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Consultants preview proposed comprehensive plan amendments, flag ADUs, sewer and conservation updates
Summary
Kimley Horn presented draft updates to five elements of New Smyrna Beach’s comprehensive plan, including recommendations to address sewer‑connection policy, allow solar on agricultural land, and explore accessory dwelling units and workforce housing incentives; the item was informational and no vote was taken.
Consultants from Kimley Horn briefed the Planning & Zoning Board March 2 on draft amendments to five elements of the City of New Smyrna Beach comprehensive plan: future land use, housing, utilities/infrastructure, conservation and economic development.
Eliza Giuliano and Emily Thomas said the update is an evaluation and appraisal review that combines statutory changes, public feedback and technical analysis. They noted several statutory or recommended updates: adding a policy to require connection to sanitary sewer where densities exceed one septic per acre when capacity is available, acknowledging state rules that permit solar on agricultural land, and exploring accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in appropriate zoning districts. The consultants recommended the city consider density bonuses, parking reductions and targeted incentives for workforce and senior housing, paired with a market study to test feasibility.
Kimley Horn also reported work with the utilities department to reconcile comprehensive‑plan levels of service with current utility capacity projections and said drainage and stormwater issues identified by the public are primarily addressed at the land‑development code level. They described public engagement done to date, themes from an open house (flooding/drainage, conservation, and protecting agricultural lands), and said a transmittal hearing and additional public meetings will follow as the package is finalized.
Board members asked clarifying questions about ADU definitions, parking reductions and the Live Local Act; consultants said recommended comp‑plan language would enable further study and code changes but would not implement immediate zoning changes without subsequent code revisions and specific program design.
