North Tidewater News

A new proposal for how to decide where short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO) can be located in Hampton was discussed at the Planning Commission on Thursday. The proposal would also streamline the process for approving locations.

According to the Hampton city officials, "Within each zone, only 1% of the residences could be short-term rentals." The requirement for separation distances of 500 feet apart, unless they are side-by-side, is aimed at limiting the impact on neighborhoods. This measure is designed so that "the rental businesses would not overwhelm a street or block."

Under the new plan, property owners who meet the specified requirements would no longer have to undergo the expensive and time-consuming process of public hearings at both Planning Commission and City Council meetings. The proposal aims to address concerns surrounding short-term rentals by introducing criteria such as limitations on capacity, parking requirements, and the need for a responsible contact person for any issues that may arise.

Prior to December 14, 2022, only a few short-term rentals were permitted in Hampton, mainly as accessory uses to homes. However, despite the restrictions, the city had evidence of numerous unlicensed short-term rentals operating in the area, leading to challenges in regulation and tax compliance.

The proposed regulations are set to be voted on by the Planning Commission in May and then by the City Council in June. For further details on the proposed regulations, individuals are encouraged to visit hampton.gov/shorttermrentals or reach out via email at shorttermrentals@hampton.gov.