A. Whenever any wharf, pier, piling, bulkhead, structure, or vessel is found in or upon the bays, oceans, rivers, streams or creeks of the Commonwealth in a state of abandonment, in danger of sinking, or in such disrepair as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the use of such waterway, the Commission may ascertain the owner of the property and require him to repair or remove the property from the waters of the Commonwealth. If the identity or location of the owner remains unknown and unascertainable after a diligent search and the posting of proper notice at the last known address of the owner, if known, the Commission may have the property removed from the waterways of the Commonwealth after giving notice by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in the area where such property is located.
B. It is unlawful for any person who owns a vessel to allow such vessel, for more than one week after delivery of notification by the Commission or a law-enforcement official in person or by United States Postal Service certified mail, return receipt requested, to be in a state of abandonment and in danger of sinking, or in such disrepair as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the use of a waterway. Upon the occurrence of a natural disaster or other act of God, the Commission or law-enforcement official shall not issue a notification until sixty days following such occurrence. Any person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.
1974, c. 602, § 62.1-194.1:1; 1992, c. 836; 1997, c. 258; 1999, c. 544.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters
§ 28.2-1200. Ungranted beds of bays, rivers, creeks and shores of the sea to remain in common
§ 28.2-1200.1. Conveyance of state-owned bottomlands
§ 28.2-1201. Ungranted islands which rise from lands which are property of the Commonwealth
§ 28.2-1202. Rights of owners to extend to mean low-water mark
§ 28.2-1203. Unlawful use of subaqueous beds; penalty
§ 28.2-1204. Authority of Commission over submerged lands
§ 28.2-1204.1. Submerged aquatic vegetation
§ 28.2-1204.2. Marine Habitat and Waterways Improvement Fund established
§ 28.2-1205. Permits for the use of state-owned bottomlands
§ 28.2-1205.1. Coordinated review of water resources projects
§ 28.2-1207. Authority to approve permits for encroachment on subaqueous beds; notice
§ 28.2-1208. Granting easements in, permitting the use of, or leasing the beds of certain waters
§ 28.2-1210. Removal of obstructions or hazardous property from state waters; penalty
§ 28.2-1211. Injunction against violation of § 28.2-1203
§ 28.2-1212. Monitoring, inspections, compliance and restoration