Virginia § 15.2-3210 - Boundary line where territory fronts on river, bay, etc
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 15.2-3210 — Boundary line where territory fronts on river, bay, etc, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15.2-3210. Boundary line where territory fronts on river, bay, etc
A. In any proceeding under the provisions of this chapter to annex territory, when such territory fronts on a river or creek, the petition may ask that the boundary line be established along the centerline of such river or creek. If any territory is awarded in such proceeding that borders on a river or creek, the decision may order that the boundary line be the centerline of the river or creek that flows beside such territory.
B. If the territory sought to be annexed fronts on a bay, lake or similar type body of water, the boundary line shall be by metes and bounds in such bay, lake or similar type body of water. If a river or creek flows into such bay, lake or similar type body of water and such river or creek fronts all or a portion of the territory sought to be annexed, the metes and bounds shall run only to the point where such river or creek enters the bay, lake or similar type body of water and thereafter the centerline of the river or creek may be the boundary line to the extent applicable.
C. For purposes of this article, if any city is bisected by a river or any branch thereof then such river or branch shall lie within the boundaries of such city to the extent that there are portions of such city on both opposite shores of such river or branch.
D. For purposes of this article, if any river in the Commonwealth is bordered on both sides by cities of a population of 100,000 or more, according to the 1970 census, to the extent that such cities' borders along the river are in opposition, including the border across any branch as provided in subsection C, the boundaries of such cities shall be the centerline of the river and such cities shall be contiguous one to the other, notwithstanding any judicial decree to the contrary entered prior to 1976. Nothing in this subsection shall apply to that body of water known as Hampton Roads, located between Norfolk, Portsmouth and Suffolk on the south and Newport News and Hampton on the north.
1976, c. 662, § 15.1-1041.1; 1997, c. 587.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 15.2-3210
What does Code of Virginia § 15.2-3210 cover?
Section 15.2-3210 ("Boundary line where territory fronts on river, bay, etc") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 15.2-3210?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 15.2-3210" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 15.2-3210 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
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