Zoning

About

The Zoning Division is primarily responsible for short-range planning and the day-to-day application and implementation of the City's Land Development Code.

Such regulations determine the location of appropriate land uses within the City, the maximum density of development, appearance of development and regulate the infrastructure for existing and new development.  Zoning regulations also define how far a structure must be placed away from the lot lines (building setbacks), how tall and how many stories it can be and how many parking spaces are required.

Online Resources

Use the following resources to find important zoning and land use information about properties in Dunedin such as land use and zoning designations, permitted and conditional uses, setbacks, building heights, maximum allowable density, flood zone and much more.

  • Zoning & Land Use GIS - follow this link to search the City's GIS system to learn the zoning district designation, land use plan category and FEMA flood zone for all properties in Dunedin.
  • Zoning District Use Matrix - follow this link to a table in the code that lists the permitted and conditional uses allowed in each zoning district in Dunedin.
  • Summary of Zoning Districts(PDF, 54KB) - a summary of minimum lot sizes, minimum yard setbacks, maximum building height and stories for each zoning district.
  • Table 1-1: Future Land Use Element(PDF, 97KB) - to determine the maximum density (dwelling units per acre) allowed for a property based on the land use designation.

Use the following resources for information about fence design, storage sheds and signs.

 

Sign Codes

A quick reference guide to the rules and regulations regarding election, temporary, sandwich board and prohibited signs in Dunedin. You can view the City's entire Sign Regulations online at Section 105-29 of the Land Development Code.

Election Signs

Election sign rules and regulations are found in section 105-29.3.8 and section 105-29.4.4 of the code.

Basic Facts: Temporary election signs shall not be erected for more than 100 days prior to the event (election) being advertised on the temporary sign begins, and they shall be removed promptly at the event’s conclusion.

Residential zones: Each parcel may display up to four temporary signs which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area, and four (4) feet in height for residential properties.

Non-residential zones: Each parcel may display one temporary sign which shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. Alternatively, each parcel in a non-residential zone may display up to eight (8) temporary signs, which cumulatively shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area and four (4) feet in height.

Temporary Signs

Section 105-29.1 - Definitions

Temporary sign means a sign intended for a use not permanent in nature. Unless otherwise provided for in the LDC, a sign with an intended use for a period of time related to an event or occurrence at a future time shall be deemed a temporary sign. Such events could include, but are not limited to, scheduled community athletic or charity events, contractor notices of construction projects in progress, elections scheduled to occur in the future, or sales or leases of real property, goods or services by retailers, Realtors or individuals where same will be completed by some future date or upon the completion of the lease or sale. A flag shall be deemed a temporary sign. A sign advertising a reduced price or other promotional benefit associated with a product or service sold or offered on a parcel shall not constitute a temporary sign.

The code section below limits temporary signage to 100 days, while allowing for longer term events like a real estate transaction that could take longer than 100 days.

Section 105-29.3.8 - Temporary Sign Installation and Removal

  1. General rule concerning temporary signs. Unless otherwise provided for in this article, temporary signs shall not be erected for more than 100 days prior to the event being advertised on the temporary sign begins, and they shall be removed promptly at the event’s conclusion. Temporary signs not advertising an event to occur on a specific date but which are related to the occurrence of an expected future event or transaction, including but not limited to temporary real estate for sale signs, shall not be subject to the 100-day provision of this subsection, but such signs shall also be removed promptly upon the earliest of the occurrence of the event or transaction, or the expiration of the listing or other similar change in facts eliminating the opportunity of the future event or transaction from occurring.

Section 105-29.4.4 - Temporary signs shall be allowed on each parcel within the City as follows:

  1. In residential zones, each parcel may display up to four temporary signs which shall not exceed four (4) square feet in sign area, and four (4) feet in height for residential properties.
  2. In all non-residential zones, each parcel may display one temporary sign which shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area and six (6) feet in height. Alternatively, each parcel in a non-residential zone may display up to eight (8) temporary signs, which cumulatively shall not exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in sign area and four (4) feet in height.
Sandwich Board Signs

The City’s approach is to return sandwich board signs to their intended purpose of advertising a sale, a menu, or a drink special versus acting as an extension of the businesses’ wall signage.

The rules and regulations regarding Sandwich Board Signs are found in Section 105-29.4.11.2 of the Sign Regulations.

Example of an Acceptable Chalkboard-Type Sandwich Board Sign

Sandwich board sign

Prohibited Signs

A complete list of Prohibited Signs can be found in Section 105-29.1.3 of the Code.

 

 

Licenses to Sell Alcoholic Beverages

Application for License to Sell Alcoholic Beverages

City Ordinances: Chapter 6 - Alcoholic Beverages

Application for License to Sell Alcoholic Beverages

Zoning approval from the City of Dunedin is typically required by the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (DBPR ABT) on all new and change of location applications to sell alcoholic beverages within the city limits. Zoning approval may also be required for certain change or increase in series applications.

Please bring your completed DBPR ABT application to the Community Development Department for zoning review and approval. There is a $100.00 fee per application. 

Multi-day Permits to Sell Alcoholic Beverages

One/Two/Three Day Permits to Sell Alcoholic Beverages

If you plan to apply to the State of Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco for a temporary (one/two/three day) permit to sell alcoholic beverages then the City must review and approve Section 4 of your application. Zoning approval is not required for Special Sales Licenses.

Please Note: If your request to sell alcoholic beverages is associated with a Special Event then you must receive approval from the Parks & Recreation Department for the event before your temporary alcohol permit application can receive Zoning approval.

Please bring your completed DBPR ABT application to the Community Development Department for zoning review and approval. There is a $50.00 fee per application.

 

 

Short Term Rental Information

Frequently Asked Questions
What is a short-term rental or transient use?  

Transient uses or short-term rentals are defined as the occupancy of a living unit of any type for a period of less than ninety (90) days or three (3) calendar months.  Vacation or short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, VRBO and the like are considered transient uses if the rental period is less than ninety (90) days or three (3) calendar months.

Where are short-term rentals or transient uses allowed? 

In Dunedin, transient uses and short-term rentals are only allowed in certain zoning districts.  Zoning categories which specifically allow some type of tourist, transient use, or short-term rentals are as follows:

  • TF (Tourist Facility)
  • NB (Neighborhood Business)
  • GB (General Business)
  • CR (Commercial Recreation)
  • DC (Downtown Core)
  • DR (Downtown Residential), Bed and Breakfast Inn Only (Must be Owner-Occupied) 
  • FX-M (Form-based Medium)
  • FX-H (Form-based High)
  • LI (Light Industrial)
  • MF (Multifamily Residential), Bed and Breakfast Only by Conditional Use Permit from the Board of Adjustment and Appeal (Must be Owner-Occupied) {See question with link below for more information.}
Where are short-term rentals or transient uses prohibited?

Transient uses or short-term rentals are prohibited in all other zoning districts except those listed above.  Residential zoning districts where short-term or vacation rentals are prohibited include:

  • AR (Agricultural Residential)
  • R-300 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-200 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-150 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-100 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-90 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-75 (Single-Family Residential)
  • R-60 (Single-Family Residential)
  • MF-7.5 (Multifamily Residential)
  • MF-10 (Multifamily Residential)
  • MF-12.5 (Multifamily Residential)
  • MF-15 (Multifamily Residential)
  • MH (Mobile Home)
  • PRD (Planned Residential Development)
Is there a way to determine what transient uses are allowed in a particular zoning district?

Yes, please download, print or view the Transient Uses by Zoning District(PDF, 79KB) table.  This table lists each zoning district and indicates whether or not short-term vacation rentals, bed and breakfast inns or hotel, motel, condo-hotels are allowed in that zoning district.

Why are short-term rentals or transient uses prohibited in residential zoning districts?

The intent of each residential zoning district in the City of Dunedin is to protect and preserve the integrity and value of existing stable residential neighborhoods. Conflict occurs when transient uses, tourist oriented uses or commercial uses operate within residential neighborhoods or zoning districts that do not specifically allow for such tourist or transient uses. The health, safety and welfare of residents and owners in residential zoning districts may be detrimentally affected by short-term rentals. Short-term rentals are a commercial use. Short-term rentals are a tourist oriented business enterprise that is inconsistent with a residential neighborhood and there exists in the city adequate opportunity for businesses investing in short-term rentals or tourist-based activities within the appropriate zoning districts within the city.

How do I learn more about short-term rentals or transient uses?

You can read the City's code of ordinances online.  Dunedin's ordinance regarding Transient Uses is found in Section 103-14 and the ordinance regarding Short Term Vacation Rentals is found in Section 103-14.7 of the Land Development Code.

How do I apply for a registration to operate a short-term vacation rental in Dunedin?

Please complete the Short Term Vacation Rental Application for Registration(PDF, 294KB).

How do I apply for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a Bed and Breakfast within a multi-family zoning district?

To operate a Bed and Breakfast within any multi-family (MF) zoning district, a Conditional Use Permit must be approved by the Board of Adjustment and Appeal (BAA).  You can learn about the process at Conditional Use Bed and Breakfasts.

How does the City identify short-term vacation rentals operating within the city limits? 

The City has contracted with Host Compliance, LLC to assist in identifying advertised short-term rentals.  After verifying zoning categories, we are sending notices of violation to those property owners in prohibited zones to cease advertising immediately, and stop renting short-term to avoid further code enforcement action.

How do I find out if short-term rentals or transient uses are allowed at a specific property?

You can determine the zoning district designation of any property in Dunedin online anytime using the City of Dunedin GIS or by calling 727-298-3210 during normal business hours for assistance.

 

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