Behind the scenes, the Department of Community Development has been actively involved in guiding and shaping Port Orange’s growth. Since its establishment in 1985, Community Development has developed a widespread reputation for good judgement, foresight, and professionalism.

Day in and day out, applications, concerns, and inquiries are treated in a prompt and skillful manner by Staff. Whether they are advanced by citizens or businesspersons, everyone is regarded as a partner. CD believes that we all have an active role to play in shaping the future of Port Orange.

Future Land Use Map

Current Zoning Map

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(Current Zoning = 8.31 MB .pdf)
(Future Land Use = 5.93 MB .pdf)

Department:

The Department consists of nine (9) separate functional divisions, namely:

Current Planning: This Section oversees and monitors all new development activity, and consequently, the growth which occurs in Port Orange. Current Planning spends the majority of its time guiding developers through the site development plan approval process. From initial application submittal, to review of site plans, comments and revisions, presentation before the Planning Commission and City Council, issuance of a development order, preconstruction meeting, issuance of a development permit, clearing, construction, and all the way until final inspection, Current Planning is involved. In addition, Staff’s time is also spent working with individuals who seek to rezone a piece of property, vary from the City’s setback or other dimensional requirements, operate a unique business operation as a special exception, install a free-standing or wall sign, modify the exterior of a commercial or industrial building, or to operate a sidewalk sale or an outdoor sales event. more>>

Long Range Planning: This Section formulates strategic plans to guide the City’s development and long term growth. These plans address such questions as: "Where will the City be 5 years from now or 10 years from now? What kind of stresses will future development place upon the City’s existing infrastructure? What kind of changes should we be making over the years to ensure that we can support additional growth?" Asking powerful questions such as these has not only enabled Port Orange to stay on top of its fast paced growth, but it has given CD the means to realize the City’s future vision of itself. more>>

Economic Development (ED): This Section was developed to retain those quality businesses already in Port Orange and to attract additional ones which promise to generate greater diversity, sound opportunities for employment, value added jobs, and an improved tax base. The ED Section is very different from the others within CD since it operates in a sense as the City’s "marketing agent & salesperson". Accordingly, it promotes vacant properties; educates developers about the intricacies of various districts and redevelopment areas; devises incentive packages; and provides relevant census, demographic, and promotional information. To do all of this, Staff draws upon its background in the City, its experience in economics and real estate finance, and furthermore, its public relations skills. more>>

Landscape Planning & Beautification: This Section formulates and reviews plans for aesthetic improvements to public and private property throughout the City. The majority of Staff’s time is spent in the site development plan approval process reviewing landscaping and irrigation plans for proposed developments, coordinating the clearing activity, and later, ensuring that all landscaping work is undertaken as planned. Staff spends the remainder of its time planning for new City parks, proposing new landscaping for medians, and designing City banners and entranceway signs and similar products.

Engineering Section: This Section evaluates major and minor development projects proposed within the City of Port Orange. The majority of Staff’s time is spent in the site development plan approval process reviewing site plans and drainage plans for proposed development projects. From initial application, to review of plans, clearing, grading, construction, and towards final inspection, the engineering staff works with the applicant to provide guidance and to ensure that the relevant local, state, and federal requirements are satisfied. This Section also handles easement vacations, flood plain management, addresses environmental issues, and provides technical assistance to other City Departments (i.e. Parks & Recreation, Utilities, and Public Works).more>>

Building Section: This Section evaluates all building activity proposed within the City of Port Orange. Staff provides technical expertise to ensure that all relevant Code requirements are satisfied (i.e. Land Development Code, Building Code, Electrical Code, Fire Code). Once all other practical concerns have been addressed, a building permit can be issued and construction can begin. The most significant building permits are for single family homes, apartments, offices, and commercial and industrial complexes. Other common work that requires a building permit includes the construction of fences, screen porches, wooden decks, concrete patios, building additions, re-roofings, and the installation of sheds and pools. Inspectors play a key role throughout this process. These individuals operate as the eyes and ears of the Building Official out in the field. They are responsible for assessing structures both before and after construction to avoid potential problems and/or accidents.

Licensing & Permitting: Several individuals work in this Section, and quite probably, theirs are the first faces you see when you enter the Department. Operating as customer service representatives, they respond to both over-the-counter and telephone inquiries, providing timely and courteous responses. Furthermore, this Section oversees: 1) the licensing of new businesses, home occupations, and various types of contractors; and 2) the processing of permits for building activity, demolitions, permanent and temporary signs, animal tags, and yard sales. Accordingly, this Section keeps abreast of new local, state, and federal laws, requirements, and programs, which are constantly affecting the licensing and permitting procedures of the City of Port Orange.more>>

Commercial Compliance Inspection: This Section is charged with ensuring that all commercial property owners within the City comply with the City’s regulations. Common code violations enforced by the Commercial Compliance Inspector include unmaintained landscaping, clearing trees without a permit, building without a permit, illegal signs and banners, and improper parking or storage of vehicles. While a great deal of time is spent conducting general rounds of the City and responding to complaints, this Section is also responsible for administering the Commercial Property Maintenance Program (CPMP). The aim of the CPMP is to ensure that required property improvements (i.e. landscaping, irrigation, lighting, parking, and signage) are properly maintained. Understandably, when commercial property improvements are properly maintained, then likewise, the City is able to maintain its positive image.

Residential Code Enforcement: This Section is charged with ensuring that all residential property owners within the City comply with the City’s regulations. Common code violations enforced by the Officers include building without a permit, clearing trees without a permit, unkept lawns, and improper parking or storage of automobiles, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, boats, or junk parts. Much of the Officers’ work involves conducting daily rounds yet a great deal of time is also spent responding to complaints and working with the owners of problem properties to bring about compliance in a timely and equitable manner.