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Cape Charles, VA STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Cape Charles, VA

Short-Term Rental Regulations

Medium EnforcementLow Risk Market

84

Risk Score

Short-term rentals

Allowed

License

Required

Max fine

$1,000

Cape Charles, Virginia adopted a comprehensive Short-Term Rental Zoning Ordinance on November 21, 2024, codified in Chapter 32, Article IV, Section 32-104 of the Town Code.
The ordinance regulates STRs as limited commercial uses in town zoning districts.
New STRs require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), which represents a change from the prior by-right permitting.
Existing STR owners are grandfathered in.
Properties with Accessory Dwelling Units may apply for an STR permit for either the primary dwelling or the ADU, but not both in the same calendar year per a January 2026 amendment (Ordinance 2026115B).
STRs are defined as stays of less than 30 days.
Owners must complete an annual STR Certificate process involving review by the Finance Department (to verify property taxes, outstanding fees, and transient occupancy tax compliance), Building Department (physical safety inspection), and Zoning Department (site plans, floor plans, and parking verification).
Transient occupancy taxes apply to all STRs in Cape Charles and Northampton County.

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At a Glance

Last verified todayVerified from 14 sources

STR License

Yes

Enforcement

Medium

Potential Fines

Up to $1,000

Permit Status

Accepting

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We recorded 132 short-term rental rule changes across 50 US markets in the last 30 days.

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In Cape Charles, fines reach $1,000 per violation

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7 verified answers for Cape Charles, each backed by a citation

Are short-term rentals allowed
License required
Maximum fine
Enforcement level
Inspection required
Signage required
Local contact required

Full Requirements

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In Cape Charles, fines reach $1,000 per violation.

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Cape Charles, VA Regulations Guide

Licensing and Permits

Cape Charles requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. An inspection is required as part of the permitting process.

Enforcement

Cape Charles has medium enforcement of STR regulations. Operating without proper licensing or failing to comply with local regulations can result in citations, fines, and potential loss of your permit.

Get the full Cape Charles compliance guide

Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 14 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Curious how Cape Charles compares nationally? See the strictest and most welcoming US cities for short-term rentals.

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Citation receipts

17 cited facts for Cape Charles2 cross-checked

Every fact below is taken from the issuing authority's own text. Open a quote to read it verbatim, or follow the source to read it on their page.

Licensing

4 facts

Short-term rentals allowedYes
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 18 days ago
›Read the wording
“Every person engaging in the business of short-term rental, as defined in section 18-347, shall annually file an application for a certificate of registration with the treasurer for each place of business in the town from which short-term rental business will be conducted by the applicant.”
License requiredYes
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“Every person engaging in the business of short-term rental, as defined in section 18-347, shall annually file an application for a certificate of registration with the treasurer for each place of business in the town from which short-term rental business will be conducted by the applicant.”
What the license is calledCertificate of Registration
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“Certificate of registration means the annual certificate issued by the town treasurer to persons engaged in the short-term rental business in the town who make application for such certificate pursuant to section 18-350 of this article.”
Where to applyco.northampton.va.us ↗
co.northampton.va.us
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“This form may be submitted by: Website: www.co.northampton.va.us”

Taxes

6 facts

Lodging tax rate5%
co.northampton.va.us
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“The tax in Northampton County is 5% of the cost of the room or facility, except within the corporate limits of Cape Charles the county tax is 2%.”
Local lodging tax2%
co.northampton.va.us
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“except within the corporate limits of Cape Charles the county tax is 2%.”
Accommodation tax5%
co.northampton.va.us

Limits on how you rent

1 fact

How occupancy is countedbedrooms
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 26 days ago
›Read the wording
“The maximum number of guests allowed is two per bedroom, unless limited further by the applicable building code.”

What you have to provide

5 facts

Local contact requiredYes
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 27 days ago
›Read the wording
“Contact information for the 24 hours/seven days a week contact who is the responsible party to address immediate concerns associated with a short-term rental, and who has the authority to act as the owner's and operator's agent.”
Inspection requiredYes
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 27 days ago
›Read the wording
“Short-term rental zoning permits will be valid for one year and may be renewed each subsequent year, if there were no permit violations, and upon approval of the associated annual business license and re-inspection.”
Signage requiredYes
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 11 days ago
›Read the wording

Enforcement

1 fact

Maximum fine$1,000
Cape Charles municipal code
checked 1 month ago
›Read the wording
“Any person who shall willfully violate or fail to comply with any provision of this article or who shall file a false or misleading monthly report hereunder shall be guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor and fined an amount of not more than $1,000.00.”