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Residents press council to refer charter amendments on flood mitigation to voters; builders urge caution
Summary
A wide range of residents urged the council to send proposed charter amendments on stem wall foundations, native landscaping and annexation limits to the ballot; builder groups told the council technical land‑use rules belong in the land development code rather than the charter.
Public comment at the June 4 meeting centered on proposed charter amendments addressing building foundations, native landscaping, water‑conserving fixtures and annexation density limits.
Several residents, including Kim Long, urged the council to forward amendments to voters and to restore a deeded riverfront parcel to the public. “Please pass the charter amendments on to We the People to vote on and return the deed to the people as you promised,” Long said during citizens' comments, citing concerns about flooding, fill practices and developer pressure.
At the same time, representatives of the Volusia Building Industry Association (VBIA) and related groups asked the council to reconsider placing technical construction standards in the charter. Michelle Delaney, VBIA president, warned that a blanket stem wall requirement for all new construction — regardless of site‑specific flood risk — could increase costs and worsen housing affordability. Allison Root, VBIA executive officer, recommended using the land development code so regulations can be tailored by site and adjusted over time.
Council temporarily tabled some charter items for a special meeting so the full council can consider them with Councilman Thomas present; the mayor noted the council intends to hold a special charter meeting with a full board to ensure broad deliberation.
The discussion highlighted a split in the community: some residents want voter approval and stronger passive‑design requirements to reduce flood risk, while many developers and builders prefer those rules be handled through planning and code processes to preserve flexibility and avoid unintended consequences for housing costs.
Next procedural step: the council postponed (tabled) several charter items (including item 11d) for consideration at a special meeting with the full council present; citizens may continue to give comment at the scheduled charter meeting.
