CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Town of Cape Charles is urging businesses that have not obtained or renewed their 2026 business licenses to contact the Treasurer’s Office, warning that continued non-compliance could result in enforcement action and penalties of up to $500 per day.
The deadline for obtaining or renewing a 2026 Town business license was April 15.
Business License Specialist Katie Lewis has been contacting holders of 2025 business licenses who have not yet obtained their licenses for 2026, according to the Town.
Businesses that remain out of compliance could face additional enforcement measures. Those actions may include posting a notice at the business location, publicly identifying businesses that continue to operate without the required license, and pursuing penalties authorized by the Town Code.
Under Section 18-39 of the Cape Charles Town Code, violating provisions of the business licensing chapter is unlawful and constitutes a Class 3 misdemeanor. The ordinance also specifies that each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. According to the Town, penalties of up to $500 per day may be pursued under the provision.
The Town, however, is encouraging businesses to resolve outstanding licensing issues before additional enforcement becomes necessary.
Lewis expressed appreciation to business owners who have responded to her outreach and subsequently completed the 2026 licensing process.
The Town’s Finance Department is also available to assist businesses with meeting the requirements of Chapter 18 of the Town Code. Businesses that have ceased operations are asked to notify the Town so their accounts can be deactivated rather than continuing to appear as businesses without current licenses.
Business owners who still need to obtain their 2026 license, or who need to notify the Town that their business is no longer operating, should contact Katie Lewis at (757) 331-3259, ext. 20.
With the April deadline now several months past, the Town’s message to businesses is straightforward: contact the Treasurer’s Office and address any outstanding licensing requirements before the matter progresses to enforcement.
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