Cape Charles to hold work session on recently passed STR ordinance

The Cape Charles Town Council recently passed a new ordinance regarding short-term rentals (STRs) across multiple residential and commercial districts.

The vote passed 5-1, with the newest member on the Council, Tara Ashworth, voting against it.

Under this new ordinance existing STRs with valid licenses and tax compliance from the past year are grandfathered in but must comply with new regulations. New STRs will require a conditional use permit from the Town Council, with a second conditional use permit to allow 10 or more people.

STRs will be subject to initial and annual inspections. Violations of safety, licensing, or tax requirements can result in permit denial or penalties. Owners have a grace period to correct violations, and permit denial can lead to a year-long suspension. Town officials can inspect STRs for compliance, and owners may appeal permit denials.

However, the new ordinance is already on shaky ground. A large backlash has occurred from the business community, questioning how they can enforce such a measure.

“I inadvertently voted for it, which I shouldn’t have. I flat out made a mistake,” said Andy Bucholz, a member of the Town Council. “Right now its a conditional use on top of a conditional use, which we can’t really do. The Council will not be able to deny any new STR application because it will be considered arbitrary, so what’s the point? Staff is already very busy.”

The Town Council has scheduled another Work Session to discuss the matter on December 9.