Dunedin adopts new sustainability scorecard for development, citing flexibility for developers
February 06, 2026 | Dunedin, Pinellas County, Florida
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DUNEDIN, Fla. — The City Commission voted unanimously Feb. 5 to adopt Ordinance 25‑11, replacing the city’s older sustainability matrix with an optional sustainable‑development scorecard that gives developers new pathways to earn project approvals.
The scorecard, described by sustainability program manager Natalie Gass as “an updated scorecard” available as an option for projects of five or more units or commercial developments of 6,000 square feet or larger, is intended to encourage energy, water and stormwater measures without adding regulatory burdens. Gass told commissioners the document was built with input from developers, advisory committees and the community and is designed to be “a single, unified, updated scorecard.”
Supporters at the public hearing said the update was timely. Linda Mifsud of First Dunedin United Methodist Church, speaking for FAST (Faith and Action for Strength Together), urged the commission to adopt the scorecard now to avoid stalling projects in the pipeline and said the new score system “is attractive to developers” while adding environmental benefits. Commissioners praised staff work and advisory‑committee review; one member noted the CEQS (Committee on Environmental Quality and Sustainability) recommended stronger encouragement of solar where feasible.
Officials also addressed a pending state law (Senate Bill 180) that temporarily limits local sustainability rules. City staff said the scorecard is optional: developers may use either the existing matrix or the new scorecard so projects already moving forward are not delayed if the state law remains in force. Commissioner comments emphasized balancing developer costs with environmental goals.
The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with all commissioners voting aye. Staff said they will monitor any legislative changes and return with any needed amendments if the state “fix‑it” bill alters the legal framework.
Commissioners and staff noted next steps include ongoing outreach to the CEQS and developers to help projects use the scorecard effectively.
The scorecard, described by sustainability program manager Natalie Gass as “an updated scorecard” available as an option for projects of five or more units or commercial developments of 6,000 square feet or larger, is intended to encourage energy, water and stormwater measures without adding regulatory burdens. Gass told commissioners the document was built with input from developers, advisory committees and the community and is designed to be “a single, unified, updated scorecard.”
Supporters at the public hearing said the update was timely. Linda Mifsud of First Dunedin United Methodist Church, speaking for FAST (Faith and Action for Strength Together), urged the commission to adopt the scorecard now to avoid stalling projects in the pipeline and said the new score system “is attractive to developers” while adding environmental benefits. Commissioners praised staff work and advisory‑committee review; one member noted the CEQS (Committee on Environmental Quality and Sustainability) recommended stronger encouragement of solar where feasible.
Officials also addressed a pending state law (Senate Bill 180) that temporarily limits local sustainability rules. City staff said the scorecard is optional: developers may use either the existing matrix or the new scorecard so projects already moving forward are not delayed if the state law remains in force. Commissioner comments emphasized balancing developer costs with environmental goals.
The ordinance passed on a roll‑call vote with all commissioners voting aye. Staff said they will monitor any legislative changes and return with any needed amendments if the state “fix‑it” bill alters the legal framework.
Commissioners and staff noted next steps include ongoing outreach to the CEQS and developers to help projects use the scorecard effectively.
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