North Tidewater News

June 13, 2024 — The City Council on Wednesday evening voted unanimously to implement a plan that would divide the city into zoned districts in which no more than 1 percent of residences could be operated as short-term rentals.

The proposal, previously approved by the Planning Commission, creates a structure that allows property owners to rent on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo without disrupting the look and feel of the city’s neighborhoods. The plan requires rental units to be at least 500 feet apart. Residents with existing businesses would be allowed to continue operating, even if their zone exceeds the 1% cap. Owners must submit a new application for approval by the end of the year. The process of gaining a permit will become streamlined and more efficient. Other requirements include sufficient off-street parking, fire safety controls, limits on the number of renters based on size, limits on events, business licenses, paying applicable taxes, and listing a responsible person. Full details are available online at hampton.gov/strs.

Zoning Administrator Allison Jackura provided a detailed explanation of how the zoning plan was developed, and dozens of residents offered thoughts and input. The council delayed implementation of the plan until Sept. 1 to allow for consideration of an amendment to reduce the 500-foot restriction to 300 feet.

Several residents spoke to the council about speeding and traffic accidents at the intersection of Shell Road and Greenbriar Avenue. Public Works Director Jason Mitchell explained that a traffic study had been conducted and plans were being developed to address the issue with a four-way stop and possibly increased fines for speeding in that area.

At the start of the meeting, Mayor Donnie Tuck read a proclamation honoring Interim City Attorney Steven Bond, who is leaving his position to become a judge in Virginia’s 8th Judicial General District. The council approved Cynthia Hudson's appointment as interim city attorney effective June 17.

In accordance with the General Assembly’s recent amendment to Virginia Code Section 15.2-1414.6 (B), the council voted to increase annual salaries for the mayor and council members.

In a work session at 1 p.m., the council heard from Elizabeth Lake Estates Civic Association regarding a proposal to raise property taxes in that district from 6 cents per $100 of assessed value to 10 cents in Fiscal Year 2025, beginning July 1. The proposal had been deferred last month so that the civic association could formally gain support from at least 65 percent of property owners. At Wednesday afternoon’s meeting, an association representative stated that 212 out of 318 residents (66.7 percent) supported the increased rate, which he said would help fund upcoming neighborhood projects. The tax rate was approved unanimously at the legislative session.

The City Council’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 10.

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