A new theme is spreading across Northampton County — Don’t Cape Charles Us.
At the Exmore Town Council’s April meeting, Northampton County residents advocated for limiting the number of short-term vacation rental homes that may operate in the town and county. Exmore is considering adopting a short-term rental ordinance similar to one in Wachapreague, which allows only five short-term vacation rentals to operate in its commercial district.
A former resident of Cape Charles, who has now relocated to Tower Hill, expressed concerns about the growing number of short-term vacation rental homes in Cape Charles. He claimed Cape Charles has 420 short-term vacation rental homes but only 380 homes occupied by full-time residents. The individual stated that Cape Charles had become “a commercial industry instead of a small town,” prompting an exodus of permanent residents who are now moving to communities like Tower Hill.
Residents worry that short-term vacation rentals are nothing more than “commercial motels disguised as a residence,” which “disrupt the neighborhood, drive up real estate prices, and explode the (tax) assessments for the neighbors.”
Debbie Campbell, a professional in community development and affordable housing, argued that short-term rentals are “destabilizing” to neighborhoods because the rentals occupy houses that were not designed for high density and lack adequate parking and infrastructure that hotels are required to provide. Furthermore, the average person staying in a short-term vacation rental home has little regard for the neighborhood’s permanent residents, impacting the safety of the community. “This is an opportunistic move by people who care more about money than community,” Campbell said.
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Short- term rentals can be very rewarding for the owner as well as for the guest. I prefer not to stay in a hotel when vacationing. When I visit other areas, I am a short-term renter. Most people respect the property and the house that they are renting. I hope that when people rent their properties, they provide a written agreement that the renter has to sign and follow.
I certainly think parking could be an issue. Does the town have city parking?
Who doesn’t need money?
With the recent tax assessment in Northampton County, it is evident that the County needs income. This is another story that I would like to address.
Short-Term Rentals can be rewarding. People need to follow the written agreement and have fun while they vacation.
Very persuasive comment against STR. Put simply they destroy neighborhoods.
However permanent residence only generate real estate tax. Mine only doubled in one year. STR however are money machines that won’t be turned off my our (PR) whining .
There is only ONE way to stop this, an ALL permanent resident town counsel and board of supervisors
It’s sad when I am either in the town of Wachapreague or Onancock and the residents say they don’t want to be anything like Cape Charles. They make comments like “the town’s government really screwed it’s residents. Does anyone even live in Cape Charles anymore?” They actually feel bad for the CC residents.
Let’s make it happen!