Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dunedin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in zoning
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.
Howell Street neighbors' privacy and the city easement
A last-minute letter from neighbor Bill Faulkner asked for mature trees along the project's southern border. A 15-foot city-owned right-of-way sits between the site and the Howell Street homes, and the LPA asked staff to explore letting the HOA plant trees and a fence there. Neighbor Deborah Mobourne also came with concerns that her fence would be removed — the developer clarified it won't be.
Homeowner cleanup rewarded with no fines
Terry Zervos painted his hurricane-flooded Mira Vista house and hauled away construction debris just in time — the board found him in violation but waived all fines, with a five-year repeat warning.
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.
Rear setback variance for new Bay Street home
Cory and Gina Orzak want to rebuild on their grandfathered 88-foot-deep lot on Curlew Creek, but the code requires 100-foot depth and a 20-foot rear setback. The board agreed the 10-foot variance is the minimum needed and matches the neighborhood's irregular lot patterns.
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.
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.
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.
Voluntary annexation of 1991 Spanish Pines Drive into Dunedin
A couple who has lived in the area since 1971 is formally joining the city of Dunedin, picking up city trash service and paying city property taxes. Neighbors in the 47-lot subdivision may follow, since the enclave is pre-approved for annexation under the county interlocal agreement.
Restrictive covenant protections for the surrounding neighborhood
The covenant limits the property to a short list of uses — service industry, homes, group home, religious, or educational — with no manufacturing, and requires wall and fence repairs. Board member Kynes pushed on whether the covenant is airtight enough, and the board added a six-month repair deadline as a condition.
Trailer and unregistered vehicle violations at 1670 Country Lane
A homeowner has been storing a utility trailer and an unregistered military vehicle in his front yard for months, citing illness and cost. The board gave him until July 21 with fines of $150/day for the trailer and $50/day for the vehicle.
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.