{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/28.2-1403.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/28.2-1403.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/28.2-1403.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/28.2-1403.html"}],"law_id":62427,"edition_id":1,"section_id":62427,"structure_id":15907,"section_number":"28.2-1403","catch_line":"Certain counties, cities, and towns authorized to adopt coastal primary sand dune ordinance","history":"1980, c. 660, \u00a7\u00a7 62.1-13.21, 62.1-13.25; 1984, c. 556; 1989, c. 342; 1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112; 1998, c. 160; 2008, c. 20; 2014, cc. 112, 143; 2020, c. 958; 2023, c. 195.","full_text":"Any of the following counties, cities and towns that adopt a wetlands zoning ordinance pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1302 may adopt the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance that is set out in this section: the Counties of Accomack, Arlington, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Westmoreland, and York; the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg; and the Town of Cape Charles. In the event that a locality has not adopted a wetlands zoning ordinance pursuant to Chapter 13 (\u00a7 28.2-1300 et seq.) or repeals it if already adopted, such locality may adopt or continue to administer the ordinance contained herein provided the locality appoints a wetlands board following the procedure specified in \u00a7 28.2-1303. Any county or city that has adopted the Coastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance prior to January 1, 2024, shall amend the ordinance to conform it to the ordinance contained herein by January 1, 2024. The following ordinance is the only coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance under which any board shall operate after January 1, 2024.\n\t\tCoastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance\n\t\t\u00a7 1. The governing body of ________, acting pursuant to Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, adopts this ordinance regulating the use and development of coastal primary sand dunes. Whenever coastal primary sand dunes are referred to in this ordinance, such references shall also include beaches.\n\t\t\u00a7 2. As used in this ordinance, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“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.\n\t\t“Coastal primary sand dune” or “dune” means a mound of unconsolidated sandy soil that is contiguous to mean high water, whose landward and lateral limits are marked by a change in grade from 10 percent or greater to less than 10 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 ordinance, “coastal primary sand 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.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.\n\t\t“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Marine Resources.\n\t\t“County, city and town” means the governing body of the county, city and town.\n\t\t“Governmental activity” means any of the services provided by the 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.\n\t\t“Wetlands board” or “board” means the board created pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1303 of the Code of Virginia.\n\t\t\u00a7 3. The following uses of and activities in dunes are authorized if otherwise permitted by law:\n\n1\n\nThe construction and maintenance of noncommercial walkways that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune;2\n\nThe construction and maintenance of observation platforms that are not an integral part of any dwelling and that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune;3\n\nThe planting of beach grasses or other vegetation for the purpose of stabilizing coastal primary sand dunes;4\n\nThe placement of sand fences or other material on or adjacent to coastal primary sand dunes for the purpose of stabilizing such features, except that this provision shall not be interpreted to authorize the placement of any material that presents a public health or safety hazard;5\n\nSand replenishment activities of any private or public concern, provided no sand shall be removed from any coastal primary sand dune unless authorized by lawful permit;6\n\nThe normal maintenance of any groin, jetty, riprap, bulkhead, or other structure designed to control beach erosion that may abut a coastal primary sand dune;7\n\nThe normal maintenance or repair of existing roads, highways, railroad beds, and facilities of the United States, this Commonwealth or any of its counties or cities, or of any person, provided no coastal primary sand dunes are altered;8\n\nOutdoor recreational activities, provided the activities do not alter the natural contour of the coastal primary sand dune or destroy the vegetation growing thereon;9\n\nThe conservation and research activities of the Commission, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Department of Wildlife Resources, and other conservation-related agencies;10\n\nThe construction and maintenance of aids to navigation that are authorized by governmental authority;11\n\nActivities pursuant to any emergency declaration by the governing body of any local government or the Governor of the Commonwealth or any public health officer for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety;12\n\nGovernmental activity in coastal primary sand dunes owned or leased by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof; and13\n\nThe construction of living shoreline projects authorized pursuant to a general permit developed under subsection B of \u00a7 28.2-104.1.\n\t\t\t\u00a7 4. A. Any person who desires to use or alter any coastal primary sand dune within this _______ (county, city, or town), other than for the purpose of conducting the activities specified in \u00a7 3 of this ordinance, shall first file an application directly with the wetlands board or with the Commission.B\n\nThe permit application shall include the following: the name and address of the applicant; a detailed description of the proposed activities and a map, drawn to an appropriate and uniform scale, showing the area of dunes directly affected, the location of the proposed work thereon, the area of any proposed fill and excavation, the location, width, depth, and length of any disposal area, and the location of all existing and proposed structures, sewage collection and treatment facilities, utility installations, roadways, and other related appurtenances or facilities, including those on adjacent uplands; a description of the type of equipment to be used and the means of equipment access to the activity site; the names and addresses of owners of record of adjacent land; an estimate of cost; the primary purpose of the project; any secondary purposes of the project, including further projects; the public benefit to be derived from the proposed project; a complete description of measures to be taken during and after the alteration to reduce detrimental offsite effects; the completion date of the proposed work, project, or structure; and such additional materials and documentation as the wetlands board may require.C\n\nA nonrefundable processing fee shall accompany each permit application. The fee shall be set by the applicable governing body with due regard for the services to be rendered, including the time, skill, and administrator’s expense. No person shall be required to file two separate applications for permits if the proposed project will require permits under this ordinance and Chapter 13 (§ 28.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia. Under those circumstances, the fee shall be established pursuant to this ordinance.\n\t\t\t\t§ 5. All applications, maps, and documents submitted shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer of this ____________ (county, city or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 6. Not later than 60 days after receipt of a complete application, the wetlands board shall hold a public hearing on the application. The applicant, local governing body, Commissioner, owner of record of any land adjacent to the coastal primary sand dunes in question, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Department of Wildlife Resources, the State Water Control Board, the Department of Transportation, and any governmental agency expressing an interest in the application shall be notified of the hearing. The Commission or board shall mail or email these notices not less than 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing. The board shall also (i) cause notice of the hearing to be published at least once in the seven days prior to such hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in this ________ (county, city or town); (ii) post a notice of the hearing on its website at least 14 days prior to such hearing; and (iii) provide a copy of such notice to the Commission for submittal to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. The costs of publication shall be paid by the applicant. In the event that the board submits a correct and timely notice for publication and the newspaper fails to publish the notice or publishes the notice incorrectly, the board shall be deemed to have met the notice requirements of this subsection so long as the notice is published in the next available edition of such newspaper.\n\t\t\t\t§ 7. A. Approval of a permit application shall require the affirmative vote of three members of a five-member board or four members of a seven-member board.B\n\nThe chairman of the board, or in his absence the acting chairman, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. Any person may appear and be heard at the public hearing. Each witness at the hearing may submit a concise written statement of his testimony. The board shall make a record of the proceeding, which shall include the application, any written statements of witnesses, a summary of statements of all witnesses, the findings and decision of the board, and the rationale for the decision.C\n\nThe board shall make its determination within 30 days of the hearing. If the board fails to act within that time, the application shall be deemed approved. Within 48 hours of its determination, the board shall notify the applicant and the Commissioner of its determination. If the board fails to make a determination within the 30-day period, it shall promptly notify the applicant and the Commission that the application is deemed approved.D\n\nIf the board’s decision is reviewed or appealed, the board shall transmit the record of its hearing to the Commissioner. Upon a final determination by the Commission, the record shall be returned to the board. The record shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer of this ________ (county, city, or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 8. The board may require a reasonable bond or letter of credit in an amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to it, securing to the Commonwealth compliance with the conditions and limitations set forth in the permit. The board may, after a hearing held pursuant to this ordinance, suspend or revoke a permit if the applicant has failed to comply with any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit or has exceeded the scope of the work described in the application. The board may, after a hearing, suspend a permit if the applicant fails to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the application.\n\t\t\t\t§ 9. In fulfilling its responsibilities under this ordinance, the board shall preserve and protect coastal primary sand dunes and beaches and prevent their despoliation and destruction. However, whenever practical, the board shall accommodate necessary economic development in a manner consistent with the protection of these features.\n\t\t\t\t§ 10. A. In deciding whether to grant, grant in modified form, or deny a permit, the board shall consider the following:1\n\nThe testimony of any person in support of or in opposition to the permit application;2\n\nThe impact of the proposed development on the public health, safety, and welfare; and3\n\nThe proposed development’s conformance with standards prescribed in \u00a7 28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.B\n\nThe board shall grant the permit if all of the following criteria are met:1\n\nThe anticipated public and private benefit of the proposed activity exceeds its anticipated public and private detriment.2\n\nThe proposed development conforms with the standards prescribed in § 28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to § 28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.3\n\nThe proposed activity does not violate the purposes and intent of this ordinance or Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia.C\n\nIf the board finds that any of the criteria listed in subsection B of this section are not met, the board shall deny the permit application but allow the applicant to resubmit the application in modified form.\n\t\t\t\t§ 11. The permit shall be in writing and signed by the chairman of the board. A copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Commissioner.\n\t\t\t\t§ 12. No permit shall be granted without an expiration date established by the board. Upon proper application, the board may extend the permit expiration date.\n\t\t\t\t§ 13. No permit granted by a wetlands board shall in any way affect the right of any person to seek compensation for any injury in fact incurred by him because of the permitted activity.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":227635,"text":"Any of the following counties, cities and towns that adopt a wetlands zoning ordinance pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1302 may adopt the coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance that is set out in this section: the Counties of Accomack, Arlington, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Westmoreland, and York; the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg; and the Town of Cape Charles. In the event that a locality has not adopted a wetlands zoning ordinance pursuant to Chapter 13 (\u00a7 28.2-1300 et seq.) or repeals it if already adopted, such locality may adopt or continue to administer the ordinance contained herein provided the locality appoints a wetlands board following the procedure specified in \u00a7 28.2-1303. Any county or city that has adopted the Coastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance prior to January 1, 2024, shall amend the ordinance to conform it to the ordinance contained herein by January 1, 2024. The following ordinance is the only coastal primary sand dune zoning ordinance under which any board shall operate after January 1, 2024.\n\t\tCoastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance\n\t\t\u00a7 1. The governing body of ________, acting pursuant to Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, adopts this ordinance regulating the use and development of coastal primary sand dunes. Whenever coastal primary sand dunes are referred to in this ordinance, such references shall also include beaches.\n\t\t\u00a7 2. As used in this ordinance, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“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.\n\t\t“Coastal primary sand dune” or “dune” means a mound of unconsolidated sandy soil that is contiguous to mean high water, whose landward and lateral limits are marked by a change in grade from 10 percent or greater to less than 10 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 ordinance, “coastal primary sand 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.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.\n\t\t“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Marine Resources.\n\t\t“County, city and town” means the governing body of the county, city and town.\n\t\t“Governmental activity” means any of the services provided by the 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.\n\t\t“Wetlands board” or “board” means the board created pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1303 of the Code of Virginia.\n\t\t\u00a7 3. The following uses of and activities in dunes are authorized if otherwise permitted by law:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":227636,"text":"The construction and maintenance of noncommercial walkways that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":227637,"text":"The construction and maintenance of observation platforms that are not an integral part of any dwelling and that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":227638,"text":"The planting of beach grasses or other vegetation for the purpose of stabilizing coastal primary sand dunes;","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":227639,"text":"The placement of sand fences or other material on or adjacent to coastal primary sand dunes for the purpose of stabilizing such features, except that this provision shall not be interpreted to authorize the placement of any material that presents a public health or safety hazard;","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"5"},"5":{"id":227640,"text":"Sand replenishment activities of any private or public concern, provided no sand shall be removed from any coastal primary sand dune unless authorized by lawful permit;","type":"section","prefixes":["5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"5","prefix_anchor":"5","level":1,"prior_prefix":"4","next_prefix":"6"},"6":{"id":227641,"text":"The normal maintenance of any groin, jetty, riprap, bulkhead, or other structure designed to control beach erosion that may abut a coastal primary sand dune;","type":"section","prefixes":["6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"6","prefix_anchor":"6","level":1,"prior_prefix":"5","next_prefix":"7"},"7":{"id":227642,"text":"The normal maintenance or repair of existing roads, highways, railroad beds, and facilities of the United States, this Commonwealth or any of its counties or cities, or of any person, provided no coastal primary sand dunes are altered;","type":"section","prefixes":["7"],"prefix":"7","entire_prefix":"7","prefix_anchor":"7","level":1,"prior_prefix":"6","next_prefix":"8"},"8":{"id":227643,"text":"Outdoor recreational activities, provided the activities do not alter the natural contour of the coastal primary sand dune or destroy the vegetation growing thereon;","type":"section","prefixes":["8"],"prefix":"8","entire_prefix":"8","prefix_anchor":"8","level":1,"prior_prefix":"7","next_prefix":"9"},"9":{"id":227644,"text":"The conservation and research activities of the Commission, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Department of Wildlife Resources, and other conservation-related agencies;","type":"section","prefixes":["9"],"prefix":"9","entire_prefix":"9","prefix_anchor":"9","level":1,"prior_prefix":"8","next_prefix":"10"},"10":{"id":227645,"text":"The construction and maintenance of aids to navigation that are authorized by governmental authority;","type":"section","prefixes":["10"],"prefix":"10","entire_prefix":"10","prefix_anchor":"10","level":1,"prior_prefix":"9","next_prefix":"11"},"11":{"id":227646,"text":"Activities pursuant to any emergency declaration by the governing body of any local government or the Governor of the Commonwealth or any public health officer for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety;","type":"section","prefixes":["11"],"prefix":"11","entire_prefix":"11","prefix_anchor":"11","level":1,"prior_prefix":"10","next_prefix":"12"},"12":{"id":227647,"text":"Governmental activity in coastal primary sand dunes owned or leased by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof; and","type":"section","prefixes":["12"],"prefix":"12","entire_prefix":"12","prefix_anchor":"12","level":1,"prior_prefix":"11","next_prefix":"13"},"13":{"id":227648,"text":"The construction of living shoreline projects authorized pursuant to a general permit developed under subsection B of \u00a7 28.2-104.1.\n\t\t\t\u00a7 4. A. Any person who desires to use or alter any coastal primary sand dune within this _______ (county, city, or town), other than for the purpose of conducting the activities specified in \u00a7 3 of this ordinance, shall first file an application directly with the wetlands board or with the Commission.","type":"section","prefixes":["13"],"prefix":"13","entire_prefix":"13","prefix_anchor":"13","level":1,"prior_prefix":"12","next_prefix":"13B"},"14":{"id":227649,"text":"The permit application shall include the following: the name and address of the applicant; a detailed description of the proposed activities and a map, drawn to an appropriate and uniform scale, showing the area of dunes directly affected, the location of the proposed work thereon, the area of any proposed fill and excavation, the location, width, depth, and length of any disposal area, and the location of all existing and proposed structures, sewage collection and treatment facilities, utility installations, roadways, and other related appurtenances or facilities, including those on adjacent uplands; a description of the type of equipment to be used and the means of equipment access to the activity site; the names and addresses of owners of record of adjacent land; an estimate of cost; the primary purpose of the project; any secondary purposes of the project, including further projects; the public benefit to be derived from the proposed project; a complete description of measures to be taken during and after the alteration to reduce detrimental offsite effects; the completion date of the proposed work, project, or structure; and such additional materials and documentation as the wetlands board may require.","type":"section","prefixes":["13","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"13B","prefix_anchor":"13B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13","next_prefix":"13C"},"15":{"id":227650,"text":"A nonrefundable processing fee shall accompany each permit application. The fee shall be set by the applicable governing body with due regard for the services to be rendered, including the time, skill, and administrator’s expense. No person shall be required to file two separate applications for permits if the proposed project will require permits under this ordinance and Chapter 13 (§ 28.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia. Under those circumstances, the fee shall be established pursuant to this ordinance.\n\t\t\t\t§ 5. All applications, maps, and documents submitted shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer of this ____________ (county, city or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 6. Not later than 60 days after receipt of a complete application, the wetlands board shall hold a public hearing on the application. The applicant, local governing body, Commissioner, owner of record of any land adjacent to the coastal primary sand dunes in question, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Department of Wildlife Resources, the State Water Control Board, the Department of Transportation, and any governmental agency expressing an interest in the application shall be notified of the hearing. The Commission or board shall mail or email these notices not less than 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing. The board shall also (i) cause notice of the hearing to be published at least once in the seven days prior to such hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in this ________ (county, city or town); (ii) post a notice of the hearing on its website at least 14 days prior to such hearing; and (iii) provide a copy of such notice to the Commission for submittal to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. The costs of publication shall be paid by the applicant. In the event that the board submits a correct and timely notice for publication and the newspaper fails to publish the notice or publishes the notice incorrectly, the board shall be deemed to have met the notice requirements of this subsection so long as the notice is published in the next available edition of such newspaper.\n\t\t\t\t§ 7. A. Approval of a permit application shall require the affirmative vote of three members of a five-member board or four members of a seven-member board.","type":"section","prefixes":["13","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"13C","prefix_anchor":"13C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13B","next_prefix":"13B"},"16":{"id":227651,"text":"The chairman of the board, or in his absence the acting chairman, may administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. Any person may appear and be heard at the public hearing. Each witness at the hearing may submit a concise written statement of his testimony. The board shall make a record of the proceeding, which shall include the application, any written statements of witnesses, a summary of statements of all witnesses, the findings and decision of the board, and the rationale for the decision.","type":"section","prefixes":["13","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"13B","prefix_anchor":"13B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13C","next_prefix":"13C"},"17":{"id":227652,"text":"The board shall make its determination within 30 days of the hearing. If the board fails to act within that time, the application shall be deemed approved. Within 48 hours of its determination, the board shall notify the applicant and the Commissioner of its determination. If the board fails to make a determination within the 30-day period, it shall promptly notify the applicant and the Commission that the application is deemed approved.","type":"section","prefixes":["13","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"13C","prefix_anchor":"13C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13B","next_prefix":"13D"},"18":{"id":227653,"text":"If the board’s decision is reviewed or appealed, the board shall transmit the record of its hearing to the Commissioner. Upon a final determination by the Commission, the record shall be returned to the board. The record shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer of this ________ (county, city, or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 8. The board may require a reasonable bond or letter of credit in an amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to it, securing to the Commonwealth compliance with the conditions and limitations set forth in the permit. The board may, after a hearing held pursuant to this ordinance, suspend or revoke a permit if the applicant has failed to comply with any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit or has exceeded the scope of the work described in the application. The board may, after a hearing, suspend a permit if the applicant fails to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the application.\n\t\t\t\t§ 9. In fulfilling its responsibilities under this ordinance, the board shall preserve and protect coastal primary sand dunes and beaches and prevent their despoliation and destruction. However, whenever practical, the board shall accommodate necessary economic development in a manner consistent with the protection of these features.\n\t\t\t\t§ 10. A. In deciding whether to grant, grant in modified form, or deny a permit, the board shall consider the following:","type":"section","prefixes":["13","D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"13D","prefix_anchor":"13D","level":2,"prior_prefix":"13C","next_prefix":"1"},"19":{"id":227654,"text":"The testimony of any person in support of or in opposition to the permit application;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"13D","next_prefix":"2"},"20":{"id":227655,"text":"The impact of the proposed development on the public health, safety, and welfare; and","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"21":{"id":227656,"text":"The proposed development’s conformance with standards prescribed in \u00a7 28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3B"},"22":{"id":227657,"text":"The board shall grant the permit if all of the following criteria are met:","type":"section","prefixes":["3","B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"3B","prefix_anchor":"3B","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3","next_prefix":"1"},"23":{"id":227658,"text":"The anticipated public and private benefit of the proposed activity exceeds its anticipated public and private detriment.","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3B","next_prefix":"2"},"24":{"id":227659,"text":"The proposed development conforms with the standards prescribed in § 28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to § 28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"25":{"id":227660,"text":"The proposed activity does not violate the purposes and intent of this ordinance or Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia.","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"3C"},"26":{"id":227661,"text":"If the board finds that any of the criteria listed in subsection B of this section are not met, the board shall deny the permit application but allow the applicant to resubmit the application in modified form.\n\t\t\t\t§ 11. The permit shall be in writing and signed by the chairman of the board. A copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Commissioner.\n\t\t\t\t§ 12. No permit shall be granted without an expiration date established by the board. Upon proper application, the board may extend the permit expiration date.\n\t\t\t\t§ 13. No permit granted by a wetlands board shall in any way affect the right of any person to seek compensation for any injury in fact incurred by him because of the permitted activity.","type":"section","prefixes":["3","C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"3C","prefix_anchor":"3C","level":2,"prior_prefix":"3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":15907,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coastal Primary Sand Dune Ordinance and Boards","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13041,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 04:01:42","date_modified":"2026-06-26 04:01:42","permalink":{"id":192105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":15907,"identifier":"2","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2","url":"\/28.2\/III\/14\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13041,"edition_id":1,"name":"Coastal Primary Sand Dunes and Beaches","identifier":"14","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13040,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","permalink":{"id":192089,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13041,"identifier":"14","token":"28.2\/III\/14","url":"\/28.2\/III\/14\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13040,"edition_id":1,"name":"Habitat","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12813,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:10","permalink":{"id":191915,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13040,"identifier":"III","token":"28.2\/III","url":"\/28.2\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12813,"edition_id":1,"name":"Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters","identifier":"28.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:54","permalink":{"id":190589,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12813,"identifier":"28.2","token":"28.2","url":"\/28.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":62427,"structure_id":15907,"section_number":"28.2-1403","catch_line":"Certain counties, cities, and towns authorized to adopt coastal primary sand dune ordinance","url":"\/28.2-1403\/","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1403","metadata":false},{"id":61684,"structure_id":15907,"section_number":"28.2-1404","catch_line":"Meetings, quorum, rules, etc., of wetlands boards; records and reports","url":"\/28.2-1404\/","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1404","metadata":false},{"id":74177,"structure_id":15907,"section_number":"28.2-1405","catch_line":"Local governing body to supply meeting space and services for wetlands board","url":"\/28.2-1405\/","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1405","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":61684,"structure_id":15907,"section_number":"28.2-1404","catch_line":"Meetings, quorum, rules, etc., of wetlands boards; records and reports","url":"\/28.2-1404\/","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1404","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/28.2-1403\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1980. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 660 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1980 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 9 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1984, chapter 556; in 1989, chapter 342; in 1992, chapter 836; in 1994, chapter 112<\/a>; in 1998, chapter 160<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 20<\/a>; in 2014, chapters 112<\/a> and 143<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 958<\/a>; in 2023, chapter 195<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":87241,"section_number":"28.2-1400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1400\/"},{"id":58538,"section_number":"28.2-1406","catch_line":"Permits required for certain activities; issuance of permits by Commission","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1406\/"},{"id":64728,"section_number":"28.2-1409","catch_line":"Emergency sand grading activities on sand dunes located on the Atlantic Shoreline of Virginia Beach","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1409\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":64559,"section_number":"28.2-104.1","catch_line":"Living shorelines; development of general permit; guidance","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-104.1\/"},{"id":62122,"section_number":"28.2-1300","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1300\/"},{"id":62624,"section_number":"28.2-1302","catch_line":"Adoption of wetlands zoning ordinance; terms of ordinance","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1302\/"},{"id":75165,"section_number":"28.2-1303","catch_line":"Appointment, terms, compensation, etc., of local wetlands boards; jurisdiction of county wetlands board over wetlands in town","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1303\/"},{"id":87241,"section_number":"28.2-1400","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1400\/"},{"id":67432,"section_number":"28.2-1401","catch_line":"Powers and duties of Commission","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1401\/"},{"id":63696,"section_number":"28.2-1408","catch_line":"Standards for use of coastal primary sand dunes","order_by":null,"url":"\/28.2-1408\/"}],"permalink":{"id":192107,"object_type":"law","relational_id":62427,"identifier":"28.2-1403","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1403","url":"\/28.2-1403\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/28.2-1403\/","token":"28.2\/III\/14\/2\/28.2-1403","dublin_core":{"Title":"Certain counties, cities, and towns authorized to adopt coastal primary sand dune ordinance","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 28.2-1403","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

Any of the following counties, cities and towns that adopt a wetlands zoning ordinance<\/span> pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1302<\/a> may adopt the coastal primary sand dune<\/span> zoning ordinance<\/span> that is set out in this section: the Counties of Accomack, Arlington, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester, Hanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince George, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry, Westmoreland, and York; the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk, Petersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach<\/span> and Williamsburg; and the Town of Cape Charles. In the event that a locality has not adopted a wetlands zoning ordinance<\/span> pursuant to Chapter 13 (\u00a7 28.2-1300<\/a> et seq.) or repeals it if already adopted, such locality may adopt or continue to administer the ordinance<\/span> contained herein provided the locality appoints a wetlands board<\/span> following the procedure specified in \u00a7 28.2-1303<\/a>. Any county or city that has adopted the Coastal Primary Sand Dune<\/span> Zoning Ordinance<\/span> prior to January 1, 2024, shall amend<\/span> the ordinance<\/span> to conform it to the ordinance<\/span> contained herein by January 1, 2024. The following ordinance<\/span> is the only coastal primary sand dune<\/span> zoning ordinance<\/span> under which any board shall operate after January 1, 2024.\n\t\tCoastal Primary Sand Dune<\/span> Zoning Ordinance<\/span>\n\t\t\u00a7 1. The governing body of ________, acting pursuant to Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400<\/a> et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, adopts this ordinance<\/span> regulating the use and development of coastal primary sand dunes<\/span>. Whenever coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> are referred to in this ordinance<\/span>, such references shall also include beaches.\n\t\t\u00a7 2. As used in this ordinance<\/span>, unless the context requires a different meaning:\n\t\t“Beach<\/span>” means the shoreline zone comprised of unconsolidated sandy material<\/span> upon which there is a mutual interaction of the forces of erosion, sediment transport, and deposition<\/span> that extends from the low water line landward to where there is a marked change in either material<\/span> 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.\n\t\t“Coastal primary sand dune<\/span>” or “dune” means a mound of unconsolidated sandy soil that is contiguous to mean high water, whose landward and lateral limits are marked by a change in grade from 10 percent or greater to less than 10 percent, and upon which is growing any of the following species: American beach<\/span> grass (Ammophila breviligulata); beach<\/span> 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 ordinance<\/span>, “coastal primary sand dune<\/span>” shall not include any mound of sand, sandy soil, or dredge spoil deposited by any person for the purpose of temporary storage, beach<\/span> replenishment, or beach<\/span> nourishment, nor shall the slopes of any such mound be used to determine the landward or lateral limits of a coastal primary sand dune<\/span>.\n\t\t“Commission<\/span>” means the Virginia Marine Resources Commission<\/span>.\n\t\t“Commissioner<\/span>” means the Commissioner<\/span> of Marine Resources.\n\t\t“County, city and town<\/span>” means the governing body of the county, city and town<\/span>.\n\t\t“Governmental activity<\/span>” means any of the services provided by the 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.\n\t\t“Wetlands board<\/span>” or “board” means the board created pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1303<\/a> of the Code of Virginia.\n\t\t\u00a7 3. The following uses of and activities in dunes are authorized if otherwise permitted by law<\/span>:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The construction and maintenance of noncommercial walkways that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The construction and maintenance of observation platforms that are not an integral part of any dwelling and that do not alter the contour of the coastal primary sand dune<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The planting of beach<\/span> grasses or other vegetation for the purpose of stabilizing coastal primary sand dunes<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> The placement of sand fences or other material<\/span> on or adjacent to coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> for the purpose of stabilizing such features, except that this provision shall not be interpreted to authorize the placement of any material<\/span> that presents a public health or safety hazard; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Sand replenishment activities of any private or public concern, provided no sand shall be removed from any coastal primary sand dune<\/span> unless authorized by lawful permit; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> The normal maintenance of any groin, jetty, riprap, bulkhead, or other structure designed to control beach<\/span> erosion that may abut a coastal primary sand dune<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

7.<\/span> The normal maintenance or repair of existing roads, highways, railroad beds, and facilities of the United States, this Commonwealth or any of its counties or cities, or of any person, provided no coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> are altered; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

8.<\/span> Outdoor recreational activities, provided the activities do not alter the natural contour of the coastal primary sand dune<\/span> or destroy the vegetation growing thereon; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

9.<\/span> The conservation and research activities of the Commission<\/span>, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Department of Wildlife Resources, and other conservation-related agencies; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

10.<\/span> The construction and maintenance of aids to navigation that are authorized by governmental authority; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

11.<\/span> Activities pursuant to any emergency declaration by the governing body of any local government or the Governor of the Commonwealth or any public health officer<\/span> for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

12.<\/span> Governmental activity<\/span> in coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> owned or leased by the Commonwealth or a political subdivision thereof; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

13.<\/span> The construction of living shoreline projects authorized pursuant to a general permit developed under subsection B of \u00a7 28.2-104.1<\/a>.\n\t\t\t\u00a7 4. A. Any person who desires to use or alter any coastal primary sand dune<\/span> within this _______ (county, city, or town), other than for the purpose of conducting the activities specified in \u00a7 3 of this ordinance<\/span>, shall first file an application directly with the wetlands board<\/span> or with the Commission<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The permit application shall include the following: the name and address of the applicant; a detailed description of the proposed activities and a map, drawn to an appropriate and uniform scale, showing the area of dunes directly affected, the location of the proposed work thereon, the area of any proposed fill and excavation, the location, width, depth, and length of any disposal area, and the location of all existing and proposed structures, sewage collection and treatment facilities, utility installations, roadways, and other related appurtenances or facilities, including those on adjacent uplands; a description of the type of equipment to be used and the means of equipment access to the activity site; the names and addresses of owners of record of adjacent land; an estimate of cost; the primary purpose of the project; any secondary purposes of the project, including further projects; the public benefit to be derived from the proposed project; a complete description of measures to be taken during and after the alteration to reduce detrimental offsite effects; the completion date of the proposed work, project, or structure; and such additional materials<\/span> and documentation as the wetlands board<\/span> may require. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> A nonrefundable processing fee shall accompany each permit application. The fee shall be set by the applicable governing body with due regard for the services to be rendered, including the time, skill, and administrator’s expense. No person shall be required to file two separate applications for permits if the proposed project will require permits under this ordinance<\/span> and Chapter 13 (§ 28.2-1300<\/a> et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia. Under those circumstances, the fee shall be established pursuant to this ordinance<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\t§ 5. All applications, maps, and documents submitted shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer<\/span> of this ____________ (county, city or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 6. Not later than 60 days after receipt of a complete application, the wetlands board<\/span> shall hold a public hearing<\/span> on the application. The applicant, local governing body, Commissioner<\/span>, owner of record of any land adjacent to the coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> in question, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Department of Wildlife Resources, the State Water Control Board, the Department of Transportation, and any governmental agency expressing an interest in the application shall be notified of the hearing<\/span>. The Commission<\/span> or board shall mail or email these notices not less than 20 days prior to the date set for the hearing<\/span>. The board shall also (i) cause notice of the hearing<\/span> to be published at least once in the seven days prior to such hearing<\/span> in a newspaper of general circulation in this ________ (county, city or town); (ii) post a notice of the hearing<\/span> on its website at least 14 days prior to such hearing<\/span>; and (iii) provide a copy of such notice to the Commission<\/span> for submittal to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. The costs of publication shall be paid by the applicant. In the event that the board submits a correct and timely notice for publication and the newspaper fails to publish the notice or publishes the notice incorrectly, the board shall be deemed to have met the notice requirements of this subsection so long as the notice is published in the next available edition of such newspaper.\n\t\t\t\t§ 7. A. Approval of a permit application shall require the affirmative vote of three members of a five-member board or four members of a seven-member board. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The chairman of the board, or in his absence the acting chairman, may administer oaths<\/span> and compel the attendance of witnesses. Any person may appear and be heard at the public hearing<\/span>. Each witness<\/span> at the hearing<\/span> may submit a concise written statement of his testimony<\/span>. The board shall make a record of the proceeding, which shall include the application, any written statements of witnesses, a summary of statements of all witnesses, the findings<\/span> and decision of the board, and the rationale for the decision. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The board shall make its determination within 30 days of the hearing<\/span>. If the board fails to act within that time, the application shall be deemed approved. Within 48 hours of its determination, the board shall notify the applicant and the Commissioner<\/span> of its determination. If the board fails to make a determination within the 30-day period, it shall promptly notify the applicant and the Commission<\/span> that the application is deemed approved. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> If the board’s decision is reviewed or appealed, the board shall transmit the record of its hearing<\/span> to the Commissioner<\/span>. Upon a final determination by the Commission<\/span>, the record shall be returned to the board. The record shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording officer<\/span> of this ________ (county, city, or town).\n\t\t\t\t§ 8. The board may require a reasonable bond<\/span> or letter of credit in an amount and with surety<\/span> and conditions satisfactory to it, securing to the Commonwealth compliance with the conditions and limitations set forth in the permit. The board may, after a hearing<\/span> held pursuant to this ordinance<\/span>, suspend or revoke a permit if the applicant has failed to comply with any of the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit or has exceeded the scope of the work described in the application. The board may, after a hearing<\/span>, suspend a permit if the applicant fails to comply with the terms and conditions set forth in the application.\n\t\t\t\t§ 9. In fulfilling its responsibilities under this ordinance<\/span>, the board shall preserve and protect coastal primary sand dunes<\/span> and beaches and prevent their despoliation and destruction. However, whenever practical, the board shall accommodate necessary economic development in a manner consistent with the protection of these features.\n\t\t\t\t§ 10. A. In deciding whether to grant, grant in modified form, or deny a permit, the board shall consider the following: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The testimony<\/span> of any person in support of or in opposition to the permit application; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The impact of the proposed development on the public health, safety, and welfare; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The proposed development’s conformance with standards prescribed in \u00a7 28.2-1408<\/a> of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1401<\/a> of the Code of Virginia. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The board shall grant the permit if all of the following criteria are met: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The anticipated public and private benefit of the proposed activity exceeds its anticipated public and private detriment. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> The proposed development conforms with the standards prescribed in § 28.2-1408<\/a> of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to § 28.2-1401<\/a> of the Code of Virginia. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> The proposed activity does not violate the purposes and intent<\/span> of this ordinance<\/span> or Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400<\/a> et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If the board finds that any of the criteria listed in subsection B of this section are not met, the board shall deny the permit application but allow the applicant to resubmit the application in modified form.\n\t\t\t\t§ 11. The permit shall be in writing and signed by the chairman of the board. A copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Commissioner<\/span>.\n\t\t\t\t§ 12. No permit shall be granted without an expiration date established by the board. Upon proper application, the board may extend the permit expiration date.\n\t\t\t\t§ 13. No permit granted by a wetlands board<\/span> shall in any way affect the right of any person to seek compensation for any injury in fact<\/span> incurred by him because of the permitted activity. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCERTAIN COUNTIES, CITIES, AND TOWNS AUTHORIZED TO ADOPT COASTAL PRIMARY SAND\nDUNE ORDINANCE (\u00a7 28.2-1403)\n\nAny of the following counties, cities and towns that adopt a wetlands zoning\nordinance pursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1302 may adopt the coastal primary sand dune\nzoning ordinance that is set out in this section: the Counties of Accomack,\nArlington, Caroline, Charles City, Chesterfield, Essex, Fairfax, Gloucester,\nHanover, Henrico, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King\nWilliam, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland,\nPrince George, Prince William, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Surry,\nWestmoreland, and York; the Cities of Alexandria, Chesapeake, Colonial Heights,\nFairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Hampton, Hopewell, Newport News, Norfolk,\nPetersburg, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Richmond, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and\nWilliamsburg; and the Town of Cape Charles. In the event that a locality has not\nadopted a wetlands zoning ordinance pursuant to Chapter 13 (\u00a7 28.2-1300 et\nseq.) or repeals it if already adopted, such locality may adopt or continue to\nadminister the ordinance contained herein provided the locality appoints a\nwetlands board following the procedure specified in \u00a7 28.2-1303. Any county or\ncity that has adopted the Coastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance prior to\nJanuary 1, 2024, shall amend the ordinance to conform it to the ordinance\ncontained herein by January 1, 2024. The following ordinance is the only coastal\nprimary sand dune zoning ordinance under which any board shall operate after\nJanuary 1, 2024.\n\t\tCoastal Primary Sand Dune Zoning Ordinance\n\t\t\u00a7 1. The governing body of ________, acting pursuant to Chapter 14 (\u00a7\n28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia, adopts this ordinance\nregulating the use and development of coastal primary sand dunes. Whenever\ncoastal primary sand dunes are referred to in this ordinance, such references\nshall also include beaches.\n\t\t\u00a7 2. As used in this ordinance, unless the context requires a different\nmeaning:\n\t\t“Beach” means the shoreline zone comprised of unconsolidated sandy\nmaterial upon which there is a mutual interaction of the forces of erosion,\nsediment transport, and deposition that extends from the low water line landward\nto where there is a marked change in either material composition or\nphysiographic form such as a dune, bluff, or marsh, or where no such change can\nbe identified, to the line of woody vegetation (usually the effective limit of\nstormwaves), or the nearest impermeable man-made structure, such as a bulkhead,\nrevetment, or paved road.\n\t\t“Coastal primary sand dune” or “dune” means a mound of\nunconsolidated sandy soil that is contiguous to mean high water, whose landward\nand lateral limits are marked by a change in grade from 10 percent or greater to\nless than 10 percent, and upon which is growing any of the following species:\nAmerican beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata); beach heather (Hudsonia\ntomentosa); dune bean (Strophostyles spp.); dusty miller (Artemisia\nstelleriana); saltmeadow hay (Spartina patens); seabeach sandwort (Honckenya\npeploides); sea oats (Uniola paniculata); sea rocket (Cakile edentula); seaside\ngoldenrod (Solidago sempervirens); Japanese sedge or Asiatic sand sedge (Carex\nkobomugi); Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana); broom sedge (Andropogon\nvirginicus); and short dune grass (Panicum amarum). For purposes of this\nordinance, “coastal primary sand dune” shall not include any mound\nof sand, sandy soil, or dredge spoil deposited by any person for the purpose of\ntemporary storage, beach replenishment, or beach nourishment, nor shall the\nslopes of any such mound be used to determine the landward or lateral limits of\na coastal primary sand dune.\n\t\t“Commission” means the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.\n\t\t“Commissioner” means the Commissioner of Marine Resources.\n\t\t“County, city and town” means the governing body of the county,\ncity and town.\n\t\t“Governmental activity” means any of the services provided by the\nCommonwealth or a county, city, or town to its citizens for the purpose of\nmaintaining public facilities, including but not limited to, such services as\nconstructing, repairing, and maintaining roads; providing street lights and\nsewage facilities; supplying and treating water; and constructing public\nbuildings.\n\t\t“Wetlands board” or “board” means the board created\npursuant to \u00a7 28.2-1303 of the Code of Virginia.\n\t\t\u00a7 3. The following uses of and activities in dunes are authorized if\notherwise permitted by law:\n\n1. The construction and maintenance of noncommercial walkways that do not alter\nthe contour of the coastal primary sand dune;\n\n2. The construction and maintenance of observation platforms that are not an\nintegral part of any dwelling and that do not alter the contour of the coastal\nprimary sand dune;\n\n3. The planting of beach grasses or other vegetation for the purpose of\nstabilizing coastal primary sand dunes;\n\n4. The placement of sand fences or other material on or adjacent to coastal\nprimary sand dunes for the purpose of stabilizing such features, except that\nthis provision shall not be interpreted to authorize the placement of any\nmaterial that presents a public health or safety hazard;\n\n5. Sand replenishment activities of any private or public concern, provided no\nsand shall be removed from any coastal primary sand dune unless authorized by\nlawful permit;\n\n6. The normal maintenance of any groin, jetty, riprap, bulkhead, or other\nstructure designed to control beach erosion that may abut a coastal primary sand\ndune;\n\n7. The normal maintenance or repair of existing roads, highways, railroad beds,\nand facilities of the United States, this Commonwealth or any of its counties or\ncities, or of any person, provided no coastal primary sand dunes are altered;\n\n8. Outdoor recreational activities, provided the activities do not alter the\nnatural contour of the coastal primary sand dune or destroy the vegetation\ngrowing thereon;\n\n9. The conservation and research activities of the Commission, Virginia\nInstitute of Marine Science, Department of Wildlife Resources, and other\nconservation-related agencies;\n\n10. The construction and maintenance of aids to navigation that are authorized\nby governmental authority;\n\n11. Activities pursuant to any emergency declaration by the governing body of\nany local government or the Governor of the Commonwealth or any public health\nofficer for the purposes of protecting the public health and safety;\n\n12. Governmental activity in coastal primary sand dunes owned or leased by the\nCommonwealth or a political subdivision thereof; and\n\n13. The construction of living shoreline projects authorized pursuant to a\ngeneral permit developed under subsection B of \u00a7 28.2-104.1.\n\t\t\t\u00a7 4. A. Any person who desires to use or alter any coastal primary sand dune\nwithin this _______ (county, city, or town), other than for the purpose of\nconducting the activities specified in \u00a7 3 of this ordinance, shall first file\nan application directly with the wetlands board or with the Commission.\n\n B. The permit application shall include the following: the name and address of\n the applicant; a detailed description of the proposed activities and a map,\n drawn to an appropriate and uniform scale, showing the area of dunes directly\n affected, the location of the proposed work thereon, the area of any proposed\n fill and excavation, the location, width, depth, and length of any disposal\n area, and the location of all existing and proposed structures, sewage\n collection and treatment facilities, utility installations, roadways, and\n other related appurtenances or facilities, including those on adjacent\n uplands; a description of the type of equipment to be used and the means of\n equipment access to the activity site; the names and addresses of owners of\n record of adjacent land; an estimate of cost; the primary purpose of the\n project; any secondary purposes of the project, including further projects;\n the public benefit to be derived from the proposed project; a complete\n description of measures to be taken during and after the alteration to reduce\n detrimental offsite effects; the completion date of the proposed work,\n project, or structure; and such additional materials and documentation as the\n wetlands board may require.\n\n C. A nonrefundable processing fee shall accompany each permit application. The\n fee shall be set by the applicable governing body with due regard for the\n services to be rendered, including the time, skill, and administrator’s\n expense. No person shall be required to file two separate applications for\n permits if the proposed project will require permits under this ordinance and\n Chapter 13 (§ 28.2-1300 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of Virginia.\n Under those circumstances, the fee shall be established pursuant to this\n ordinance.\n \t\t\t\t§ 5. All applications, maps, and documents submitted shall be open\n for public inspection at the office of the recording officer of this\n ____________ (county, city or town).\n \t\t\t\t§ 6. Not later than 60 days after receipt of a complete application,\n the wetlands board shall hold a public hearing on the application. The\n applicant, local governing body, Commissioner, owner of record of any land\n adjacent to the coastal primary sand dunes in question, the Virginia Institute\n of Marine Science, the Department of Wildlife Resources, the State Water\n Control Board, the Department of Transportation, and any governmental agency\n expressing an interest in the application shall be notified of the hearing.\n The Commission or board shall mail or email these notices not less than 20\n days prior to the date set for the hearing. The board shall also (i) cause\n notice of the hearing to be published at least once in the seven days prior to\n such hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in this ________ (county,\n city or town); (ii) post a notice of the hearing on its website at least 14\n days prior to such hearing; and (iii) provide a copy of such notice to the\n Commission for submittal to the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall. The costs of\n publication shall be paid by the applicant. In the event that the board\n submits a correct and timely notice for publication and the newspaper fails to\n publish the notice or publishes the notice incorrectly, the board shall be\n deemed to have met the notice requirements of this subsection so long as the\n notice is published in the next available edition of such newspaper.\n \t\t\t\t§ 7. A. Approval of a permit application shall require the\n affirmative vote of three members of a five-member board or four members of a\n seven-member board.\n\n B. The chairman of the board, or in his absence the acting chairman, may\n administer oaths and compel the attendance of witnesses. Any person may appear\n and be heard at the public hearing. Each witness at the hearing may submit a\n concise written statement of his testimony. The board shall make a record of\n the proceeding, which shall include the application, any written statements of\n witnesses, a summary of statements of all witnesses, the findings and decision\n of the board, and the rationale for the decision.\n\n C. The board shall make its determination within 30 days of the hearing. If\n the board fails to act within that time, the application shall be deemed\n approved. Within 48 hours of its determination, the board shall notify the\n applicant and the Commissioner of its determination. If the board fails to\n make a determination within the 30-day period, it shall promptly notify the\n applicant and the Commission that the application is deemed approved.\n\n D. If the board’s decision is reviewed or appealed, the board shall\n transmit the record of its hearing to the Commissioner. Upon a final\n determination by the Commission, the record shall be returned to the board.\n The record shall be open for public inspection at the office of the recording\n officer of this ________ (county, city, or town).\n \t\t\t\t§ 8. The board may require a reasonable bond or letter of credit in\n an amount and with surety and conditions satisfactory to it, securing to the\n Commonwealth compliance with the conditions and limitations set forth in the\n permit. The board may, after a hearing held pursuant to this ordinance,\n suspend or revoke a permit if the applicant has failed to comply with any of\n the conditions or limitations set forth in the permit or has exceeded the\n scope of the work described in the application. The board may, after a\n hearing, suspend a permit if the applicant fails to comply with the terms and\n conditions set forth in the application.\n \t\t\t\t§ 9. In fulfilling its responsibilities under this ordinance, the\n board shall preserve and protect coastal primary sand dunes and beaches and\n prevent their despoliation and destruction. However, whenever practical, the\n board shall accommodate necessary economic development in a manner consistent\n with the protection of these features.\n \t\t\t\t§ 10. A. In deciding whether to grant, grant in modified form, or\n deny a permit, the board shall consider the following:\n\n1. The testimony of any person in support of or in opposition to the permit\napplication;\n\n2. The impact of the proposed development on the public health, safety, and\nwelfare; and\n\n3. The proposed development’s conformance with standards prescribed in \u00a7\n28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to \u00a7\n28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.\n\n B. The board shall grant the permit if all of the following criteria are met:\n\n1. The anticipated public and private benefit of the proposed activity exceeds\nits anticipated public and private detriment.\n\n2. The proposed development conforms with the standards prescribed in §\n28.2-1408 of the Code of Virginia and guidelines promulgated pursuant to §\n28.2-1401 of the Code of Virginia.\n\n3. The proposed activity does not violate the purposes and intent of this\nordinance or Chapter 14 (\u00a7 28.2-1400 et seq.) of Title 28.2 of the Code of\nVirginia.\n\n C. If the board finds that any of the criteria listed in subsection B of this\n section are not met, the board shall deny the permit application but allow the\n applicant to resubmit the application in modified form.\n \t\t\t\t§ 11. The permit shall be in writing and signed by the chairman of\n the board. A copy of the permit shall be transmitted to the Commissioner.\n \t\t\t\t§ 12. No permit shall be granted without an expiration date\n established by the board. Upon proper application, the board may extend the\n permit expiration date.\n \t\t\t\t§ 13. No permit granted by a wetlands board shall in any way affect\n the right of any person to seek compensation for any injury in fact incurred\n by him because of the permitted activity.\n\nHISTORY: 1980, c. 660, \u00a7\u00a7 62.1-13.21, 62.1-13.25; 1984, c. 556; 1989, c. 342;\n1992, c. 836; 1994, c. 112; 1998, c. 160; 2008, c. 20; 2014, cc. 112, 143; 2020,\nc. 958; 2023, c. 195.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}