Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in zoning with high priority
968 Douglas Avenue rezoning to Downtown Core
Rezoning 1.07 acres from Downtown Industrial to Downtown Core lets Mazas Development add ground-floor retail to a 318-space parking garage serving downtown and Main Street Exchange. Unanimous first-reading approval; final vote October 22.
Vacant former Mike's Automotive property
A California LLC's vacant shopping center property had waist-high grass, trash, and homeless people living in the dumpster enclosure. The mowing got done, but the trash and tree trimming didn't — the owner has until October 21 or fines start.
Compatibility standards governing new development
Dunedin's compatibility rule — on the books since 1997 — lets staff scale back height, density, and massing on projects that don't fit their surroundings, even if they meet zoning minimums. It's the main tool preserving the town's character as new development pressure arrives.
Land Development Code rewrite — Module 2 development standards
The long-awaited rewrite of the land development code is slightly delayed — partly because state Senate Bill 180 bars cities from making code changes more burdensome to developers until October 2027. Staff hopes to kick off the process before year-end.
Repeat short-term-rental operation in MF-15 district
An owner keeps advertising a fourplex for 3-night stays despite the 90-day minimum rule near the Causeway — his third board case since 2023, with last year's fine still unpaid. Inspectors struggle to document each day he toggles listings on and off across platforms.
Historic Preservation Code Overhaul (Ordinance 25-02)
After a long process, the city finalized its rewritten historic preservation rules — most landmark change approvals now go to the Historic Preservation Committee instead of the full Commission, speeding things up for property owners.
November 3, 2026 Municipal Election
Seats Two and Four are up for four-year terms. Vice Mayor Walker plans to seek reelection; Commissioner Gow is termed out. Mark Ossian and Janice "Nan" Bennett are running for Seat Four.