PLDRC approves several setback and accessory‑structure variances, continues a pair of cases

The Volusia County Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission approved multiple variances at its July 16 meeting, granting relief for setback encroachments and accessory structures after staff presentations and public testimony.

In one of the early items, the commission approved variances requested by Philip Wasalina to recognize existing setbacks on a 1959 home in the R‑5 zone. Staff said the house predated the county’s uniform zoning and recommended approval with conditions; the motion carried unanimously. Applicant Philip Wasalina asked the commission to “correct the record from a 67‑year‑old home,” and commissioners cited the nonconforming history in support of the relief.

A New Smyrna Beach property presented a more complex set of requests. Staff recommended denial of one requested reduction but recommended approval of three other waterfront and frontage reliefs for the Walters Construction application. After applicant testimony about prior repairs and a 2022 fire, the commission approved variances 2, 3 and 4 with staff conditions and later approved variance 1 by a 4–1 vote; Commissioner Bush cast the lone dissent, citing concerns about visibility and future development next door.

Other variances approved included: - V‑26‑078 (James Price): three accessory‑structure setbacks for a 1,500‑sq‑ft metal building in an A‑1 zone, approved with staff conditions following neighbor questions about acreage and intended uses. - V‑26‑082 (Newcomb Enterprises / Troy Thurman): two setback variances for an 1,800‑sq‑ft accessory storage building on a rural residential lot; staff noted the structure was permitted and the commission approved the variances with two conditions.

A variance request for a 7‑foot privacy/sound wall in Ormond By The Sea generated drawn‑out discussion over sight lines and neighborhood character. Applicant representatives and nearby residents described increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic near a recently upgraded crosswalk; the applicant agreed to reduce the requested height. The commission approved a modified variance allowing a 6‑ft wall with a 4‑inch cap (6'4" total) with two staff conditions by a 4–1 vote.

Procedural notes: staff notified the commission that two items (V‑26060 and Z‑26076) had either been continued at the applicant's request or lacked proper public notice; commissioners unanimously continued those matters to the August 20 PLDRC meeting.

What happens next: Variances are final actions of the PLDRC and may be appealed to county council. Where staff conditions were attached, the permitting and inspection process will enforce those conditions; applicants and neighbors may return to the commission or pursue county review if disagreements remain.