# Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-629: Rights of owner to waters within lawful survey

> Virginia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-629

## Section

- **Citation:** Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-629
- **Heading:** Rights of owner to waters within lawful survey
- **Jurisdiction:** Virginia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Virginia Code / Title 28.2 / Subtitle II / Chapter 6 / Article 3 / Section 28.2-629

## Text

If any creek, cove, or inlet within the jurisdiction of this Commonwealth flows into or runs through the lands of any person, is less than 100 yards in width at mean low water, and is comprised within the limits of his lawful survey, as defined in § 28.2-1202 , such person or other lawful occupant shall have the exclusive right to use the creek, cove, or inlet for sowing or planting oysters or other shellfish. However, in the County of Mathews the owners or lawful occupants of land on both sides of any creek, cove, or inlet, except Horn Harbor, Winter Harbor, and Milford Haven, suitable for the planting of oysters, above the point where such creek, cove, or inlet is 100 yards in width, shall have the exclusive right to use such creek, cove, or inlet for planting oysters. The right of the owners or occupants of land on the opposite sides of such creek, cove, or inlet extends to the middle of the channel.

Code 1950, § 28-132; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-116; 1964, c. 393; 1966, c. 656; 1968, cc. 659, 747; 1972, c. 539; 1992, c. 836.

## Nearby sections

- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-623 Excusing rent payment on condemned oyster grounds in the Lynnhaven River and tributaries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-623.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-624 Public rocks, etc., not to be used or staked off; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-624.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-625 Transfer or assignment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-625.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-626 Refund of rent paid under mistake](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-626.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-627 Relief from rent](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-627.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-627.1 Oyster Leasing, Conservation, and Repletion Programs Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-627.1.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-628 Condemnation of oyster bottoms and grounds](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-628.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-629 Rights of owner to waters within lawful survey](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-629.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-630 Rights of riparian owners to build bulkhead or wharf](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-630.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-631 Grounds for clams](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-631.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-632 Public clamming grounds](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-632.md)
- [Va. Code Ann. § 28.2-633 Bathing grounds; assignment; rental](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-633.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_VA_T28.2_SII_C6_A3_S28.2-629. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.
