Planning & Zoning Administrator Tackles Multiple Projects in Cape Charles

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — The Planning & Zoning Administrator of Cape Charles is currently managing a series of critical projects and reviews, reflecting the town’s dynamic development landscape.

The Administrator is working on several open items with Virginia American Water (VAW) concerning the subdivision plat review for Bay Creek Village F-1 and the Washington Avenue – Dreams by the Water subdivision. Additionally, the Taylor Bank Site Plan and multiple residential building permit applications are in transition, where payments for utility connections were made but work had not commenced prior to the sale of the lots.

In preparation for a Joint Work Session with the Town Council and Planning Commission, the Administrator finalized the agenda packet, which was posted on Friday, May 25, 2024. This session will address proposed zoning ordinance amendments. Concurrently, the Zoning Map has been updated to reflect all changes made in 2023, including new subdivision names and roads, and distributed to staff for display and website updates.

Staff from the Virginia Marine Resource Commission (VMRC) conducted a site visit to review two permits issued by the Town related to coastal sand dunes. The VMRC requested the Town to reissue the permit for 107 Sunset Blvd as an Exemption Approval Letter, in accordance with state law. Additionally, discussions were held with Preserve Communities regarding the placement of a storage unit at the southern beach area off the dunes, with the VMRC reviewing the application for consistency with the Coastal Sand Dunes Act.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notified the Town that it is subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, requiring compliance with local ordinances and program components aimed at protecting the Bay. The DEQ will conduct a compliance review starting with a meeting scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2024. The Administrator is compiling necessary documents to meet the review requirements.