Va. Code § 28.2-610: Restriction on acreage owned or operated

No person shall own or operate more than 3,000 acres of general oyster-planting grounds in the waters of this Commonwealth other than in the Chesapeake Bay. If ground in excess of 3,000 acres is acquired, the person has a right to lawfully hold the ground for one year and shall have a legal right to assign it. If no assignment is made within one year, the ground in excess of 3,000 acres shall revert to the Commonwealth and may be applied for by any person having a legal right to do so.Code 1950, § 28-124; 1954, c. 352; 1958, c. 183; 1960, c. 517; 1962, c. 406, § 28.1-109(9); 1964, c. 393; 1966, c. 684; 1970, c. 726; 1972, c. 644; 1973, c. 14; 1978, cc. 546, 548; 1980, cc. 34, 609; 1984, c. 259; 1992, c. 836.