The government of Hampton, Va., has paused approvals of short-term rental applications until at least November while it solicits legal guidance from the city attorney and further investigates the rentals' effect on residential neighborhoods. The City Council postponed voting on five applications on the agenda at the Aug. 9 meeting to give staff more time to look into density issues and speak to more residents. Mayor Donnie Tuck said the council had so far passed 11 use permits for short-term rentals and around 50 applications were pending. He also said city staff are considering the city areas that make the most sense to contain short-term rentals. Property owners like Antoinette Smith are concerned that people who comply with new short-term rental rules by filing for a permit are being punished by the pause.
Virginian-Pilot (08/14/23) Josh Janney