Cape Charles Board of Zoning Appeals to Hear Challenge Over Houseboat Rental Ruling

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, to consider an appeal challenging a town ruling that a houseboat cannot be licensed as a short-term rental in the Harbor-Commercial District.

The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Cape Charles Civic Center, 500 Tazewell Avenue. The appeal was filed by Derek Roncaioli, who is contesting an October 3 zoning determination — later amended on November 10 — issued by the town’s zoning administrator.

According to that determination, the houseboat in question is not considered a “structure” under the town’s zoning ordinance and is not used exclusively for human habitation. As a result, officials concluded it does not meet the definition of a short-term rental. The zoning administrator also found the vessel to be a non-navigable, floating home, placing it outside U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction and under the town’s zoning authority.

Under Section 3.8 of the Cape Charles Zoning Ordinance, single-family homes are not permitted in the Harbor-Commercial (HAR-C) District, the location of the property at issue.

The appeal is being heard under Section 2.6.4 of the zoning ordinance, which authorizes such challenges. The Board of Zoning Appeals will convene a meeting immediately after the public hearing to consider Roncaioli’s application.

All application materials and supporting documents are available for public review through the town’s website. Residents with questions may contact Zoning Administrator Katie Nunez at 757-331-2036 or planner@capecharles.org. Individuals requiring special assistance to attend are asked to notify the town at least 48 hours before the hearing.

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Wayne Creed

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