Dunedin Local Planning Agency Meeting - October 14, 2026

The Local Planning Agency (LPA) of Dunedin, Florida, met on October 14, 2026, to consider one quasi-judicial item: a design review application for the Sunrise Townhomes development. The meeting began at 6:00 PM and included agenda approval, staff and applicant presentations, public testimony, and a board vote. The LPA unanimously recommended approval of the project subject to conditions regarding landscaping along the southern property line and solid waste management.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of September 9, 2026 LPA Minutes: The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a unanimous voice vote (motion by Sally, second by Deborah). No corrections or additions were noted.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Late Public Comment (Written): A letter from neighboring property owner Bill Faulkner, received late the previous night, requested that the design include additional mature trees along the southern border to protect privacy. The letter was addressed to the city clerk and summarized by staff during the meeting.
• Oral Testimony – Deborah Mobourne (504 Howell Street): Ms. Mobourne expressed concern that the applicant had removed her fence and claimed three feet of her property. She clarified that she was worried about loss of privacy and property. She also requested that a white vinyl fence be installed promptly to block construction dust and debris. The developer’s representative, Steven D'Giovanni, assured her that the fence would be replaced and that a survey confirmed the property lines, noting that any encroachment was a misunderstanding regarding the 15-foot city easement.

Discussion Items

• Staff Presentation (George Kinney, Community Development): Mr. Kinney presented the Sunrise Townhomes project, a two-story building with eight townhomes at 1161 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue (formerly 534 Howell Street). The project had previously been approved in August 2024 but expired because the applicant did not obtain vertical building permits within 12 months. The new application included enhanced architecture (e.g., varied rooflines, corbels, additional windows) as required by the Architectural Review Committee (ARC). Staff confirmed the project meets land use and zoning requirements, including density, height (24 feet), and dimensional standards. A compatibility analysis of 36 surrounding buildings found the two-story design consistent with the area. The project also pursues Florida Green Building Silver certification. Staff recommended approval subject to standard conditions: compliance with LDC, consistency of construction plans with approved drawings, and expiration of approval in 12 months unless permits are obtained.
• Late Issue – 15-Foot City Easement: Mr. Kinney noted a 15-foot-wide city-owned easement between the project’s southern property line and the neighboring homes on Howell Street. He suggested two options: vacate the easement (unlikely) or allow the developer to plant trees and install landscaping within it. The city engineer indicated no utilities are likely present, but further study is needed. The developer expressed willingness to participate in such landscaping if feasible.
• Developer Presentation (Steven D'Giovanni, DJani Homes): Mr. D'Giovanni confirmed the architectural enhancements approved by ARC. He explained the project will have eight units, each with a two-car garage (16 spaces), plus two additional permeable paver parking spots on each end for guests. Stormwater will be managed via an underground vault, and sewer laterals will connect to city sewer. He clarified that the units will be sold as condominiums (fee simple) with an HOA responsible for common areas. Trash collection will be at a central point at the end of the driveway, with residents rolling bins to the street. He agreed to work with the city on a right-of-way agreement for landscaping in the easement and to install a white vinyl fence along the property line.
• Board Questions and Clarifications: Topics included:
  • The manhole cover in the sidewalk (determined to be part of the stormwater system).
  • Fire protection (no sprinklers required; firewalls between units).
  • Master metering for water with submetering for individual units.
  • Solid waste collection (the board suggested a landing pad or dumpster enclosure to avoid a parade of bins; staff to coordinate with solid waste division).
  • Sufficiency of driveway width for emergency vehicles (20 feet confirmed).
  • Timelines: building permits have been submitted and are under review; construction expected to start soon.
• Board Deliberation: Members expressed support for the project, emphasizing its positive impact on the neighborhood. They discussed the possibility of using the city easement for a double buffer (fence and shrubs) maintained by the HOA. The board also recommended that solid waste review determine the best method for trash collection (centralized dumpster vs. designated landing pad for roll-out bins).

Key Outcomes

• Motion by Paul to approve the design review application with the following conditions:
  1. Staff to research and, if feasible, execute a right-of-way use agreement with the future HOA for maintenance of landscaping (trees, shrubs) and a fence within the 15-foot city easement along the southern property line.
  2. Staff to coordinate with the city’s solid waste division to determine whether a centralized dumpster enclosure or a designated landing pad is more appropriate for trash collection.
• Second by Dr. Broom.
• Vote: The motion passed unanimously (all members present voiced “aye”; no opposition noted).
• Next Steps: The recommendation will be forwarded to the Dunedin City Commission for final quasi-judicial decision. Staff will conduct the requested research before the commission hearing.