Dunedin tables historic‑preservation ordinance after state raises consent concerns

Dunedin commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 9 to table proposed changes to the city’s historic‑preservation rules—Ordinance 25‑02 and the companion Resolution 25‑13—following guidance from state historic officials that a requirement for 100% owner consent to create historic districts is not consistent with federal and state preservation standards.

City Attorney Jennifer explained the city is a certified local government under the National Historic Preservation Act program and has previously received technical assistance and grants from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. She told the commission the Division and the National Park Service advised that 100% owner consent for creating historic districts conflicts with the general purpose of preservation programs at federal, state and local levels. Because the city participates in the federal/state certified‑local‑government program and is pursuing grant funding, staff requested the items be set aside until the state and the National Park Service provide formal comments.

The matter drew several public speakers during citizen input. Jenny English, whose family has lived on Aberdeen Street 41 years, said she supports preservation generally but opposes an imposed district: “My home is mine, I pay taxes, I maintain it, and I should have the freedom to make reasonable choices about how I care for it.” Ryan Saunders, of Lynnhurst Street, urged the commission to use the state comments as an “off ramp” and consider stopping the ordinance, citing legal and consulting costs the city has already incurred. Paul Giamonis criticized the process and the city’s handling of inventories and surveys used to identify potentially historic properties.

Commissioners emphasized the tabling does not repeal the current 2019 ordinance; rather, staff will seek the state and national office responses before re‑advertising the amended ordinance and returning it for further commission consideration and public input. The commission set no date for return because the National Park Service response was delayed by a federal shutdown.

Votes at the Oct. 9 meeting were unanimous to table both items.

Why it matters: Dunedin is a certified local government eligible for federal‑and‑state preservation grants; state and federal office guidance can affect the city’s eligibility for technical assistance and a pending $500,000 state grant cited by staff. The question of owner consent also touches on property‑rights concerns raised repeatedly during public comment.

Next steps: Staff will pursue meetings with the state and National Park Service, update the commission after receiving comments, and re‑advertise the ordinance for public hearings when the review is complete.