                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

REMOVAL OF OBSTRUCTIONS OR HAZARDOUS PROPERTY FROM STATE WATERS; PENALTY (§
28.2-1210)

A. Whenever any wharf, pier, piling, bulkhead, structure, or vessel is found in
or upon the bays, oceans, rivers, streams or creeks of the Commonwealth in a
state of abandonment, in danger of sinking, or in such disrepair as to
constitute a hazard or obstruction to the use of such waterway, the Commission
may ascertain the owner of the property and require him to repair or remove the
property from the waters of the Commonwealth. If the identity or location of the
owner remains unknown and unascertainable after a diligent search and the
posting of proper notice at the last known address of the owner, if known, the
Commission may have the property removed from the waterways of the Commonwealth
after giving notice by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation in
the area where such property is located.

B. It is unlawful for any person who owns a vessel to allow such vessel, for
more than one week after delivery of notification by the Commission or a
law-enforcement official in person or by United States Postal Service certified
mail, return receipt requested, to be in a state of abandonment and in danger of
sinking, or in such disrepair as to constitute a hazard or obstruction to the
use of a waterway. Upon the occurrence of a natural disaster or other act of
God, the Commission or law-enforcement official shall not issue a notification
until sixty days following such occurrence. Any person who violates this
subsection is guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor.

HISTORY: 1974, c. 602, § 62.1-194.1:1; 1992, c. 836; 1997, c. 258; 1999, c.
544.