As with many other communities throughout the United States, the residents of "residential" neighborhoods in Virginia Beach, VA are suffering from the impacts of Event Houses.  Event Houses are created when homeowners and real estate companies rent single family homes on a short-term basis for the purpose of hosting events or parties.  This practice of conducting such commercial activities within residential neighborhoods is contrary to the intent of residential zoning ordinances and the expectation of those that live in residential neighborhoods. 

Event houses in Virginia Beach's residential neighborhoods, such as Sandbridge Beach, are undermining the quality of life for its residents.  They create noise, traffic, trash, parking and other problems that are not typical or planned for in residential neighborhoods.  They also add stress to the City's services and infrastructure (from police to the roadways).  Also, since these houses were built as homes, they do not have the same safety requirements (e.g. - sprinkler systems and occupancy limits) that would be found in other venues that host large gatherings.

Please sign this petition to help stop this type of commercial activity in Virginia Beach's residential neighborhoods.  The City of Virginia Beach is currently considering an ordinance that would formally permit Event houses in any residential neighborhood.  We need to stop them before the next Event house is next door to you.

After you sign the petition, please forward this web address or the email you received to your friends and family with a short personal note asking them to help save Virginia Beach's neighborhoods by joining you in signing the petition.