Cape Charles Town Council Reschedules December Meeting, Updates STR Regulations

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Town Council has rescheduled its December meeting to accommodate the swearing-in of newly elected members.

The town elections, held on Nov. 5, 2024, determined three new Council seats for terms beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Traditionally, the Northampton County Clerk of the Circuit Court administers the oath of office during the December Town Council meeting. However, a scheduling conflict with the Clerk has necessitated a change in the meeting time.

Originally set for 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 19, the Council unanimously agreed to move the meeting to 5:00 p.m. following a poll of its members. This change complies with Virginia Code § 15.2-1416, which requires a resolution to alter the time, date, or location of regular meetings. The new schedule will be publicized in the local newspaper at least seven days in advance, ensuring community awareness.

Also, the Cape Charles Town Council is considering updates to its zoning ordinance for short-term rentals (STRs), including a provision to address trash container requirements. The current regulation mandates that STRs with more than two bedrooms maintain a second trash container. Under the proposed change, this container could be removed if the unit is not used as an STR for more than 90 days.

The proposed revisions include a chapter-wide update to reflect changes in processes, terminology, and phrasing, alongside an increase in violation fines from $20 to $40 — the first adjustment since 2000.

Other updates involve Chapter 8, which governs buildings and building regulations, and Chapter 18, which addresses licenses and taxation. Chapter 8 revisions aim to align rental inspection requirements with areas authorized for STR operations under the updated zoning ordinance. Chapter 18 will now explicitly include STRs in the list of businesses requiring licenses.