Northampton County Attorney to compile proposed STR regs to send to Planning Commission

Northampton County continues to inch closer to a final set of regulations for Short Term Rentals(STRs).

At Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting, County Attorney Ellen Bowyer reported that some provisions are already in place in the county’s zoning ordinance. She also reviewed ordinances from other counties, including one recently adopted by the Town of Cape Charles. A draft ordinance has been sent to the Planning Commission for review.

“I think what we have to look at is where the county wants to allow them, whether you want to require a registry of some sort, what provisions you want to have applicable to STRs, and how you want to enforce them,” Bowyer said.

She recommended crafting a draft ordinance for the Board’s consideration before sending it to the Planning Commission for formal input. Bowyer estimated the process could be completed within two to three months.

She also noted that the Commonwealth of Virginia places limits on how localities can regulate owner-occupied versus non-owner-occupied STRs. Additionally, restrictions on regulating “agri-tourism” could affect how certain STRs are handled. If a proposed STR meets the state’s requirements to qualify as an agri-business, it would need to be treated differently under the law.

The Board agreed with her proposal to proceed with drafting the ordinance.