Accomack Board of Supervisors to consider changes in travel trailer ordinance

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors heard a report Wednesday on the possibility of changing the current ordinance regarding travel trailers.

County Zoning Administrator and Assistant Administrator Lee Pambid told the Board that the Accomack County Board of Zoning Appeals is taking a closer look at the growing number of travel trailers popping up across the county, both legal and illegal.

At its latest meeting, the BZA reviewed the increasing caseload of travel trailer applications and the challenges that come with them. Officials say the rise in recreational vehicles has raised several concerns, from public safety and waste disposal to environmental protection, population density, and how the trailers fit with the county’s rural character.

Staff are now studying possible zoning changes that could clarify where and how travel trailers can be used, and for how long. One proposed change would make it easier for homeowners to live temporarily in a trailer while their house is being built or renovated.

Since 2021, the Board of Zoning Appeals has handled 26 travel trailer applications, most for temporary housing during construction or for small travel trailer camps. Of those, 22 were approved, allowing a total of 36 trailers.

Meanwhile, code enforcement cases involving travel trailers have also been on the rise, from just 15 in 2021 to nearly 50 cases so far this year.

Under current county rules, travel trailers are defined as portable, temporary structures less than 36 feet long, and are only allowed by special use permit in agricultural and residential districts.

The Board and staff are expected to continue reviewing the issue and could propose zoning ordinance changes in the coming months.