09/10/2026
For years, Seaside Vacations has worked to stay involved in advocacy throughout the vacation rental industry because we knew conversations like those happening on Chincoteague today would eventually come.
Following the Town Council’s recent hearing regarding short-term rentals, one of our owners, Lance, had the opportunity to speak with WBOC about issues that could have a lasting impact on property owners, visitors, local businesses, and our community as a whole.
We believe there should be a short-term rental ordinance in place. We also believe it’s incredibly important that it’s done the right way.
That means doing the research. Listening to the people who will be affected both directly and indirectly. Looking at real data. Understanding how proposed changes could impact our local economy, property owners, residents, businesses, and generations of families who return to Chincoteague year after year. Most importantly, it means carefully considering the long-term effects before decisions are made that could reshape the future of our island.
To our property owners: We want you to know that we are ALWAYS working to represent you. Your homes are more than vacation rentals — they’re hard-earned investments, and often times homes that you plan to retire to sooner rather than later. We take seriously our responsibility to advocate for fair, thoughtful policies that protect both your property and its future.
To our guests: We’re advocating for you, too! We want families to continue experiencing Chincoteague the way they have for generations — staying together, creating memories together, and returning to the island they love without new occupancy restrictions potentially forcing larger families and groups to book multiple properties just to enjoy their vacation together.
And to our community: We believe thoughtful regulation and a thriving vacation rental industry can coexist. Our goal has never been to avoid regulation. It’s to make sure the policies put in place are researched, balanced, enforceable, and created with input from everyone whose lives and livelihoods they may affect.
We love this island. We live here. We work here. We raise our families here. And we’ll continue showing up, listening, researching, and advocating for solutions that protect what makes Chincoteague special while helping ensure its future remains bright. ❤️