reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1309. Emergency sand grading activities on nonvegetated wetlands located on the Atlantic Shoreline of Virginia Beach

A. As used in this section, "emergency" means a sudden and unforeseeable occurrence or condition of such disastrous severity or magnitude that governmental action beyond that authorized by existing law is required because governmental inaction for the period required to amend the law to meet the exigency would cause immediate and irrevocable harm to the citizens or a portion of the citizenry of the Commonwealth.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 28.2-1302, sand grading activities are permitted on nonvegetated wetlands located on the Atlantic Shoreline of the City of Virginia Beach if (i) such activities are otherwise permitted by law, and (ii) the city manager has declared an emergency and issued a permit for such purpose. Such activities may be conducted without advance notice and hearing; however, upon request and after reasonable notice as to time and place, the city manager shall hold a hearing to affirm, modify, amend, or cancel such emergency permit.
1992, c. 836; 2022, c. 235.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1310. Commissioner to review all decisions of wetlands boards

The Commissioner shall review all decisions of wetlands boards and request the Commission to review a decision only when he believes the board failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the wetlands zoning ordinance.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.10; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1311. When Commission to review decision of wetlands board

A. The Commission shall review a decision of a wetlands board when any of the following events occur:
1. An appeal is taken from the decision by the applicant or the county, city, or town where the wetlands are located.
2. The Commissioner requests the review. In order to make the request, the Commissioner shall notify the board, applicant, and the county, city, or town where the wetlands are located within ten days of receiving notice of the board's decision.
3. Twenty-five or more freeholders of property within the county, city, or town in which the proposed project is located sign and submit a petition to the Commission requesting the review. The petition shall indicate those specific instances where the petitioners allege that the board failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the wetlands zoning ordinance.
B. All requests for review or appeal shall be made within ten days of the date of the board's decision. The Commission shall hear and decide the review or appeal within forty-five days of receiving the request for review or notice of appeal. A continuance may be granted by the Commission on a motion of the applicant, the freeholders specified in subsection A of this section, or the county, city, or town where the wetlands are located.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.11; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1312. Procedure for review; notice of decision

A. The Commissioner shall cause notice of the review or appeal to be given to the board, the applicant, the county, city, or town where the wetlands are located, and where applicable, to the freeholders specified in § 28.2-1311.
B. The Commission shall hear the appeal or conduct the review of the record transmitted by the board to the Commissioner. The Commission may take such additional evidence as may be necessary to resolve any controversy as to the correctness of the record. The Commission, in its discretion, may also receive such other evidence as the ends of justice require.
C. The Commission shall notify the parties of its decision within forty-eight hours of the appeal or review hearing.
1972, c. 711, §§ 62.1-13.12, 62.1-13.14; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1313. When Commission to modify, remand, or reverse decision of wetlands board

The Commission shall modify, remand, or reverse the decision of the wetlands board if:
1. The wetlands board, in reaching its decision, failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the wetlands zoning ordinance; or
2. The substantial rights of the appellant or the applicant have been prejudiced because the findings, conclusions, or decisions of the board are:
a. In violation of constitutional provisions;
b. In excess of statutory authority or jurisdiction of the wetlands board;
c. Made upon unlawful procedure;
d. Affected by other error of law;
e. Unsupported by the evidence on the record considered as a whole; or
f. Arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.13; 1975, c. 467; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1314. Time for issuance of permit

No permit shall be issued until the period within which a request for review or an appeal to the Commission may be made has expired. If a request for review is made or an appeal is noted, no activity for which the permit is required shall be commenced until the Commission has notified the parties of its determination.
1973, c. 65, § 62.1-13.14:1; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1315. Judicial review

An appeal from any Commission decision granting or denying a permit or from any Commission decision on the review of or appeal from a board decision may be taken by the applicant, any of the freeholders specified in subsection A of § 28.2-1311, or the county, city, or town where the wetlands are located. Judicial review shall be pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.15; 1982, c. 300; 1986, c. 615; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1316. Investigations and prosecutions

The Commission may investigate all projects, whether proposed or ongoing, which alter wetlands. The Commission may prosecute all violations of any order, rule, or regulation of the Commission or of a wetlands board, or violation of any provision of this chapter. Wetlands boards may investigate all projects, whether proposed or ongoing, which alter wetlands located within their jurisdiction. Wetlands boards may prosecute all violations of their orders and any violation of the wetlands zoning ordinance under which they were established.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.16; 1975, c. 467; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1318. Violations; penalty

Any person who knowingly, intentionally, or negligently violates any order, rule, or regulation of the Commission or of a wetlands board established pursuant to this chapter, any provision of this chapter or of a wetlands zoning ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter, or any provision of a permit granted pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Following a conviction, every day the violation continues is a separate offense.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.18; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1319. Injunctions

Upon the petition of the Commission or a wetlands board to the circuit court of the county or city where any act is done or threatened which is unlawful under this chapter, the court may enjoin the unlawful act and order the defendant to take any steps necessary to restore, protect, and preserve the wetlands involved. This remedy shall be exclusive of and in addition to any criminal penalty which may be imposed under § 28.2-1318.
1973, c. 65, § 62.1-13.18:1; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 13 - Wetlands › § 28.2-1320. Penalties

A. Without limiting the remedies which may be obtained under this chapter, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who violates or fails, neglects, or refuses to obey any Commission or wetlands board notice, order, rule, regulation, or permit condition authorized by this chapter shall, upon such finding by an appropriate circuit court, be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each day of violation. Such civil penalties may, at the discretion of the court assessing them, be directed to be paid into the treasury of the county, city, or town in which the violation occurred for the purpose of abating environmental damage to or restoring wetlands therein, in such a manner as the court may, by order, direct, except that where the violator is the county, city, or town itself, or its agent, the court shall direct the penalty to be paid into the state treasury.
B. Without limiting the remedies which may be obtained under this chapter, and with the consent of any person who has violated any provision of this chapter or who has violated or failed, neglected, or refused to obey any Commission or wetlands board order, rule, regulation, or permit condition authorized by this chapter, the Commission or wetlands board may provide, in an order issued by the Commission or wetlands board against such person, for the one-time payment of civil charges for each violation in specific sums, not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. Civil charges shall be in lieu of any appropriate civil penalty which could be imposed under subsection A of this section. Civil charges may be in addition to the cost of any restoration ordered by the Commission or a wetlands board.
1990, c. 811, § 62.1-13.18:2; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1400. Definitions

A. As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Beach" means the shoreline zone comprised of unconsolidated sandy material upon which there is a mutual interaction of the forces of erosion, sediment transport and deposition that extends from the low water line landward to where there is a marked change in either material composition or physiographic form such as a dune, bluff, or marsh, or where no such change can be identified, to the line of woody vegetation (usually the effective limit of stormwaves), or the nearest impermeable man-made structure, such as a bulkhead, revetment, or paved road.
"Coastal primary sand dune" or "dune" means a mound of unconsolidated sandy soil which is contiguous to mean high water, whose landward and lateral limits are marked by a change in grade from ten percent or greater to less than ten percent, and upon which is growing any of the following species: American beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata); beach heather (Hudsonia tomentosa); dune bean (Strophostyles spp.); dusty miller (Artemisia stelleriana); saltmeadow hay (Spartina patens); seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides); sea oats (Uniola paniculata); sea rocket (Cakile edentula); seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens); Japanese sedge or Asiatic sand sedge (Carex kobomugi); Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana); broom sedge (Andropogon virginicus); and short dune grass (Panicum amarum). For purposes of this chapter, "coastal primary sand dune" or "dune" shall not include any mound of sand, sandy soil, or dredge spoil deposited by any person for the purpose of temporary storage, beach replenishment or beach nourishment, nor shall the slopes of any such mound be used to determine the landward or lateral limits of a coastal primary sand dune.
"Coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance" means the ordinance set forth in § 28.2-1403.
"County, city or town" means the governing body of the county, city or town.
"Governmental activity" means any of the services provided by Commonwealth or a county, city or town to its citizens for the purpose of maintaining public facilities, including but not limited to, such services as constructing, repairing and maintaining roads; providing street lights and sewage facilities; supplying and treating water; and constructing public buildings.
"Wetlands board" or "board" means the board created pursuant to § 28.2-1303.
B. Although separately defined in subsection A of this section, the terms "coastal primary sand dune," "dune," and "beach," when used in this chapter, shall be interchangeable.
1980, c. 660, §§ 62.1-13.21, 62.1-13.22; 1984, c. 556; 1985, c. 589; 1987, c. 499; 1989, c. 342; 1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112; 1998, c. 160; 2008, c. 20.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1401. Powers and duties of Commission

A. The Commission may receive gifts, grants, bequests, and devises of coastal primary sand dunes, beaches, and money which shall be held for the uses prescribed by the donor, grantor, or testator and in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
B. The Commission shall preserve and protect coastal primary sand dunes and beaches and prevent their despoliation and destruction. Whenever practical, the Commission shall accommodate necessary economic development in a manner consistent with the protection of these features. The Commission shall manage any coastal primary sand dunes and beaches it receives as provided in Article 2 (§ 28.2-1503 et seq.) of Chapter 15 of this title.
C. In order to perform its duties under this section and to assist counties, cities and towns in regulating coastal primary sand dunes and beaches, the Commission shall, with the advice and assistance of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, promulgate guidelines which describe the consequences of use of these dunes and beaches.
D. In developing guidelines or regulations under this chapter, the Commission shall consult with all affected state agencies. Consistent with other legal rights, consideration shall be given to the importance of coastal primary sand dunes with their unique physiographic features which, in their natural state, serve as protective barriers from the effects of flooding and erosion caused by coastal storms, thereby protecting life and property; provide an essential source of natural sand replenishment for beaches and an important natural habitat for coastal fauna; and enhance the scenic and recreational attractiveness of Virginia's coastal area.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.17; 1980, c. 660, §§ 62.1-13.21, 62.1-13.24; 1984, c. 556; 1989, c. 342; 1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112; 1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1404. Meetings, quorum, rules, etc., of wetlands boards; records and reports

For the conduct of any wetlands board hearing and the taking of any action, a quorum shall be not less than three members of a five-member board nor less than four members of a seven-member board. The board may make, alter, and rescind rules and forms for its procedures, provided they are consistent with state law and local ordinances. The board shall keep a full public record of its proceedings and shall submit a report of its activities to the local governing body at least once each year. The board shall forward a copy of each report to the Commission.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1405. Local governing body to supply meeting space and services for wetlands board

Every county, city or town enacting an ordinance pursuant to this chapter shall supply the board with reasonable meeting space and necessary secretarial, clerical, legal, and consulting services. The local governing body is authorized to expend the public funds necessary to comply with the provisions of this section.
1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1406. Permits required for certain activities; issuance of permits by Commission

A. It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct any activity which would require a permit under a coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance without such a permit. Until the county, city or town in which a person proposes to conduct an activity which would require a permit under the ordinance adopts the ordinance, such person shall apply for a permit directly to the Commission. Permit applicants desiring to use or develop dunes or beaches owned by the Commonwealth shall also apply directly to the Commission.
B. The Commission shall process permit applications in accordance with the provisions of the Coastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance and the Commissioner, or his authorized representative, shall sign any permit granted; however, the Commission may designate one or more hearing officers who may, in lieu of the Commission, conduct public hearings as required under § 28.2-1403 and thereafter report their findings and recommendations to the Commission.
1972, c. 711, § 62.1-13.9; 1980, c. 660, § 62.1-13.26; 1992, c. 836; 1994, cc. 112, 125.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1407. Administrative procedures

The Commission may, in conjunction with local wetlands boards and other affected state and federal agencies, develop administrative procedures to expedite the processing of applications for permits required under this chapter. Whenever an application is received by the Commission for a permit over which a local board has jurisdiction under a coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance, the Commission shall forward a copy of the application to that board within seven days.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1408. Standards for use of coastal primary sand dunes

No permanent alteration of or construction upon any coastal primary sand dune shall take place which would (i) impair the natural functions of the dune, (ii) physically alter the contour of the dune, or (iii) destroy vegetation growing thereon unless the wetlands board or the Commission, whichever is applicable, determines that there will be no significant adverse ecological impact, or that the granting of a permit is clearly necessary and consistent with the public interest, considering all material factors.
1980, c. 660, § 62.1-13.23; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1409. Emergency sand grading activities on sand dunes located on the Atlantic Shoreline of Virginia Beach

A. As used in this section, "emergency" means a sudden and unforeseeable occurrence or condition of such disastrous severity or magnitude that governmental action beyond that authorized by existing law is required because governmental inaction for the period required to amend the law to meet the exigency would cause immediate and irrevocable harm to the citizens or a portion of the citizenry of the Commonwealth.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 28.2-1403, sand grading activities are permitted on coastal primary sand dunes located on the Atlantic Shoreline of the City of Virginia Beach if (i) such activities are otherwise permitted by law, and (ii) the city manager has declared an emergency and issued a permit for such purpose. Such activities may be conducted without advance notice and hearing; however, upon request and after reasonable notice as to time and place, the city manager shall hold a hearing to affirm, modify, amend, or cancel such emergency permit.
1992, c. 836; 2022, c. 235.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1410. Commissioner to review all decisions of wetlands boards

The Commissioner shall review all decisions of wetlands boards and request the Commission to review a decision only when he believes the board failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1411. When Commission to review decision of wetlands board

A. The Commission shall review a decision of a wetlands board when any of the following events occur:
1. An appeal is taken from the decision by the applicant or by the county, city or town where the dunes are located.
2. The Commissioner requests the review. In order to make the request, the Commissioner shall notify the board, applicant, and county, city or town where the dunes are located within ten days of receiving notice of the board's decision.
3. Twenty-five or more freeholders of property within the county, city or town in which the proposed project is located sign and submit a petition to the Commission requesting the review. The petition shall indicate those specific instances where the petitioners allege that the board failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance.
B. All requests for review or appeal shall be made within ten days of the date of the board's decision. The Commission shall hear and decide the review or appeal within forty-five days of receiving the request for review or notice of appeal. A continuance may be granted by the Commission on a motion of the applicant, the freeholders specified in subsection A of this section, or the county, city or town where the dunes are located.
1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1412. Procedure for review; notice of decision

A. The Commissioner shall cause notice of the review or appeal to be given to the board, the applicant, the county, city or town where the dunes are located, and where applicable, to the freeholders specified in § 28.2-1411.
B. The Commission shall hear the appeal or conduct the review on the record transmitted by the board to the Commissioner. The Commission may take such additional evidence as may be necessary to resolve any controversy as to the correctness of the record. The Commission, in its discretion, may receive such other evidence as the ends of justice require.
C. The Commission shall notify the parties of its decision within forty-eight hours of the appeal or review hearing.
1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1413. When Commission to modify, remand or reverse decision of wetlands board

The Commission shall modify, remand or reverse the decision of the wetlands board if:
1. The wetlands board, in reaching its decision, failed to fulfill its responsibilities under the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance; or
2. The substantial rights of the appellant or the applicant have been prejudiced because the findings, conclusions, or decisions of the board are:
a. In violation of constitutional provisions;
b. In excess of statutory authority or jurisdiction of the wetlands board;
c. Made upon unlawful procedure;
d. Affected by other error of law;
e. Unsupported by the evidence on the record considered as a whole; or
f. Arbitrary, capricious, or an abuse of discretion.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1414. Time for issuance of permit

No permit shall be issued until the period within which a request for review or an appeal to the Commission may be made has expired. If a request for review is made or an appeal is noted, no activity for which the permit is required shall be commenced until the Commission has notified the parties of its determination.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1415. Judicial review

An appeal from any Commission decision granting or denying a permit or from any Commission decision on the review of or appeal from a board decision may be taken by the applicant, any of the freeholders specified in subsection A of § 28.2-1411, or by the county, city or town where the dunes or beaches are located. Judicial review shall be pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.).
1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1416. Investigations and prosecutions

The Commission may investigate all projects, whether proposed or ongoing, which alter dunes or beaches. The Commission may prosecute all violations of any order, rule, or regulation of the Commission or of a wetlands board, or violation of any provision of this chapter. Wetlands boards may investigate all projects, whether proposed or ongoing, which alter dunes or beaches located within their jurisdiction. Wetlands boards may prosecute all violations of their orders and any violation of any provision of the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance which they administer.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1418. Violations; penalty

Any person who knowingly, intentionally, or negligently violates any order, rule, or regulation of the Commission or of a wetlands board, any provision of this chapter or of a coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance enacted pursuant to this chapter, or any provision of a permit granted pursuant to this chapter is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Following a conviction, every day the violation continues is a separate offense.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1419. Injunctions

Upon the petition of the Commission or a wetlands board to the circuit court of the county or city where any act is done or threatened which is unlawful under this chapter, the court may enjoin the unlawful act and order the defendant to take any steps necessary to restore, protect, and preserve the dunes or beaches involved. This remedy shall be exclusive of and in addition to any criminal penalty which may be imposed under § 28.2-1418.
1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 14 - Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches › § 28.2-1420. Penalties

A. Without limiting the remedies which may be obtained under this chapter, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or who violates or fails, neglects, or refuses to obey any Commission or wetlands board notice, order, rule, regulation, or permit condition authorized by this chapter shall, upon such finding by an appropriate circuit court, be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 for each day of violation. Such civil penalties may, at the discretion of the court assessing them, be directed to be paid into the treasury of the county, city, or town in which the violation occurred for the purpose of abating environmental damage to or restoring dunes or beaches therein, in such a manner as the court may, by order, direct, except that where the violator is the county, city, or town itself, or its agent, the court shall direct the penalty to be paid into the state treasury.
B. Without limiting the remedies which may be obtained under this chapter, and with the consent of any person who has violated any provision of this chapter or who has violated or failed, neglected, or refused to obey any Commission or wetlands board order, rule, regulation, or permit condition authorized by this chapter, the Commission or wetlands board may provide, in an order issued by the Commission or wetlands board against such person, for the one-time payment of civil charges for each violation in specific sums, not to exceed $10,000 for each violation. Civil charges shall be in lieu of any appropriate civil penalty which could be imposed under subsection A of this section. Civil charges may be in addition to the cost of any restoration ordered by the Commission or a wetlands board.
1990, c. 811, § 62.1-13.27:1; 1992, c. 836.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1500. Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Beach" shall have the same meaning ascribed thereto in subsection A of § 28.2-1400.
"Initial inventory" means a set of maps prepared by, at the direction of, or with the approval of the Commission which have been filed prior to January 1, 1995, with the clerk of the circuit court and the commissioner of revenue in any county in that portion of the Commonwealth separated from the larger portion of the Commonwealth by the Chesapeake Bay and in which the ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands mapped therein are located.
"Inventory" means a set of maps prepared by, at the direction of, or with the approval of the Commission, mapping certain ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands in any county in that portion of the Commonwealth separated from the larger portion of the Commonwealth by the Chesapeake Bay.
"Marsh" or "meadowland" shall have the same meaning ascribed to vegetated wetlands in § 28.2-1300.
"Shores of the sea" means a beach or any unvegetated lands lying contiguous to mean low water and between mean low water and mean high water.
"Ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands" means (i) shores of the sea which were not conveyed by special grant or compact according to law prior to April 1, 1873, and which have not been conveyed by special grant of the General Assembly on or after that date and (ii) marsh or meadowlands which were not appropriated and remained ungranted prior to February 24, 1888, and which have not been conveyed by special grant of the General Assembly on or after that date.
"Virginia Coastal Land Management Advisory Council" or "Council" means the Virginia Coastal Land Management Advisory Council created pursuant to § 28.2-1505.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1501. Powers and duties of Commission

A. The Commission may receive gifts, grants, bequests, and devises of shores of the sea, marsh, meadowlands, and money which shall be held for the uses prescribed by the donor, grantor, or testator in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. The Commission shall manage any shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands it receives as prescribed in Article 2 (§ 28.2-1503 et seq.) of this chapter.
B. The Commission may promulgate regulations and guidelines necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1502. Ownership of ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands

All ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands shall remain the property of the Commonwealth. Such ungranted marsh and meadowlands which have been used as a commons by the people of the Commonwealth shall continue as a commons for the purpose of fishing, fowling, hunting, and the taking and catching of oysters and other shellfish. All ungranted shores of the sea may be used as a commons for the purpose of fishing, fowling, hunting, and the taking and catching of oysters and other shellfish. The Commission shall manage all ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands as provided in Article 2 (§ 28.2-1503 et seq.) of this chapter.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1503. Management of lands

The Commission shall manage all ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands, and all other lands of the Commonwealth for which management duties have been given to the Commission, as steward for the property interests of the Commonwealth. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall cooperate with the Commission and, upon request, shall assist the Commission in the performance of its duties and responsibilities under this chapter.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1504. Preparation of management plan

A. The Commission shall prepare and implement a plan for the management of the Commonwealth's ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands. The management plan, and any regulations and guidelines promulgated to implement the management plan, shall conserve and protect the shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands, and the natural values and natural processes associated therewith. To the extent not inconsistent with that goal, the management plan shall also consider the traditional uses of such properties and the promotion of tourism and commerce. Through methods consistent with that goal, the management plan, and any regulations and guidelines promulgated to implement the management plan, shall recognize the use of such properties, where they have been so used in the past, as a commons by the people of the Commonwealth for the purpose of fishing, fowling, hunting, and the taking and catching of oysters and other shellfish. The Commission shall review the management plan every five years.
B. In developing regulations, guidelines, or management plans under this chapter, the Commission shall consult with the Virginia Coastal Land Management Advisory Council.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1505. Virginia Coastal Land Management Advisory Council established

A. There is hereby created the Virginia Coastal Land Management Advisory Council. The Council shall advise the Commission on issues relating to the management of ungranted shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands, and shall advise the Commission on the development of the management plan prepared pursuant to § 28.2-1504.
B. The Council shall consist of six members appointed by the Governor, who shall be residents of a county in which there are ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands, and who shall represent tourism and commerce, traditional uses of shores of the sea, marsh and meadowlands, and conservation interests; however, if any private person or entity owns more than fifty percent of the land area of the barrier islands of the Eastern Shore that are privately owned, such person or entity shall be one of such members. In appointing these members, the Governor shall consider recommendations submitted by the boards of supervisors of counties in which the Commission is managing the largest portions of the ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands. The Council shall also include (i) the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation or his designee, (ii) the Director of the Department of Wildlife Resources or his designee, and (iii) the Commissioner or his designee.
C. The term of office of each appointed member shall be for three years. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be made to fill the unexpired term.
D. Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall receive reimbursement for actual expenses.
E. The Council shall meet at the call of the Commissioner or at least once per year.
1995, c. 850; 2020, c. 958.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1506. Filing of initial inventories; amended or supplemental inventories

Whenever any privately owned land in any of such counties is to be transferred, and the transferor or the transferee requests clarification as to whether any portion of such land is claimed by the Commonwealth as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands, the Commission shall review the matter, and, if it determines that all or any portion of such land constitutes ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands, the Commission shall file an amended or supplemental inventory as it may deem appropriate. Any such amended or supplemental inventory shall be filed in the same offices as the initial inventory for such area. The Commission shall not prepare or file any such amended or supplemental inventory unless (1) such classification is requested by a transferor or transferee as provided herein, or (2) (a) the federal government has asserted title to any ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands excluding the Wallops Island Naval/Aegis facility and all land adjacent thereto lying to the south that is used for a federal National Wildlife Refuge, (b) both the Governor and Attorney General concur in writing that all or any of the property to which the federal government has asserted title constitutes ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands, and (c) such amended or supplemental inventory only asserts the Commonwealth's title to the portion of such property that constitutes ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands as concurred in by the Governor and the Attorney General.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1507. Notice of filing of inventories

A. The Commission shall cause to be published, within ninety days following the effective date of this section, in a newspaper of general circulation published at the state capital, in a newspaper having general circulation in the counties where the initial inventories have been filed, and in such other newspapers in the Commonwealth as the Commission generally publishes notices pursuant to § 2.2-4007.03, a notice of the filing of the initial inventories. The notice shall state that any person claiming ownership of an interest in lands designated in an initial inventory as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands is required to assert the claim as provided in § 28.2-1509 within two years following the effective date of this section, or any action to assert such claim shall be barred.
B. The Commission shall cause to be published a notice of the filing of any amended or supplemental inventory in a newspaper having general circulation in the county for which such amended or supplemental inventory applies. The notice shall refer to the initial inventory and any previous amended or supplemental inventory with respect thereto, and shall state that any person claiming ownership of an interest in lands designated therein as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands is required to assert the claim as provided in § 28.2-1509 within two years following the filing of the amended or supplemental inventory, or any action to assert such claim shall be barred.
C. The failure of the Commission to comply with the requirements of this section shall not impair the Commonwealth's rights of ownership in any ungranted shores of the sea, marsh, or meadowlands.
1995, c. 850; 2007, cc. 873, 916.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1508. Effect of inventories

The failure to include any ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands in an initial inventory shall not affect the Commonwealth's rights of ownership in such property.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1509. Claims to lands designated in an inventory

A. Any person claiming ownership of an interest in lands designated as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowland in an initial inventory, or in any amended or supplemental inventory, may bring an action for declaratory judgment to determine title to the land pursuant to § 8.01-184, an action to establish the boundaries to land pursuant to § 8.01-179, or an action of ejectment pursuant to § 8.01-131.
B. Any action pursuant to subsection A with respect to lands designated as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowland in an initial inventory shall be brought within two years following the effective date of this section. Any action to assert a claim in such land shall be barred unless brought within such two-year period.
C. Any action pursuant to subsection A with respect to lands designated as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowland in an amended or supplemental inventory shall be brought within two years following the filing of such amended or supplemental inventory. Any action to assert a claim in such lands shall be barred unless brought within such two-year period.
D. Upon entry of a final judgment ruling that any lands designated in an initial inventory, or in an amended or supplemental inventory, as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands are not property of the Commonwealth, the Commission shall file an amended inventory correcting its designation of such property.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1510. Approval of amended or supplemental inventory

The Commission shall not approve an amended or supplemental inventory, if such amended or supplemental inventory initially designates a parcel of land as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowlands, until notice of the Commission's intention so to do has been published once a week for two successive weeks in a newspaper having general circulation in the county where such land is located. Such notice shall specify the time and place of a public hearing at which persons affected may appear and present their views. In addition, the Commission shall give written notice of the amended or supplemental inventory, and of the public hearing, to the owner or owners of each parcel so designated, if known, by postpaid mail to the address of the owner as shown in the land records of the circuit court for the county. Nothing in this section shall be construed to invalidate any subsequently filed amended or supplemental inventory because of the inadvertent failure of the Commission to give written notice to any person listed as having an ownership interest in such land in the land records of the circuit court for the county. After the public hearing, the Commission may approve, amend, or disapprove such amended or supplemental inventory.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1512. Effect of disability

The provisions of § 8.01-237 shall apply with respect to the effect of disabilities on the preservation of a right to bring an action to establish ownership of land pursuant to §§ 28.2-1509 and 28.2-1511.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1513. Filing of notice of lis pendens

The Commissioner is authorized to record a notice of lis pendens in order to provide notice of the Commonwealth's claim of ownership of any property designated in an initial inventory, or in an amended or supplemental inventory filed as provided in § 28.2-1506, as ungranted shores of the sea, marsh or meadowland. The notice shall set forth the name of any person who has, or has asserted, an interest in the property, a description of the property, and a statement that the Commission has determined that the property is ungranted shores of the sea, marsh, or meadowland and is designated as such on a filed inventory. The notice shall be admitted to record in the clerk's office of the county wherein the property is located.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 28.2 - Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters › Chapter 15 - Ungranted Shores of the Sea, Marshes and Meadowlands › § 28.2-1514. Historical evidence

In any administrative proceeding before the Commission under this chapter, or in any proceeding for the resolution of conflicting claims to inventoried property under Article 4 (§ 28.2-1509 et seq.) of this chapter, the Commission or court may consider any relevant and credible evidence including, but not limited to, deeds, grants, maps, plats or other historical documents.
1995, c. 850.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-100.1. Department of Game and Inland Fisheries continued as Department of Wildlife Resources

The Department of Wildlife Resources, formerly known as the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, is continued, and wherever "Department of Game and Inland Fisheries" is used in this Code, it shall mean the Department of Wildlife Resources. The Board of Wildlife Resources, formerly known as the Board of Game and Inland Fisheries, is continued, and wherever "Board of Game and Inland Fisheries" is used in this Code, it shall mean the Board of Wildlife Resources.
2020, c. 958.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101. Game Protection Fund

The amount received by the State Treasurer from the collection of admittance, parking, or other use fees, the sale of hunting, trapping and fishing licenses, revenue generated from the sales and use tax pursuant to subsection E of § 58.1-638, and such other items as may accrue to the Board shall be set aside and shall constitute the Game Protection Fund. The income and principal of this Fund, including any unexpended balance, shall be a separate fund in the state treasury and shall only be used for the payment of the salaries, allowances, wages, and expenses incident to carrying out the provisions of the hunting, trapping and inland fish laws and for no other purpose, except as provided in §§ 29.1-101.01, 29.1-701, subdivision B 1 of 58.1-344.3, and 58.1-1410.
Code 1950, § 29-20; 1979, c. 264; 1981, c. 204; 1987, c. 488; 1991, c. 70; 1998, c. 320; 2003, c. 562; 2005, cc. 860, 889.
2023 Code of Virginia › Title 29.1 - Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating › Chapter 1 - Administration of Wildlife Resources › § 29.1-101.01. Capital Improvement Fund

There is hereby created in the state treasury a special, nonreverting fund to be known as the Capital Improvement Fund, hereafter referred to as "the Fund." The Fund shall consist of those funds that may be so designated by the Board and any gifts, grants, and contributions from any person, foundation, or other legal entity. In addition, the Board may transfer to this Fund an amount equal to fifty percent or less of the revenue generated annually from the sales and use tax which has been deposited in the Game Protection Fund pursuant to subsection E of § 58.1-638. The income and principal in the Fund shall be used only for the purchase, construction, maintenance, or repair of capital assets of the Department.
The Fund shall be established on the books of the Comptroller. All moneys received shall be paid into the state treasury and credited to the Fund. Interest earned on the moneys in the Fund shall remain in the Fund and be credited to the Fund. Any moneys remaining in the Fund, including interest thereon, at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund but shall remain in the Fund, except as provided in subsection E of § 58.1-638.
1998, c. 320.