DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Daytona Beach Chief Building Official Glen Urquhart resigned this week amid an ongoing state audit of the building permits and licensing division.
The move follows a tense City Commission meeting on Wednesday where officials called for the city manager to be fired.
The state audit focuses on the building department, which saw its excess permit and license fees grow from $5 million in 2020 to more than $11 million by 2023.
State leaders had issued warnings for several years regarding the city’s failure to spend down those funds before an investigation into city finances triggered the current audit.
Urquhart detailed his reasons for leaving in a formal resignation letter, noting that he had attempted to manage the department’s responsibilities during a period of significant local development. “I have worked diligently to implement improvements within the building permits and licensing division to meet the demands of growth,” Urquhart said.
Urquhart noted that internal friction and pressure made it impossible for him to remain in the position.
He specifically cited micromanagement and the impact the job had on his personal life.
“Due to ongoing concerns regarding workplace conditions, including unnecessary pressure, unreasonable requests, extreme micromanaging and personal attacks affecting both my professional integrity and my family, I have determined I can no longer continue in this role,” Urquhart said.
The current state audit of the building department was initiated following an investigation into the city’s general finances.
In addition to the audit, the city has faced legal challenges regarding its permit processes.
The city recently settled at least one lawsuit with a developer who was overcharged by the building permits and licensing department.
Channel 9 is gathering more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.
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