HAMPTON, Va. — Hampton residents got the chance to weigh in on the future of short-term rentals Thursday night.
Short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb or VRBO have exploded in popularity over the years and city leaders want to better regulate them.
The city’s Planning Commission is proposing carving the city into 51 zones, with only 1% of homes in each zone being short-term rentals. The rentals would also be required to be separated by 500 feet unless they’re side-by-side units.
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According to a statement from the city, that would ensure rental businesses do not overwhelm a street or block.
At a public hearing hosted by the city, residents voiced their thoughts.
“I absolutely am for this ordinance," Logan Beck said. "I think it’s a great thing for the city.”
Another resident, Gary Updike questioned how STRs affect homeowners.
“I just want to know if these short-term rentals – would they affect the property values of all of us that live in our homes?" he asked.
While some residents spoke up about their support for short-term rentals, others voiced concern about issues like parking.
“My next-door neighbor who is elderly had an ambulance blocked by an AirBnB renter. The ambulance had to push the gurney down the street because they couldn’t make the turn,” Kendall Tarkington said. "The trash truck has had several instances where they’ve had to lay on the horn until a renter comes out and moves their car because they couldn’t make the turn"
Roy Stubbs also brought up the issue of parking at the beach.
“Have you been to Buckroe at the height of summer? The Fourth of July? It’s just one fantastic area of festivities and nowhere to park!" He said. "There’s a bunch of us lemmings driving around and around.”
Jennette Andrews said she's not particularly concerned about STRs but questioned how busy her neighborhood might become.
“Now I know what a short-term rental is and I’m not fearful,” Andrews said, adding: “I know my neighbors and strange people come in and out might be hectic.”
On the other hand, supporters of short-term rentals said the proposal doesn’t allow enough of them.
“We want to be able to provide an alternative stay than a hotel stay," Fonda Woodard said.
Linda Popovich said: “They’ve been looking for a place that’s safe and nice and affordable and they finally have found it in Hampton.”
Ali Alfonso was one of several residents who wanted the regulations to be more lax for homeowners who only rent out a room in their home or who live at their home alongside short-term tenants.
“I think residents should be able to rent out rooms in their homes without a special permit," he said.
A spokesperson for the city said these proposed regulations would balance the needs of rental owners with the desire of people who want to maintain neighborhood character.
A statement from the city explained: Before December 2022, STRs were only allowed as an accessory use to a residence. After that, STRs required public hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council.
This new proposal would make the process less expensive and more time-efficient, the city says. The statement adds that these proposed regulations were devised with input from stakeholders including neighborhood leaders, rental owners, and a bed and breakfast owner.
“I actually live in Newport News, Virginia. I’m a short-term rental owner for four years," Jay Pruden said at the meeting. "You may be asking yourself why would a Newport News resident be in a Hampton area. The reason I’m here is: I’d like to take this and make it a model for all the other areas to use it. I think this is heading in the right direction.”
Hampton City Council members are expected to consider the proposed changes to short-term rentals at their June 12 meeting.