Volusia County Residents Pack Council Chambers to Protest Zoning Changes

Tensions ran high in Volusia County on Thursday as a packed room of residents voiced fierce opposition to a proposed ordinance that would significantly reduce public input in zoning and development decisions.

The county council considered a controversial measure that would shift approval authority for certain building and land-use projects from elected officials to staff members and the Planning and Land Development Regulation Commission (PLDRC), an appointed advisory board. Under the new system, projects that previously required multiple public hearings before the council would instead be reviewed in a single hearing by the PLDRC.

Residents from across the county filled the chambers, many holding signs and speaking passionately about the importance of transparency and community oversight. “For this council to even consider taking these rights away from the people might be considered treasonous,” said David, a local resident. Others expressed concern that the change would allow controversial developments to move forward without sufficient scrutiny, citing past battles over flood-prone construction and industrial zoning near residential areas.

Councilman Danny Robins defended the proposal, arguing it would streamline bureaucracy and empower property owners. “These are just layers of bureaucracy we’re trying to sort through,” Robins said, adding that the changes would not eliminate the appeals process for residents.

But critics say the cost of appeals—reportedly around $650—makes that option inaccessible for many. “We elected you all for this reason. We did not elect the staff and the PLDRC,” said Maureen Letta, urging the council to preserve public hearings.

Despite the outcry, the council voted 4–3 in favor of the changes, prompting frustration and disappointment among attendees. The decision marks a significant shift in how development decisions will be made in Volusia County, and residents say they’re not backing down.

“This isn’t over,” said Holly Hill resident Danielle Latona. “We’re going to keep showing up, because our voices matter—even if they don’t want to hear them anymore.”