HAMPTON, Va. —
A change for short-term rentals (STR's) in Hampton could be on the way.
City leaders alerted residents by postcard this week of a proposed change for where and how many short-term rentals would be allowed throughout the city.
The proposed guidelines would carve the city into 51 zones, where 1% of houses would be allowed to be short-term rentals, like Airbnb or VRBO. Other elements of the proposed regulations include the required separation between STRs of 500 feet, unless they are side-by-side.
Hampton spokeswoman Robin McCormick says the city has explored the idea for years and is trying this new method.
“It used to be that you could only have an Airbnb if it was either in your own home or [a home] you lived in at least part-time, so we're trying to loosen the restrictions so we could have a few more.” McCormick said
Overcrowding and losing the “soul of the neighborhood” were some of the concerns that some city residents had. Others wanted more opportunity to operate STR's. McCormick said the current proposal is trying to find the balance between the two.
Karron David lives in Hampton and said he believes other residents will get on board, as talks progress.
"I think it’ll be a good idea. Honestly, it brings more… brings more people to the area," he said. "It’s gonna allow for other people to come inside the city and see the things that we actually have going on. We have beautiful beaches, good nightlife."
The Hampton Planning Committee is having a public hearing on this issue, on May 16. From there, the proposal will go to the city council, where residents can voice their opinion.