                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION (§ 28.2-1401)

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
(&#xA7; 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&#8217;s coastal area.

HISTORY: 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.