by Jackie Nunnery
HEATHSVILLE—The Northumberland planning commission on Thursday, January 19, was able to complete work on changes to the camping ordinance, but needed more time on the short-term rental (STR) ordinance. Another work session will take place at the February 16 meeting.
The county’s zoning ordinance allows for “vacation homes,” defined as dwellings for rent less than 30 days, in all of its zoning districts by right. During public comment, many of those that spoke wanted the county to prohibit STRs from restricted residential (R3) zoned properties, defined as high-density residential development. These smaller lots, often just one-quarter acre with homes four feet from the property line, were recorded prior to zoning ordinances that were adopted in 1974.
As in previous meetings, multiple members of the Chesapeake Bay Estates and Fleeton Bay communities, both R3 zoned districts, complained of renters….
