Accomack County BZA approves temporary permit for travel trailer at Townsend property

The Accomack County Board of Zoning Appeals on May 6 approved a special-use permit (SUSE0000412026) allowing a travel trailer to be used for habitation on tax parcel 42A1-A-3, with conditions and a limited duration. The county’s code enforcement officer told the board that travel trailers “generally adversely impact the general character of the surrounding neighborhood” and that staff recommended denial; the board instead approved the permit with conditions including required permits, inspections, limits on occupants and a time limit.

Applicant Kenneth Townsend, who was sworn before speaking, told the board he intends to build a permanent house and is “trying to get everything straightened together now,” and asked for time to proceed with building plans. Board members discussed reducing the term from two years to one year as a way to allow the applicant time to make progress while preserving oversight. The approved permit includes the staff-recommended conditions (maintenance, inspections, nontransferability, prohibition on short-term rental) and a time limit as adjusted by the board.