Cape Charles Zoning Appeals Board to Hear Challenges Over Short-Term Rentals and Property Improvements

Public hearing scheduled for November 10 will address two appeals involving properties in the town’s residential district.

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Cape Charles Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to consider two appeals challenging decisions made by the town’s Zoning Administrator. The cases involve proposed short-term rental operations on Peach Street and property improvements on Strawberry Street.

The hearing will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cape Charles Civic Center, located at 500 Tazewell Avenue. Residents will have an opportunity to provide public comments before the board considers the appeals.

Short-Term Rental Denials on Peach Street

The first appeal involves properties at 610 and 612 Peach Street, where applicant Jimmie Darden is challenging an August 12, 2026, zoning determination denying applications to operate two short-term rentals.

According to the town’s public hearing notice, the Zoning Administrator issued a determination under Cape Charles Town Code Section 32-104(e)(3), explaining the basis for denying the applications.

Both properties are located within the town’s Residential-1 (R-1) zoning district.

Darden is seeking to overturn the zoning determination through the appeals process authorized under Section 32-43 of the Cape Charles Town Code.

The case places the town’s short-term rental regulations before the Board of Zoning Appeals, which will consider whether the Zoning Administrator’s decision should stand.

Strawberry Street Property Improvements Also Under Appeal

The second appeal involves a property at 520 Strawberry Street, owned by applicants Andrew Wilkins Sears and Jacqueline Lee Sears.

The couple is challenging a September 15, 2026, decision denying their application for a Certificate of Appropriateness.

The proposed improvements include the installation of two accessory structures, each measuring 8 feet by 8 feet, or 64 square feet, along with the placement of loose gravel on the property.

According to the town’s notice, the Zoning Administrator denied the application based on Cape Charles Town Code Sections 32-71(e), 32-91(e)(6), and 32-189.

Like the Peach Street properties, 520 Strawberry Street is located within the R-1 zoning district.

The Sears applicants are appealing the determination under Section 32-43 of the town’s zoning ordinance.

Public Invited to Participate

The Board of Zoning Appeals will conduct a meeting immediately following the public hearing to consider both applications.

The proceedings will provide an opportunity for residents, property owners, and other interested parties to comment on the proposed uses and improvements before the board reviews the appeals.

Both cases concern decisions already issued by the town’s Zoning Administrator. The board’s role will be to consider the appeals under the applicable provisions of the Cape Charles Town Code.

Supporting documentation for the applications is available for public review through the town’s official website at www.capecharles.org.

Residents seeking additional information may contact Town Manager and Interim Zoning Administrator Rick Keuroglian at 757-331-3259, extension 12, or by email at townmanager@capecharles.org.

Anyone planning to attend who requires special assistance should contact the town at least 48 hours before the hearing.

Public Hearing Details: Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 9 a.m., Cape Charles Civic Center, 500 Tazewell Avenue, Cape Charles, Virginia.

This version uses a neutral, community-news reporting style, with the two appeals presented separately and the public participation information included. It is based on the hearing notice you provided, without assuming either appeal has been decided.

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Wayne Creed

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