Ownership and Uses of Submerged Lands

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

This is Article 1 of the Code of Virginia, titled “Ownership and Uses of Submerged Lands.” It is part of Chapter 12 “Submerged Lands”, which is part of Subtitle III “Habitat”, which is part of Title 28.2 “Fisheries and Habitat of the Tidal Waters”. It contains 14 laws.

It’s comprised of the following 14 sections.

§ 28.2-1200	Ungranted beds of bays, rivers, creeks and shores of the sea to remain in common
§ 28.2-1200.1	Conveyance of state-owned bottomlands
§ 28.2-1201	Ungranted islands which rise from lands which are property of the Commonwealth
§ 28.2-1202	Rights of owners to extend to mean low-water mark
§ 28.2-1203	Unlawful use of subaqueous beds; penalty
§ 28.2-1204	Authority of Commission over submerged lands
§ 28.2-1204.1	Submerged aquatic vegetation
§ 28.2-1204.2	Marine Habitat and Waterways Improvement Fund established
§ 28.2-1205	Permits for the use of state-owned bottomlands
§ 28.2-1205.1	Coordinated review of water resources projects
§ 28.2-1205.2	Coordinated review of public beach replenishment projects using Chesapeake Bay sand; expedited process
§ 28.2-1206	Fees; exemptions
§ 28.2-1208	Granting easements in, permitting the use of, or leasing the beds of certain waters
§ 28.2-1209	Maintenance or removal of structures erected upon or over state-owned subaqueous bottoms