Cape Charles, VA — The Town of Cape Charles is taking major steps toward modernizing how it manages short-term rentals, as officials prepare to launch new software aimed at improving compliance, data tracking, and public transparency.
Since 2023, the Planning and Zoning Department has maintained a growing database of short-term rental (STR) business licenses, tracking annual fluctuations as properties change hands and market conditions shift. Officials say the data plays a key role in shaping policy around STRs, particularly as the town implements new rules tied to occupancy limits, parking requirements, and safety inspections.
To incentivize participation and secure accurate information ahead of the 2026 licensing year, Town Council approved a one-time 50% reduction in the STR zoning permit fee. The permit, normally $450, was available for $225 to owners who submitted a complete application by June 30, 2025.
In total, 15 property owners qualified and will receive a $225 rebate when they apply for their 2026 STR permit.
Meanwhile, staff continue collaborating with Deckard Technologies, the vendor behind the town’s new STR compliance system, branded as RentalScapes. The software will manage registration and licensing, quarterly transient occupancy tax reporting, safety inspections, and a 24/7 hotline for complaints. It will also provide a public-facing GIS map of every licensed rental within town limits.
Progress on the transition recently accelerated with the hiring of Inspector & Compliance Officer Casy Quilter, filling a vacancy that lingered for more than three months. Quilter has coordinated mass outreach to STR license holders, updated the town’s website, verified contact information, and provided current licensing data to the software developer to pre-populate accounts.
Most property owners will only need to confirm existing data when the new system launches.
Officials expect to go live with RentalScapes in early November, pending final testing by a select group of volunteers ensuring accurate fee and tax calculations.
As Cape Charles continues to balance tourism growth with neighborhood stability, town leaders say improved data and compliance tools will help guide future STR decisions.
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