From Tinsel To Trash: Don't Be Too Fast!

DUNEDIN – As the holiday season fades further into memory, Dunedin residents are reminded that while the festive spirit may linger, Christmas decorations should not. City officials are urging homeowners to remove all holiday lights and decorations from their properties in a timely manner, emphasizing that leaving them up year-round can lead to unnecessary code enforcement issues.

While there isn't a specific ordinance dictating the exact date by which decorations must come down, the city's code compliance department generally operates on a common-sense approach. Decorations left up for an extended period past the holiday season can be considered a nuisance or a violation of property maintenance standards, particularly if they become dilapidated or pose a safety hazard.

“We understand that taking down decorations can be a chore, especially after the busy holidays,” said a representative from the City of Dunedin’s Code Compliance Division. “However, we encourage everyone to be mindful of their property's appearance and the impact on their neighbors. A few weeks after New Year's Day is typically a good benchmark for when holiday decor should be stored away, helping preserve the charm of Dunedin's historic downtown and waterfront areas.”

The city prefers to work with residents to achieve voluntary compliance before issuing formal notices or citations. Typically, a friendly reminder or a courtesy notice is the first step if decorations are observed to be up well past the appropriate season. Continued non-compliance could eventually lead to fines, though this is usually a last resort.

Residents are encouraged to store their decorations properly to ensure they last for future holiday seasons. For questions regarding specific code compliance issues, residents can contact the City of Dunedin Code Compliance Division during regular business hours.