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Virginia Beach planning panel defers STR map, approves parking ban for oceanfront short-term rentals
Summary
The Planning Commission debated a revised Oceanfront short-term rental overlay map and deferred boundary decisions for further public outreach; it approved an ordinance amendment banning STRs from using city-owned parking garages to meet minimum parking requirements.
The Virginia Beach Planning Commission on July 8 deferred final action on a proposed reduction to the Oceanfront Resort short-term rental (STR) overlay while approving a separate amendment to restrict STR parking.
Zoning administrator Hannah Sabo told commissioners the council had referred a resolution asking the commission to review the overlay after widespread concern about STR proliferation along the oceanfront and its impacts on parking and the housing supply. Staff presented an alternate map that moves the permitted STR boundary landward to roughly 18th Street and described outreach to advisory committees, the Hampton Roads Realtors Association and affected property owners.
Why it matters: Commissioners and members of the public said they needed more opportunity to view the new map and weigh in on grandfathering rules for existing STR permits. Several commissioners urged a public meeting focused on the map change before any final vote.
The commission unanimously approved an ordinance change that would prohibit short-term rentals in the Oceanfront Resort overlay from relying on city-owned parking garages to meet their minimum on‑site parking requirement. Sabo said the zoning practice had been to permit leased off-site spaces within about 1.25 miles; staff said the amendment applies only to public parking garages and aims to preserve public parking supply at the oceanfront.
Public comment and next steps: Commissioners noted staff told the commission that grandfathered STRs would be allowed to expand only up to 1,000 square feet or 25 percent; several speakers asked for clarification on enforcement and how “abandonment” would be determined for a nonconforming use. Because City Council extended the referral timeline, the planning commission voted to defer the overlay boundary items for 30 days so staff can schedule additional outreach and incorporate public input. The parking amendment was recommended for approval and will go to City Council with the commission’s recommendation.
