted Ordinance 06-2026 (second and final reading) to add small wireless facilities rules to the land development code; commissioners questioned whether the ordinance lets cellular companies place micro‑antennas in residential rights‑of‑way and staff said design standards are included to mitigate impacts. Vote 4–2.
The Deltona City Commission adopted Ordinance 06-2026 at its June 1 meeting, adding a new article for small wireless facilities to the city’s land development code to align with Florida law.
Commissioner Harriet asked whether the ordinance would allow a cell company to place a “micro antenna in any right-of-way across the city,” including directly in front of residential properties. When asked, staff confirmed that, consistent with state statute, the ordinance allows placement in the right-of-way but said the city included design and lighting standards and encouraged collocation to reduce visual and infrastructure impacts. A staff member described the provisions as design-oriented rather than permissive of unlimited placements: “we do have some design standards … and lighting standards … we encourage collocation.”
Commissioners noted the ordinance is largely state‑driven: staff said the city was required to adopt regulations aligning with state law and that the ordinance “should have been done back in 2017–2018.” After discussion, Commissioner Howington moved adoption at second reading; the motion passed 4–2.
The ordinance text adds a new Article 3 to Chapter 82 (communications antennas and towers) and includes provisions for conflicts, codification, severability and an effective date. The commission record does not identify specific locations for future installations; details on exact siting, pole depths and coordination with underground fiber were noted as questions for contractors and permit review.
