Fig Street Inn Seeks Business Expansion Under Revised Cape Charles Zoning Ordinance

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The owners of the Fig Street Inn have renewed their efforts to expand business operations after the Cape Charles Town Council updated the zoning ordinance to allow certain ancillary uses for bed-and-breakfast establishments.

A Public Hearing will be held at the Cape Charles Civic Center – 500 Tazewell Avenue March 4th, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. The Planning Commission will review and discuss the application at its Regular Meeting following the Public Hearing.

Initially, on Aug. 6, 2024, the owners petitioned the Planning Commission for a conditional rezoning of their property from Residential – 1 (R-1) to Commercial Residential (CR) to facilitate bicycle rentals for guests and the public. While the Planning Commission was willing to rezone only Parcel “A,” which the inn occupies, the request ultimately reached the Town Council on Oct. 17, 2024. Following extensive discussion, it became evident that the council was not inclined to approve the rezoning, prompting the applicants to withdraw their request before a vote was taken.

Subsequently, on Dec. 19, 2024, the Town Council adopted an updated zoning ordinance that explicitly allows certain business uses under a Conditional Use Permit for bed-and-breakfast establishments. The newly added language in Article IV Section 4.2 (M) permits bicycle rentals, gift shops limited to 20% of the bed-and-breakfast’s total floor space, and electric vehicle charging stations. The measure passed unanimously, with Councilwoman Holloway recusing herself due to her ownership of another bed-and-breakfast in Cape Charles.

Following the adoption of the revised ordinance, the owners of the Fig Street Inn, Scott and Donna Kohler, submitted an application to amend their previously approved Conditional Use Permit. The amendment seeks approval for bicycle rentals, a gift shop within the principal residence, and an EV charging station, aligning with the newly permissible uses.

Town staff, in their review, noted that the proposal supports the goals of the Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes economic growth through tourism-related sectors. The Comprehensive Plan, referencing the 2018 Cape Charles Market Study, highlights the town’s commitment to fostering business expansion and diversifying economic opportunities.

Staff has recommended that the Planning Commission hold a public hearing to review the Kohlers’ application, consider public input, and address any outstanding concerns before issuing a decision. The commission’s ruling could set a precedent for other bed-and-breakfast establishments seeking to broaden their business offerings in Cape Charles.