Dunedin, FL ADU Rules & Requirements
Thinking about building an accessory dwelling unit in Dunedin? Dunedin's ADU rules cover unit size, owner occupancy, setbacks, and other property-specific requirements. Because some requirements depend on the property's zoning district, understanding your lot's zoning is an important first step.
Before You Build an ADU in Dunedin
Several factors can affect whether an ADU will work on your property. Before you start designing, make sure you understand:
1
Zoning
Identify the zoning district that applies to your property.
2
Setbacks
Check the dimensional requirements for that zoning district.
3
Size
Keep the ADU within Dunedin's 800 sq. ft. maximum.
4
Owner Occupancy
The owner must occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent, homesteaded residence.
Your property determines the details:
Two lots in Dunedin may have different development options depending on their zoning and physical configuration.
Dunedin ADU Size Requirements
Dunedin limits an accessory dwelling unit to 800 square feet of gross floor area (GFA). That maximum is one of the first dimensions to consider when planning the unit.
800 SQ. FT.
Maximum ADU gross floor area
The ADU cannot exceed 800 square feet of gross floor area.
Official source: City of Dunedin Code of Ordinances, §107-21
View §107-21 →
Your Zoning District
Determines the applicable dimensional requirements
Available Building Area
Your lot must accommodate the ADU within the applicable requirements
Plan Within Your Actual Lot
The final ADU footprint needs to work within the requirements that apply to your property. Before choosing a floor plan, confirm the zoning district and available building area.
Does Dunedin Require Owner Occupancy for an ADU?
Dunedin requires the owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the accessory dwelling unit as a permanent, homesteaded residence.
This means an ADU in Dunedin is not simply a second independent rental unit that can be established without an owner-occupancy requirement.
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Source: City of Dunedin Code of Ordinances, §107-21.
Dunedin ADU Setback Requirements
Dunedin does not have one citywide ADU setback that applies to every property. Setback requirements depend on the underlying zoning district and the applicable dimensional standards
Front
30 FT
Side
10 FT
Rear
25 FT
Example: R-100 District
Does My Dunedin Property Qualify for an ADU?
The first step is identifying the property's zoning district and reviewing the standards that apply to that district.
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Dunedin's ADU regulations work together with the underlying zoning requirements. The zoning district can affect setbacks and other site requirements that determine whether an ADU can fit on a particular property.
Your zoning district
Existing structures
Lot dimensions
Available space for the ADU
Applicable city development requirements
Required setbacks
Owner-occupancy eligibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether a detached ADU can be built depends on the property's zoning district and applicable site requirements. The available space, setbacks, existing structures, and other development standards should be reviewed before determining the appropriate ADU configuration.
No. Dunedin's owner-occupancy requirement allows the owner to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as a permanent, homesteaded residence.
Yes. Existing structures and the configuration of your property can affect how an ADU fits within the applicable zoning and setback requirements. A property should be evaluated as a whole before finalizing the ADU design.
Yes. Dunedin does not use one single setback number for every ADU. The applicable requirements depend on the underlying zoning district and its dimensional standards.
Planning an ADU in Dunedin?
Understanding the city's rules is the first step. Once you know the zoning requirements that apply to your property, you can start determining what type of ADU may actually fit on your lot.