Cape Charles Sees Steady Building Activity as STR Reviews Continue

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Residential construction activity remained strong in Cape Charles over the past two weeks, while town officials continued processing hundreds of short-term rental applications ahead of the June certification deadline.

According to a report from the town’s Building Official, Jeb Brady, the department performed 127 inspections and issued 32 permits during the reporting period. Staff also reviewed and approved plans for four new homes, including one residence in Bayside Village II, one in Bayside Village and two in Muirfield Village.

Additional development activity may be on the horizon. The department recently received plans for a new condominium building in The Fairways and expects to begin reviewing the project in the coming weeks.

Beyond construction-related work, the department responded to two citizen concerns regarding tall grass violations and met with Town Manager Rick Keuroglian on various municipal matters.

Short-term rental administration continues to be a major focus for the department. Officials reported that 311 short-term rental applications have been submitted for the 2026 calendar year, including 12 applications received during the past two weeks. None of the recent applications involved accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and no requests were submitted for increased occupancy under the town’s Bed and Occupancy Short-Term Rental provisions.

The Building Department conducted 30 short-term rental inspections during the reporting period and has seven additional inspections scheduled over the next two weeks. So far in 2026, the town has completed 275 STR inspections.

Officials said 35 applications meeting all approval requirements were forwarded to Town Manager Rick Keuroglian for certification during the past two weeks. To date, 111 short-term rental certificates have been issued for 2026.

The town also sent an email update to all STR applicants and property managers on May 19 outlining the extension of the certification deadline to June 30, details regarding a special meeting on short-term rentals, the departure of former Planning and Zoning Administrator Katie Nunez, and information about accessing the town’s online short-term rental portal.

The latest figures highlight the continued demand for short-term rental accommodations in Cape Charles as the town works through its annual inspection and certification process ahead of the busy summer tourism season.

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Wayne Creed

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