PLANNING COMMISSION: Approves new B&B with pool, and new Tea Room

The Cape Charles Planning Commission reviewed a conditional use permit to operate a bed and breakfast with swimming pool at 530 Randolph Avenue. The property is a 4000 sq. ft., three story home, sitting on three lots with a detached garage. The B&B, to be called the Alyssa House is planned to have four bedrooms and four baths on the 2nd floor, with a possible 5th room on the first floor to accommodate those that cannot use the stairs. There will also be ample off street parking, which the applicant plans to camouflage.

Currently, the back yard is enclosed with a 3 ft. fence; there are plans for a pool and hot tub.

From staff report: According to zoning ordinance Article III, Section 3.2.C.3 a bed and breakfast operation is by conditional use permit only in the Residential – 1 District. This property is a residential lot within the Residential – 1 District. The location for the proposed bed and breakfast with swimming pool is large and can accommodate both the pool and the off-street parking. The property backs against lots in the Commercial – Residential District, which allows for bed and breakfast accommodations as a permitted use. Following discussions with staff, the applicant is aware of the fencing and safety requirements for a pool located on a residential lot. The attached photos and drawings show the availability of space at this particular location to accommodate setback and parking. Procedural requirements for issuing a conditional use permit are found in the zoning ordinance Article IV, Section 4.3.C.

Tea Room

Town staff received an application for Tea room at 439 Mason Avenue. 439 is a 1970s style rancher, on a corner lot in the Commercial-Residential district. Recent work at the Planning Commission and Town Council have led to amendments to town code that now allow the zoning administrator (Planner Larry DiRe)  to approve certain uses that are not defined as “permitted uses”, as long as it is determined that they generally conform to the “district’s intent”. That is the case here. The decision to allow the tea room is based on the following conditions:

-the size of the lot and structure would more than likely keep the number of occupants to around 12 or so
-the lot has no curb cut, and will not have one due to proximity of other lots
-off street parking requirement could not be met, which would also limit the number of occupants
-not having a commercial entrance, the possibility of having commercial deliveries is limited

According to the applicant, they would mainly be serving just teas and light fare, and would be open 3 to 4 days per week, and for special bookings.

The Planning Commission approved the request.