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Planning commission to study new rules after spike in travel trailer cases
Summary
Staff told the Accomack County Planning Commission that the Board of Supervisors is expected to initiate a study of travel trailer (RV) proliferation after staff logged 26 BZA applications since 2021 and more than 200 code-enforcement notices. Staff recommended a comprehensive study and stakeholder outreach; no ordinance was adopted.
Accomack County staff told the Planning Commission they will study potential zoning ordinance amendments to address a rising number of travel trailer and RV cases across the county.
Lee Pangent, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development, said the Board of Supervisors is expected to pass an initiating resolution asking staff and the planning commission to study the issue. "We've had 26 applications for travel trailers since January 2021," Pangent said, and staff reported the county has logged "over 200" code‑enforcement notices related to RVs.
Staff listed five issues driving the review: public safety (including placement in floodplains and evacuation concerns), environmental and flood‑plain regulation, waste disposal/septic connections, a high volume of special‑use requests to the Board of Zoning Appeals, and general incompatibility with the county's rural character. Pangent said the county wants clearer ordinance language to reduce loopholes that have allowed some applicants to use broadly worded permitted‑use provisions to justify RV placements.
Commissioners suggested possible measures that staff may study, including requiring a foundation before accepting a temporary trailer permit connected to a building permit, conditioning a temporary permit on well and septic availability, and tightening permit language to prevent long‑term residency where temporary use was intended. Commissioner (speaker 3) recommended a foundation or other evidence of progress on a permanent dwelling as part of a temporary permit for construction.
Legal concerns were raised: Commissioner (speaker 7) referenced the Mount Laurel line of cases as an example of how zoning can be challenged for exclusionary effect. Pangent said the county attorney will review any amendment for legal risk.
Pangent told commissioners the issue will require outreach to stakeholders including RV dealers and real‑estate professionals and that the Board of Zoning Appeals would be asked for input. Staff said it will return with research and proposed language next month; no regulatory changes were voted on at the meeting.
Next steps: staff to study ordinance language, consult BZA and legal counsel, gather stakeholder input and return with proposals.
