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Charter Review Commission

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1. What is a city charter?

Of all levels of government, local government is by far the most common point of contact for normal citizens. A lot is expected of local government. Local governments provide a vast array of services to residents from public safety to utilities, solid waste management, recreation, transportation, stormwater management and much more as determined by the local citizenry. A charter is the foundation of a local government and functions as the municipal equivalent of a state or federal constitution setting out guiding principles for governance and the basic rules or governmental operations.

One of the most interesting things about local government charters is each one is a distinct reflection of its community. Because a charter is the document that allows citizens to determine their own structure of government within state-prescribed legal limits, a charter is, in many ways, a manifestation of a community’s values, and one important way that a local government controls its own destiny.

2. Why review the charter?

Charters need to be reviewed from time to time because things change. Periodic review of a charter can be a useful exercise in bringing the charter into alignment with new laws or to reflect changing values and changing demands on local government. When performed properly, charter reviews provide for a continuous refinement in the successful governance of local governments.

3. What should be changed?

Not every local government issue is a charter issue. Most problems local governments face have nothing to do with the quality of their charter. Many, if not most, concerns about the workings of local government can and should be handled in other ways.

According to the National Civic League, as a general rule, charter amendments should be utilized to address issues that cannot be successfully addressed by: 1) The passage of ordinances, 2) By the reorganization of municipal departments, 3) By changes to municipal funding, 4) By new officials in office and 5) By state, regional or federal initiatives.

4. What is the legal basis for charters?

The creation, modification and dissolution of municipal charters are regulated by the state constitution, state statutes and local ordinances. Generally speaking, the state constitution and state statutes require that cites have charters establishing geographical boundaries, form of government, departments, services rendered, the exercise of powers provided in the charter and the process by which the charter may be amended. Local ordinances provide policy direction through which the powers of the charter can be implemented on a daily basis as desired by the municipal elected body.

5. What are the different forms of government? What type does Daytona Beach have?

The most important decision a Charter Review Commission will ever undertake is the question of changing its city’s form of government. A city’s form of government provides for its basic frame work of local governance by assigning authority and functions to government officials.

There are two predominant forms of governments operating today - the council-manager form, in which policy making power is vested equally in the elected body composed of the mayor and council members, and the mayor-council form of government where policy making powers are vested in an elected council and administrative powers in an elected executive.

Council-Manager
Born out of the local government reform movement of the 1900s, council-manager government is today the predominant form of government of cities over 10,000 in population in the United States. The council-manager form of government is the corporate model of local government patterned after the private sector. In the council-manager form of government, powers are vested in an appointed executive chosen for his executive skill, education and experience.

Mayor-Council
On the other hand, the mayor-council form of government reflects the federal model of local government patterned after the division of powers in the federal government. In this form of government, policy making powers are vested in an elected council and administrative powers are vested in an elected executive.

Daytona Beach
As in many other middle and larger size cities, Daytona Beach has adopted a hybrid form of government blending characteristics of the council-manager and mayor-council forms of government. Daytona Beach's charter provides for a separately elected mayor to be the political and policy leader of the city while retaining all administrative functions and powers in a city manager. The Charter also allows, but does not demand, that the mayor can serve full time, and be compensated for his full-time commitment as approved by the City Commission. Although a large departure from the pure council-manager form of government which mandates a part-time mayor with largely ceremonial duties, this arrangement incorporates qualities of both forms of government organizing an effective sharing of responsibilities that have proved to work successfully.

6. Why change forms of government?

Changing the form of local government is a huge decision for a Charter Review Commission to address with many short and long-range implications potentially affecting every facet of local governance.

Although charters have been changed for many reasons, reviews of local government literature on the subject suggest that changes in forms of government are commonly caused by one or more of five factors: a loss of trust in the integrity of the local government due to a pattern of unlawful and or scandalous behaviors on the part of local officials; unmanageable conflict between local officials that hinders the performance of government; inability of local government to successfully address unanticipated crisis; failure of the local government to provide consistency in the delivery of services that the citizens deem to be essential; interest groups seeking to increase their influence in city decision making.

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Fire

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1. How do I dispose of non-working smoke detectors?

Contact Volusia County at (386) 257-6000 ext. 5926.

2. Where do I find employment questions regarding how to and what I need to get hired?

Click employment opportunities tab on the left task bar which will take you our Human Resources home page. Please feel free to fill out an application along with all your certifications to be considered for employment. We don't always advertise and will take applications already on file. Click Here For Employment Questions

3. How do I dispose of old flammable liquids, paints or antifreeze?

Contact Volusia County at (386) 257-6000 ext. 5926.

4. Why does a fire engine or rescue truck respond ahead of the private ambulance to medical emergencies?

Fire stations are strategically located to provide rapid response to all kinds of emergencies. All fire fighters are trained as either Emergency Medical Technicians or Paramedics. Every fire engine and rescue truck is Advanced Life Support equipped with lifesaving equipment and at least one Paramedic. It is the best use of our resources.

5. Why do you use motorcycles?

The motorcycle is an efficient means of response for our Paramedics (Motor-Medics) who can reach patients with advance lifesaving care even when traffic is gridlocked on race days, bike week, Black College Reunion, Biketoberfest and other special events.

6. How many calls for emergency service do you get each year?

In 2014 we answered 19,781 emergency calls.

7. How can I get a Daytona Beach Fire Department uniform patch?

With homeland security issues as they currently stand, we can no longer fulfill any requests for our uniform patch.

8. What is your average response time to emergencies?

About 4 minutes.

9. What is Daytona Beach’s Insurance Services Office rating?

Our rating is Class 2; class 1 is the best, class 10 the worst.

10. How big is your service area and population?

We serve 62 square-miles with 65,000 permanent residents. On race days or other special events we may have up to 400,000 people inside our city limits.

11. How many stations does your Department have?

The Daytona Beach Fire Department has seven stations.

12. How many fire fighters are on each fire engine?

A minimum of three and a maximum of four, including a lieutenant, an engineer and one or two fire fighters.

13. What is a fire fighter’s work schedule?

Firefighters work 24 hours on duty and 48 hours off duty, year round including weekends and holidays.

14. How can we get a tour of a real fire station?

Call the community education officer at (386) 671-4000.

15. Does a National Registry for EMT Certification apply in Florida?

Call the State EMS Office at (850) 487-1911 for information.

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Gang Information

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1. What are some potential signs of gang involvement?

• Specific colors or emblems on jackets, hats, etc.
  
• Special hand signals
  
• Unique tattoo symbols and lettering
  
• Gang symbols on walls (such as graffiti), books or clothing
  
• Clothing (hats, bandannas, etc.) suggesting group or gang involvement
  
• Possession of unexplained large sums of money
  
• Changes in attitude: violent reactions, disruptive behavior, refusal to respect authority figures
  
• Secretive behavior regarding activities and locations
  
• Changes in friends
  
• Truancy or poor school performance
  
• Phone calls from individuals who either refuse to identify themselves, give unusual nicknames or use a nickname to identify your child
  
• Negative contact with school officials and law enforcement officers
  
• Involvement with known or suspected gang members
  
• Interest in or possession of weapons (guns, knives, etc.)
  

2. Why do children join gangs?

• Acceptance - Many kids feel that they are not getting the attention they believe they deserve at home.
  
• Excitement - This group of kids love the high of committing crimes and getting away with it. They often do their crimes just to be chased by the police. These individuals are adrenaline
  junkies and love the thrill of criminal activity.
  
• To earn money - More and more, we are seeing gang members turn towards using the gang to make a profit through illegal activities. Selling narcotics, robberies, burglaries, auto thefts, and
  other property crimes are common in many gangs.
  
• Peer Pressure - If your kids are hanging around gangs and gang members, you can almost guarantee that they are being pressured to join the gang. It is important to know who your children
  are associating with.
  
• Protection - It is often easier to join the gang than to be victimized on a daily basis.
  
• To Socialize - The best parties in town are gang parties. Easy access to liquor, narcotics and girls are attractive to potential gang recruits.
  

3. What can parents do to prevent their children from joining gangs?

• Praise your children for doing well
  
• Encourage your children to participate in positive activities
  
• Get to know your children's friends and their families
  
• Set the example and be a positive role model
  
• Talk to your children about gangs and their destructive nature
  
• Talk and listen to your children
  
• Spend quality time with your children
  
• Put a high value on education
  
• Identify with positive role models
  
• Involve your children in positive group activities
  

4. What are some tips for parents?

• Be a good observer - pay attention to your child's behavior
  
• Learn real names of your children's friends
  
• Monitor living space for gang paraphernalia, weapons, and drugs
  
• Report all crimes
  
• Seek the facts - kids will tell you what you want to hear
  
• Teach your children decision making skills - help them make the right choices
  
• Team up with other parents
  

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Hurricane Ian Recovery Grants

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1. Who is eligible for the recovery grants?

Recovery grants are available for qualified homeowners, renters and business owners affected by hurricanes Ian or Nicole. 

 

2. Do I have to apply for FEMA assistance before applying for a grant?

Yes. Individuals and households in Volusia County who have sustained losses as a direct result of Hurricane Ian can apply for federal assistance. People can apply online, call 800-621-3362 or download the FEMA app. 

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center has opened at the Florida Department of Health at 1845 Holsonback Drive in Daytona Beach. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. In addition to FEMA representatives, local governments and social service agencies will be on-site to assist residents and businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian.

3. Do I have to be approved for FEMA assistance before I can apply for a city grant?

No, you just have to submit proof you have filed for FEMA assistance.

4. If I applied for FEMA and was denied, am I still eligible to apply for a grant?

Yes, you may still be eligible for a city recovery grant. If you were denied by FEMA, you should file an appeal with them.

5. Am I able to receive FEMA assistance and a city grant?

Yes, if you are eligible for both assistance programs. However, the FEMA approval process may take longer for you to receive assistance. The city assistance will be available to you right away if you qualify for the program.

6. Do I have to have insurance to receive a grant?

No. However, if you have insurance, you have to submit proof that you have filed for recovery from your insurance carrier.

7. Can I use the grant to pay my insurance deductible?

Yes.

8. Am I eligible to receive insurance money and a recovery grant?

Yes, if you qualify for a city recovery grant.

9. Does the money have to be repaid?

No, the city recovery grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid.

10. How much money can a resident receive?

Up to $9,000.

11. How much money can a small business receive?

Up to $3,000.

12. What can the funds be used for?

Mortgage or rental assistance, replacing spoiled food, home repairs, mold and flood damage remediation, insurance deductibles and more.

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Main

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1. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

2. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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New Water Meters

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1. Will wireless technology affect my health or privacy?

No, the new meters will not negatively affect health or privacy. In fact, overall health will be improved and privacy enhanced by replacing vehicles and manual visits to your home with environmentally clean radio communication. The wireless portions of the system will be operated according to Federal Communications Commission rules, and will not interfere with other radio frequencies in the area. The transmitters use one-quarter of the power of a cell phone. The amount of exposure to radio waves decreases with the square of the distance from the source. Exposure to radio waves from the new meters is absolutely tiny compared to cell phones. In addition, transmission time for the units we are installing totals 15 seconds per day.

2. What is a radio-read water meter?

A radio-read water meter is a water meter with a radio read transmitter device that reads water service information wirelessly using well established, extremely short interval radio transmission technology to send the readings to city offices.

3. What are the advantages of the new water meters?

The wireless reading utilizes a few antennas strategically placed existing buildings or towers to collect water service data directly from the meters and send it to a central location for processing. This allows the city’s Utility Department staff more time to address necessary water system maintenance and water-quality protection tasks. Radio read provides key functions such as more accurate consumption readings, daily and monthly usage charts, 24-hour leak detection, high/low consumption alerts, and alarms for cut wires and backflow conditions. These features will enable the city to better manage its water system and provide customers with superior customer service.

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Police - Online Police Reporting

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1. What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?

If your incident is an emergency, call 9-1-1. If the incident is not an emergency, call (386) 671-5100.

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Reclaimed Water

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1. What are the benefits of reclaimed or reuse water?

Irrigation with reuse water provides all of the same benefits to your landscape that you would see from the use of well water or potable water without increasing the demand on the city’s potable water supply and the Floridian aquifer.

2. Where is reclaimed or reuse water available?

Generally reuse water is available in developments located west of Jimmy Ann Drive and north of International Speedway Boulevard.

To determine if reuse is available at your location, please contact the city’s Utility Department at 386-671-8800.

3. What are the allowable uses for reclaimed water?

The quality of reclaimed water makes it especially suitable for irrigation of lawns and most landscaping; although, some plants may be especially sensitive to the slightly increased salt content present in reuse.

4. If I have access to reuse water, does a backflow prevention device have to be installed on my residential service?

Yes. Prior to activating reuse water service, the city will install a metering device on the reuse service line and an approved backflow preventer device on each water service line known to provide water service to a residential property.

5. What restrictions apply to the use of my reclaimed water?

Although reuse water is very highly treated and meets most drinking water standards, reuse should not be consumed.

Furthermore, this water should not be used to fill swimming pools, hot tubs or wading pools nor should children be permitted to play in reuse water. Above ground hose bibs (spigots) are not connected to reuse piping and reuse piping is not permitted to enter into a residence due to the potential for accidental connections with potable water lines and unintentional consumption.

6. How do I apply for reuse services?

Application for reuse service may be made at the Water Billing office in City Hall, located at 301 S. Ridgewood Avenue in Daytona Beach.

The property owner is required to sign a hold harmless agreement and read the city’s Reuse Policy and Procedures Manual prior to receiving reuse water.

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Rental Housing Inspection Program

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1. Why is the program necessary?

The Rental Housing Inspection program is designed to proactively identify blighted, deteriorated and substandard rental housing stock and to ensure the rehabilitation or elimination of such housing that does not meet minimum standards. These standards address not only life, health and safety issues but also the results of deferred or inadequate maintenance.

2. What defines a property as being a rental property?

Rental property includes single-family dwellings, duplexes, apartments, town homes and condominiums that have between 1 and 4 units which are leased, rented or occupied by a person or persons other than the owner.

3. Who is responsible for registering the property?

The property owner is responsible for completing the registration process.

4. Is there a fee charged for registration and inspection?

Yes, there is both a registration fee and an inspection fee. The registration fee is paid annually and is consistent for all types of properties. The inspection fee is also paid annually, but varies as to the number of buildings and number of units

5. How often will a rental unit need to be inspected?

Inspections will be conducted every 2 years.

6. How will the order of inspection be determined?

The city is divided into a number of districts. One district will be completed before moving on to the next. The date of the mailing of your registration packet will become the anniversary date by which future mailings and inspections will come due.

7. Where do I submit my application and payment?

You have 15 days from receipt of your notice to complete and return your application and payment either by mail or in person to: City Hall, Rental Housing Inspection Program, 301 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 127, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114. Make checks or money orders payable to The City of Daytona Beach. Do not send cash in the mail.

8. When will inspections be done?

Inspections will be performed Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. by appointment only.

9. Is the property owner required to be present during the inspection?

Yes, the property owner or their designated representative must be present during inspections. It is the responsibility of the property owner to inform the tenants of impending inspections and to provide access.

10. Will tenants be allowed to attend the inspections?

Yes, both tenants and the property owners are encouraged to be present during the inspections. Informational exchanges are critical to the success of the program.

11. Will the property owner receive documentation of the inspection results?

Yes, the property owner or agent will be furnished a copy of the inspection report. Additionally, a “Certificate of Compliance” will be sent once all items have either been approved or corrected.

12. Will additional fees be required if repairs are determined during the inspection?

There is no charge for the initial inspection or the first (2) correction inspections at each site. If the inspector has to return to a site beyond that, additional inspections are $100 each and must be prepaid prior to the re-inspection date.

13. How much time will be given to the property owner or agent to make corrections found to be unsatisfactory during the inspection?

The property owner or agent will be given adequate time to correct violations noted. The time allotted for correction will be at the inspector’s discretion, based on the nature and severity of the violation.

14. Who performs the inspections?

The City of Daytona Beach Residential Rental Housing Inspector will perform all required residential rental inspections.

15. How can I schedule an inspection?

Once the application is received and fees are paid, the property owner or registered agent will be contacted to set up the inspection. The inspection will be done by appointment only.

16. How long does an inspection take?

Each inspection will vary according to the individual property, however, one should set aside a minimum of one hour for a single family residence and an additional half hour for each additional unit to be inspected. This is only an average.

17. What preparations should be made involving animals prior to inspections?

All pets should be confined or restrained in such a way as to eliminate any possibility of attack or escape during the inspection process.

18. Does the inspection take place both inside and outside of the residence?

Yes, the Residential Licensing Program requires an inspection of both the interior and exterior of each unit on the property.

19. Will my older building be forced to comply with today’s more stringent construction codes?

No, your building is required to be maintained at a level consistent with the codes of the period in which it was constructed; however, any construction improvements must comply with the current codes as adopted by the State of Florida and the City of Daytona Beach.

20. Do all units require smoke detectors?

Yes, smoke detectors will be required in each sleeping room, each hallway adjacent to the sleeping rooms and at each floor level.

21. Is the property owner required to obtain permits for minor repair work?

Yes, repair work normally requiring permits will still require permits; however, many items usually noted for repairs are exempt from permits.

22. Does it matter who does the actual repairs?

Yes, normal, routine building maintenance and repair is typically exempt from permits, however, if you have any questions please contact the Permits and Licensing Department at 386-671-8146 for clarification.

23. What if the property owner ignores their required participation in the program?

The program is an approved part of the City of Daytona Beach's Code of Ordinances which provides for adequate penalties for noncompliance. Individuals who fail to file an application with the City of Daytona Beach will be subject to a hearing with the Special Magistrate. This is a mandatory program for all rental properties.

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Utilities - Flood Insurance

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1. What does it mean if my community does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)?

Communities that agree to manage flood hazard areas by adopting minimum standards can participate in the NFIP. The standards are contained in Section 60.3 of the NFIP regulations.

Communities that do not participate are subject to the sanctions outlined in Section 202(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. Section 202(a) makes flood insurance, federal grants and loans, federal disaster assistance and federal mortgage insurance unavailable for the acquisition or construction of structures located in the floodplain shown on the NFIP maps.

2. What are FEMA's requirements to remove land or a building from the 1% annual chance flood hazard area?

To be removed from the floodplain on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, a structure must be on land that is not subject to flooding by the 100-year flood. Remember, more severe floods can and do happen, so even if your home is found to be on high ground, it may still be damaged by an extreme flood event.

If your lot or building site is on natural ground that is higher than the Base Flood Elevation shown on the FIRM, then you may request a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA). To support your request, you will have to get a surveyor to determine the elevation of the ground next to your building and complete an Elevation Certificate. If the ground is higher than the Base Flood Elevation, then FEMA will issue a LOMA. With a LOMA, your lender may choose to not require flood insurance.

If your home was built on fill that was placed after the FIRM was prepared, you may request a Letter of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F). As with a LOMA, you will need to get an Elevation Certificate completed by a land surveyor. If the filled ground is higher than the Base Flood Elevation, and if you do not have a basement, then FEMA may issue a LOMR-F, and your lender may choose to not require flood insurance.

3. What is the 100-year flood?

The term 100-year flood is misleading. It is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. Rather, it is the flood elevation that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded each year. Thus, the 100-year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time.

The 100-year flood, which is the standard used by most federal and state agencies, is used by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as the standard for floodplain management and to determine the need for flood insurance. A structure located within a special flood hazard area shown on an NFIP map has a 26%chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.

4. I have lived here forever and have never been flooded. Why do I need flood insurance?

The flood hazards shown on National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps are based on the best information available at the time the maps were prepared. In many areas, hydraulic and hydrologic studies were conducted to reflect the long-term projection of flood risk. Because of the infrequent occurrence of flood events and the relatively short history of the NFIP, Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are not based solely on the past flooding occurrences. The fact that a flood hasn't occurred within memory doesn't mean one won't happen soon.

The 100-year flood is a relatively rare event (1% chance in any given year), but structures located in the floodplain have a significant chance (26%) of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage. For these reasons, flood insurance is required as a condition of receiving federal or federally backed financial assistance.

5. What elevation is used when rating a structure for a flood insurance policy?

The difference between the lowest-floor elevation (including basement) of your structure and the 1% annual chance flood elevation is used to determine the insurance rating.

Note: Only buildings are insurable, other structures are not.

6. My family has lived in our house for many years, and we had a big flood that was called the 100-year flood. We weren't damaged. Why do I need flood insurance?

The term 100-year flood is often incorrectly used and can be misleading. It does not mean that only one flood of that size will occur every 100 years. The term is a statement of probability that scientists and engineers use to describe how one flood compares to others that are likely to occur.

Today, we use the phrase 1% annual chance flood. What it means is that there is a 1% chance of a flood of that size happening in any year. Over a 100-year period, it has a 63.5% chance of occurring. Even more surprising is that over a 30-year period (typical mortgage period) the 1% annual chance flood has a 26% chance of occurring.

To answer your question about why you need flood insurance, you would need to look very carefully at what caused the flood and how high the water near your home rose. Because rainfall amounts are different when a storm moves across an area, a 100-year flood may occur in some places but not others. There are many factors that can add to flooding, including trash and debris in ditches and culverts, saturated ground, aging infrastructure and numerous other circumstances.

7. My bank said I'm in the floodplain and have to buy insurance. I don't believe it. What can I do?

If a lending institution is federally regulated or making federally backed loans, it must review the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps to determine if the building is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA.) The SFHA is the area that is expected to be inundated by a 1% annual chance flood. If the bank makes such a determination, it must require the borrower to purchase flood insurance.

If you disagree with the lending institution's determination, you may request that FEMA review the lender's determination. FEMA will then review the information that the lending institution used and issue a letter that states whether they agree with the determination. Your request must be postmarked no later than 45 days after the lending institution notifies you of the flood insurance requirement, and the submittal must be complete. The request must include all of the information and fees listed in the Letter of Determination Review (LODR) information sheet. If your request is postmarked after the 45-day limit has expired, or if FEMA does not receive all of the information within the 45-day limit, they will not review the determination and the flood insurance requirement stands.

FEMA's responses to these requests are called LODRs, and offer two basic dispositions: (1) the lender's determination stands or (2) it is overturned. FEMA's determination is based on the technical data submitted. If the lender's evidence is inconclusive or the request is incomplete FEMA can disagree with the lender's determination. FEMA's response does not amend or revise the NFIP map for your community. It only states that FEMA agrees or disagrees with your lender's determination.

Occasionally, a lending institution may require insurance if it determines that a part of your lot is in the SFHA. The NFIP does not insure land. However, even if you submit evidence that your building is out of the floodplain, the bank may still decide to require insurance on your building.

You can contact your insurance agent or call your community's building permit office. Not only can they tell you if they participate in the NFIP, but they can tell you if you have to get permits before building in a special flood hazard area, or before you add to, improve, or repair damage to an existing floodplain building.

8. Who can prepare an Elevation Certificate?

Elevation Certificates must be prepared and certified by a land surveyor or engineer, who is authorized by commonwealth, state, or local law to certify elevation information. Community officials who are authorized by local law or ordinance to provide floodplain management information may also sign the certificate.

9. What do I need to know if my building is in the floodplain?

Buildings in special flood hazard areas shown on FIRMs may be damaged when flooding occurs. Some buildings flood frequently, while others get damaged by only the more severe events.

If your home is in the 1% annual chance floodplain, it has a 26% chance of getting flooded over a 30-year period. This means it is about five times more likely to get damaged by flood than by a severe fire.

You can usually get flood insurance by contacting your regular homeowner’s insurance agent. FEMA and others recommend that everyone in special flood hazard areas buy flood insurance. If you buy a home or refinance your home, your mortgage lender or banker may require flood insurance. Even if not required, it is a good investment, especially in areas that flood frequently or where flood forces are likely to cause major damage.

Your community may require permits for remodeling, improving, expanding or rebuilding your building. In order to reduce long-term flood damage, the NFIP requires that buildings that are substantially improved or substantially damaged become compliant. This means if the cost of the improvements or repairs is more than 50% of the market value of the building, you will have to make the new building compliant with the current code rules for floodplain construction. Usually this means elevating the foundation above the predicted flood level. If you carry a flood insurance policy and have major flood damage, you may be eligible for up to $15,000 more to help pay for the cost of this work.

10. If I own a repetitive loss property, are there grant funds available to mitigate against future flood losses?

If you are currently in a repetitive loss property, there are grant funds available to those property owners to mitigate against future flood losses under the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) and Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) Programs.

The Repetitive Flood Claims (RFC) grant program was authorized by the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (P.L. 108–264), which amended the National Flood Insurance Act (NFIA) of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001, et al). FEMA provides RFC funds to assist states and communities to reduce flood damages to insured properties that have had one or more claims to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact the Utilities Dept. at 386-671-8807, or email Kimberly Dixon.

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Utilities - Smoke Testing

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1. What if I have health concerns?

Give us your name, address, and phone number and the crews in the field will be happy to let you know when they will be in your neighborhood. This will give you time to leave the house if you so choose while they are smoke testing.

2. If my pet(s) breathe in the smoke will they be hurt?

No they will not be harmed. 

3. Will the smoke hurt my pet(s)?

No harm will come to your pets. 

4. Do I have to bathe my pet(s) if they come in contact with the smoke?

The smoke is designed to not be harmful to your pets or their skin. 

5. Do I need to be home when the testing happens?

No, you do not need to be home at the time of testing. The crews do not need to enter your house unless there is a problem that you want documented. They will not fix a problem on private property. This is the responsibility of the home owner 

6. What happens if the smoke enters my home or business?

Contact one of the uniformed crew members who will be inspecting outside for leaks and they will be happy to help you figure out where the smoke is coming from, but we will not make repairs. This is the responsibility of the home owner. If smoke enters your home/business, open your doors and windows so it can be aired out. 

7. How long will the smoke testing take?

The smoke testing will take about 20 minutes to complete. 

8. Vacant units/houses -– what if they can’t or don’t have a way to add water to their dry drains, etc?

Most homes will not be affected. A few may have small amounts of smoke/vapor enter the home that will dissipate in 5 -10 minutes. 

9. If people are not home and they have issues (smoke in the house) how will they know?

They will not. Let them know we are looking for defects in sewer lines outside the home, not inside. 

10. If they have home sitters, etc. should they have them in the house to see if there is a leak?

Not necessary. Let them know we are not looking to find defects inside homes. 

11. What is the advantage to staying home and finding out if there is a leak in their homes/units?

No advantage. This test is for breaks in the sewer system outside the home.

12. Condo Management – what is best for them to prepare with a large number of vacant units?

No preparation is necessary. If smoke/vapor enters the units, it will dissipate in 5-10 minutes. 

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Utilities - Stormwater

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1. What is a stormwater utility fee?

The stormwater utility fee is used for construction, maintenance and operation of stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects throughout the City of Daytona Beach service area.

2. How is the stormwater fee calculated?

The City of Daytona Beach currently (FY 2015 / 2016) charges $9.38 per month stormwater fee for each residential unit and is reflected on the monthly utility bill of City residents.

Business accounts are based on square footage of impervious surface (buildings, parking lots, etc.) Every 1,661 square feet is equivalent to one residential fee.

This fee increases yearly with the United States Utility Consumer Price Index (CPI) on October 1.

3. There aren’t any storm drains or canals anywhere near my property. Do I have to pay this fee?

Anyone who owns developed property in the city limits pays a stormwater fee. This includes all state, county, city and school facilities, as well as churches. There are no exemptions.

4. How often are storm inlets cleaned?

Storm inlets are cleaned on a periodic basis across the community as conditions and seasons dictate. They are also cleaned on a per-call basis when backups or problems are reported by our residents.

5. What can I do to help prevent flooding in my area?

• Do not throw or dump anything into storm sewers or ditches within the city. Even grass clippings and branches can accumulate and plug pipes, inlets and conveyance channels. A plugged conveyance system will not carry water and when it rains; clogged storm drains will cause water to back up into the street and may cause structure flooding in a large event. Every piece of trash, including cigarette and cigar butts, contributes to localize flooding and pollutes waterways.
• Keep stormwater inlets near your property clear of trash and debris. Rake pine needles and leaves away from your street stormwater grate. Don’t stack garbage or yard debris on a storm water inlet. This allows water to flow into the system as it was designed to do. Don’t blow grass clippings or leaves into the street and sweep up any clippings or leaves or blow them back onto your lawn. They can clog up the stormwater system and cause flooding.
• If your property is next to a ditch, help keep the banks clear of brush and debris. The city has a Ditch Maintenance Program, which can help remove major blockages such as downed trees.
• The city of routinely cleans the 55 small and 81 large ditches within the city limits. While heavy rains, stormwater runoff and illegal dumping can quickly undo the work of cleaning crews, the city attempts to keep all canals free flowing at all times. To report illegal dumping into the city's ditches, call our 24-hour dispatch at (386) 671-8815.

6. What can I do to help prevent flooding around my home?

• Make sure the ground slopes away from your home. Land within ten feet of your home should slope away from your house. This ensures your home has a good chance of not being damaged due to localized flooding.
• Direct gutters away from your home and into landscape areas. If you don’t have gutters, consider installing them to alleviate localized yard flooding.
• If you are in a flood prone area, you may consider purchasing flood insurance.

The City of Daytona Beach is not responsible for flooding on private property. For more information, please refer to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps page or call utilities engineering at (384) 671-8807 for a flood zone determination.

If a neighbor has directed drainage onto your property, you should ask the property owner to correct the situation. However, it's important to recognize the prevailing drainage patterns. If you are directly downhill, then your neighbor may not have many options. The best solution may involve working together to direct drainage in a way that minimizes adverse impacts.

If the property owner refuses to correct a situation causing drainage damage on your property, your next course of action could be a civil suit. If you have damages, the property owner may be held responsible. The city does not regulate grading on single-family residential properties unless the area is in a drainage easement.

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Utilities - Stormwater Utility Fee

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1. Who pays this fee?

Stormwater Management Rates Per Ordinance #98-101-107

It is necessary to provide storm water draining facilities throughout the city's public right of ways in order that the health, safety, and welfare of the city's inhabitants may be protected. It is the intent and purpose of this article to provide authority to levy fees against all owners, tenants, or occupants whose property impacts the storm management facilities or who enjoy benefits therefrom and provide the city with a rational means for imposition of such fees to be used for the construction of improvements and extension of the facilities, maintenance, and administration.

2. Isn't this just another tax?

No. This utility fee is considered a service for stormwater improvements and is allowed in accordance with Section 403.0893 of the Florida Statutes.

Although a utility fee is considered an additional cost to residents, it is not a tax on the ad valorem value of a particular property. The stormwater utility fee is not equated to property values. All owners of improved residential property pay the same fee. Commercial property fees are based on the square footage of impervious area located on the site.

3. When and how do I pay this fee?

The fee will appear on the monthly utility bill mailed out by the Daytona Beach Utility Billing Department. For any partial payment of a combined utility bill shall first be applied to the stormwater utility fee, secondly to garbage pick-up and lastly for the water / sewer service reflected on the utility bill.

4. When did the city start charging this fee?

The stormwater fee was established in 1994, charging $4 per year on each equivalent residential unit (ERU). Beginning in 2007, and annually thereafter, the monthly ERU shall be automatically adjusted in accordance with section 98-32 which contains a revised schedule of rates, charges and fees effective October 1, 2004 and dictating an annual fee adjustments in perpetuity linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

5. I have homestead exemption. Why am I being charged?

The stormwater utility is not a tax based on the value of your property; therefore, the homestead exemption does not apply.

6. I have a well or septic tank. Why should I be charged?

Having a well or septic tank does not affect stormwater.

7. What does the city do with this money?

The fee is used to:

• Support stormwater maintenance and operations division
• Fund the Stormwater Engineering Section to study, plan, design, and construct stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects
• Investigate drainage problems
• Ensure the city’s compliance with state, federal and local stormwater permits and mandates
• Monitor water quality in the city’s water bodies

8. Stormwater doesn't leave my property. Why should I have to pay?

All city residents receive the benefit of drainage maintenance of the city’s stormwater facilities. The stormwater system on a public road protects the road from becoming inundated with floodwaters and subsequently treats the stormwater before it is discharged to local water bodies. If there were no publicly maintained drainage systems, roads may become impassable during rains and surface waters could quickly become unhealthy and overloaded with pollutants.

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Utility Billing

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1. How do I open a new account?

An advance security deposit is required along with picture identification. For same-day activation, a deposit is required by 12:00 noon, Monday through Friday excluding holidays. The amount of deposit varies depending on the size of the meter and is refundable when account is closed.

2. What do I need to know about my bill and payment?

• All transactions completed after 4:00 pm will be considered the next day's business.
• All water meters are read and customers are billed monthly based upon a cycle billing procedure.
• Payments can be made by mail, online, utilizing our convenient Automatic Transfer Service or in person at City Hall at 301 South Ridgewood Avenue.
• When paying your bill, please ensure your copy of the payment stub is included along with your account number on check or money order. This will help us serve you more efficiently.

3. How do I discontinue service?

Notification should be made in writing to discontinue utility services with the city. Fax or mail your signed request or come to the office, at least a week before you plan to move. In the event you have a refund from your deposit, a check will be mailed to your forwarding address. Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing.

4. What if I have questions about my services?

If you have questions about any of our services, you may call us at (386) 671-8100, send an email, or fax (386) 671-8115. We will respond to all inquiries. Please provide a name, service address, account number and telephone number with all inquiries when possible.

5. Who do I contact if I have a water emergency?

Water breaks should be reported to (386) 671-8815.