Short Term Vacation Rentals
Published on October 01, 2023
The City of Dunedin’s Community Development Department provides a dedicated webpage for its citizens on everything they need to know about short-term vacation rentals and transient uses regulations.
The webpage includes links to specific Code section that provides transient use regulations and short-term vacation rental regulations as well as providing a list of zoning categories that allows short-term vacation rentals and transient uses. Additionally, the webpage provides links to application for short-term vacation rental registration and information on conditional use bed and breakfasts. The following are the key information to the City’s regulations related to short-term vacation rentals and transient uses.
What is a short-term vacation rental or transient use?
Transient uses or short-term vacation rentals are defined as the occupancy of a living unit of any type (house, duplex, condo, etc.) for a period of less than 90 days or three calendar months.
Airbnb rentals, VRBO rentals and the like are considered transient uses if the rental period is less than 90 days or three calendar months.
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 Table.
The table lists each zoning district and indicates whether short-term vacation rentals, bed and breakfast inns, or hotel, motel, condo-hotels are allowed in that zoning district or not.
How do I find out a property’s zoning district designation?
You can determine the zoning district designation of any property in Dunedin online by using the City of Dunedin GIS.
How to look up Zoning on a property on GIS:
- Type in the address of the property on the top right side of the map:
- Please be sure to turn on the zoning district layer located at the left side of the map. (blue checkmark next to ZoningDistrict)
Why are short-term vacation rentals or transient uses prohibited in residential zoning districts?
The intent of each residential zoning district is to protect and preserve the integrity and value of existing stable residential neighborhoods. The health, safety, and welfare of residents and owners in residential zoning districts may be detrimentally affected by short-term rentals due to its commercial nature of use. Short-term rentals are a commercial use. Short-term rentals are a tourist-oriented business that is inconsistent with a residential neighborhood and there is adequate opportunity for businesses investing in short-term rentals or tourist-based activities within the appropriate zoning districts within the City.
What do I need to operate a short-term vacation rental or transient use?
Once the property is confirmed that short-term vacation rental is permitted, owners will need to apply for a short-term vacation rental registration.
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). Application process and information can be found in this link.
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. There will be additional services obtained by the City that will assist staff in identifying short-term rentals and verifying the zoning of the properties more efficiently in the coming months. Staff is sending notices of violation to the owners of the properties that are in prohibited zones to cease advertising immediately and stop renting short-term to avoid further code enforcement action.
Questions? Need Assistance? For questions or need assistance, please call us at (727)298-3210.