Hurricane / Tropical Storm Information

During fast, powerful storms power grids can go out, cell towers can go down, phone batteries can die. Emergency weather radios can provide updates and safety information.

• WUSF 89.7 FM (Public Radio)
• WMNF 88.5 FM (Community Radio)
• WFLA 970 AM (News)
• Maxima 92.5 FM (Spanish)
• Rumba 100.3 FM (Spanish)

The City of Dunedin’s Wastewater Department suggests to do the following before, during, and after a storm:

• Make sure your cleanout caps are snug and secure so sewer cannot escape.
• Stay out of the water in the streets! Although it is not wastewater, that water can be full of bacteria.
• Conserve water when possible. Even if your power is on and you’re able to use every facility in your house, think twice as the Wastewater Treatment Plant is already treating extra water from the storm.
• If you see open manholes, manholes with shifted lids, or manholes without lids, notify the Wastewater Department immediately.
• In Dunedin, Wastewater and Stormwater are separate collection systems, discharging to different places. Find each department’s contact information below:

Wastewater Department
Office (7:30AM - 4:30PM): 727-298-3256
After Hours: 727-639-3570

Stormwater Department
Office: 727-298-3232

City of Dunedin Arborist strongly advises against homeowners climbing on ladders and/or operating chainsaws without the proper level of experience and protective gear.

• Leave the dangerous/hazardous work to the professionals. There are many experienced companies in the area as well as others that have traveled here to assist. Let the professionals do their job.

• Expect higher prices. It’s not necessarily “price gouging”. Often times these companies are working seven days per week. Paying workers overtime and even double time. 

• Expect longer than usual responses, especially in non-emergency situations. The demand far out exceeds supply with tree service companies. Try to have patience.

• If it’s not an emergency, don’t pay emergency prices. Shop around and get estimates. You may be able to avoid hurricane related emergency pricing.

• As a general rule, when it comes to tree failure and related damage, it is the responsibility of the property owner where the tree or limb ended up. It doesn’t matter where the tree originated. Example: If a neighbor’s tree and or limbs fall on your house or your property, it’s your responsibility. It may not seem right, it may not seem “fair”, but that’s what it is. Conversely, if your tree falls on a neighbor, it’s not your responsibility either.

City of Dunedin
Separating Storm Debris Guide

Place all storm debris curbside into groups. Any debris placed from the sidewalk toward your property will not be collected.

• Large Appliances - Refrigerator, washer, dryer, air conditioner, stove, water heater, dishwasher. Remove all perishables and doors. 
• Construction Debris - Building materials, drywall, lumber, carpet, furniture, plumbing. Do not bag.
• Vegetative Debris - Tree branches, leaves, logs, plants. Do not bag.
• Electronics - Television, computer, stereo, phone, DVD player. 
• Household Hazardous Waste - Batteries, paint, oil, pesticides, pool chemicals, cleaning supplies will be collected separately or can be brought to the County Drop-Off Center. 

Regular household garbage and recycling will be collected separately from storm debris. 

Reminder: 

• Never place debris near or on utility lines or boxes.
• Never place debris near or on trees, poles, or other structures. This includes fire hydrants, meters, and mailboxes. 
• Never block culverts, swales, storm drains, or roadways. 

Permitting:

Q: What is the turnaround time for permit approval once a complete application has been received?
A: 3-5 business days.

Q: How soon can I get an inspection?
A: The City offers next day inspections.

Q: Can a demolition permit be issued to a homeowner?
A: No. Florida statute requires a licensed contractor to pull a permit for demolition.

Q: Can I as a homeowner submit a building permit?
A: Yes, this is possible for one and two-family homes only and provided the homeowner resides in the home. Work completed under owner/builder status prohibits the homeowner from selling or leasing the home for at least 1-year following completion of the project pursuant to Florida Statute (Chapter 489). 

Q: Where can I find the City permitting system?
A: The City EPL system is at: https://cityofdunedinfl-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice#/home

Q: How difficult is it to register on EPL?
A: It is a simple registration and password site the same as any other web-based member site.

Q: Where can I find general permitting information? 
A: The City landing page for building permit information is at:https://www.dunedingov.com/City-Services/Business-Development/Building-Codes-Permits-Construction/Permits-Inspections There are many helpful tools there including, but not limited to, Documents and Forms, a Fee Calculator, additional FAQ’s and Permitting Guides.

Q: Has the City waived building permit fees?
A: Yes, until April 30, 2025 for those homes that have been damaged by the recent storms.

Q: Why do I need a contractor?
A: A licensed contractor is required for most construction activities as provided for in Florida state law (Chapter 489). This is to assure building components are properly and safely installed to industry standards.

Q: Do I need a permit to remove damaged drywall? 
A: No, the City does not require a permit to remove damaged materials but the Florida Building Code does require a permit for installation.

Q: Where can I find floodplain information and specifically information on the 50% rule?
A: The City landing page is at: https://www.dunedingov.com/City-Services/Business-Development/Building-Codes-Permits-Construction/Floodplain-Management-Regulations

Q: What items must be included in a 50% valuation estimate?
A: Those items are specifically listed in the Substantial Improvement or Damage Review Package located on the website noted above.

Q: Does the 50% rule apply to me if I am not located in an identified Special Flood Hazard Area?
A: No.

Q: How can I determine what my 50% value is?
A: The Pinellas County Property Appraiser posts a letter for every parcel. This letter provides a value for both Windstorm Loss Mitigation and the FEMA 50% Rule. A property owner may also use a recent appraisal, if available.

Q: Can I separate permits so that I can get in my home faster and will the value of each permit be counted together for the 50% rule?
A: Yes, but all qualifying items listed in the Substantial Improvement or Damage Review Package must be value aggregated toward the FEMA 50% Rule.

Q: Can a substantial damage assessment override a permit that was issued by the City?
A: No, provided the City has issued the permit consistent with FEMA standards.

Q: I heard that the City has a 5-year cumulative rule that may inhibit what I can spend under the FEMA 50% Rule?
A: The City does have this rule but is suspending it so that storm damaged homes can be evaluated against the entire 50% value amount afforded.