CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council has put forward a resolution to consider a significant zoning text amendment aimed at regulating short-term rentals, addressing a long-standing issue that has sparked debate among residents and officials.
In response to community concerns and the strain that short-term rentals (STRs) place on local infrastructure, the proposed ordinance, known as Zoning Text Amendment 2024-01, would introduce new regulations. These changes aim to balance economic benefits with the need to protect the town’s sense of community and ensure sustainable management of resources, such as water, sewer capacity, beach space, and street parking.
The move comes after a series of strategic discussions and community engagement efforts. In March 2023, short-term rental regulations were identified as a top priority for the Town Council. By May and June, Town Manager Hozey convened an Ad-Hoc Work Group to research STR-related issues, leading to a joint session between the Town Council and Planning Commission on November 2, 2023.
The draft proposals, developed with input from over 100 residents at a town hall meeting on April 29, 2024, were further refined over the summer. The Town Council and Planning Commission held extensive discussions, with the finalized draft presented by the Town Manager on June 13 and reviewed in detail on August 8.
The final document, titled “Proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance Amendment,” was completed on October 21, 2024, and spans eight pages. It outlines changes to several zoning sections, including definitions, zoning district regulations, accessory dwellings, and off-street parking requirements. A new section specifically dedicated to short-term rental regulations will also be added.
The Town Council will refer the amendment to the Cape Charles Planning Commission, which will hold public hearings and notify the community, possibly in joint sessions with the Town Council, to gather further input. The Planning Commission will then provide recommendations before the Town Council makes a final decision on the regulations.
Vacationers who choose Cape Charles contribute to our local economy in a major way. Our restaurants’ summer profits help to carry the businesses into the off season so that they can stay open all year to serve us.
How many renters have been so impressed with our community that they became owners.? And how many derelict and almost derelict homes have been rescued by these former guests?