Northampton County Board to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations

EASTVILLE, Va. — The Northampton County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m. to consider proposed amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance governing short-term rentals. The changes, recommended by the Northampton County Planning Commission, aim to more clearly define and regulate short-term rental (STR) properties, with adjustments planned for Sections 154.2.003 and 154.2.120 of the zoning ordinance, as well as Appendices A and D of the 2000 Zoning Ordinance.

The amendments include revisions to existing definitions of “Bed and Breakfast,” “Farm Cottage,” and “Hotel” to align with updated short-term rental classifications and restrictions.

The Planning Commission has outlined three types of commercial short-term rentals under the proposal:

• Type A: A primary residence, legally occupied by the owner, used occasionally as an STR with a maximum of six bedrooms.
• Type B: A residential unit designated as an STR with up to four bedrooms, requiring a minor special use permit.
• Type C: A residential unit designated as an STR with up to six bedrooms, requiring a major special use permit.

Under the proposal, Type A STRs would be permitted by right in 14 of the county’s 19 zoning districts, while Types B and C would need varying levels of special use permits. STRs would be prohibited in Conservation, Working Waterfront, Commercial, and Industrial Districts.

The regulations also set occupancy limits of two adults per bedroom, with parking restricted to one vehicle per bedroom plus an additional space, all required to be on-site. The use of an STR as an event venue would be prohibited without a separate special use permit. Property owners would need to secure a business license, comply with the Short-Term Rental Registry, and remit transient occupancy tax payments.

Permits issued under the new regulations would run with the property rather than the individual owner or operator and would expire after five years.

Following the public hearing, the Board of Supervisors has the option to adopt the Planning Commission’s recommendations, modify the proposal with reduced requirements, or table the matter for further consideration.