CAPE CHARLES, Va— The Cape Charles Planning Commission and Town Council held a joint public hearing on Tuesday evening to discuss proposed changes to the town’s zoning ordinance concerning the regulation of short-term rentals (STRs). The hearing took place at 6:00 p.m. in the Cape Charles Civic Center, located at 500 Tazewell Avenue, and drew considerable attention from residents and property owners.
The proposed Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA 2024-01), submitted by the Town of Cape Charles, seeks to add new regulations for STRs, establishing them as a permitted use in several zoning districts while outlining specific criteria for their operation. The changes are designed to address the increasing presence of STRs in the town and their potential impact on residential neighborhoods.
Key amendments include the addition of “Short-Term Rental” as a by-right use in several residential and commercial zoning districts, including Single-Family Residential (R-1), Residential Mixed (R-2), and Residential Multi-Family (R-3). The amendment also proposes removing STRs as an allowed use in the Bay Crossing Planned Unit Development and revising parking regulations and occupancy limits for STRs.
The new Section 4.12 of the Zoning Ordinance introduces comprehensive regulations for STRs. These include permitting requirements, annual inspections, and restrictions on the number of STRs an owner may operate in town. The proposed regulations also address safety requirements, noise control, refuse management, and occupancy limits. Notably, the draft regulations prohibit STRs from operating in accessory dwellings and from hosting large commercial gatherings.
Owners of STRs will be limited to owning five units only. Those that currently own more will be grandfathered in.
During the hearing, several residents raised concerns about the potential for STRs to disrupt the character of their neighborhoods, while others voiced support for the additional regulations as a way to balance commercial activity with residential life.
Owners and operators will be given a one-year grace period to comply with the new rules once they are adopted. However, the grace period does not exempt them from obtaining the required business licenses, paying taxes, or adhering to the town’s building code.
The full text of the proposed amendment is available for public review on the town’s website. Public comments will be taken into consideration before the Town Council votes on the adoption of the new regulations.
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How do these proposed STR regulations give residents of the Historic District a sense of community? How can council and commissioners who do not live in the Historic District be setting regulations that do not impact their own sense of community/Mayberry, in Bay Creek? Elections have consequences! Vote!