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No Wake

Important Update: No Wake Zone Ordinance Consolidation

At the February 17 Board of Supervisors meeting, officials will consolidate all existing markers into a single ordinance. This is intended to eliminate confusion since the current zones were approved over several decades. 

A No Wake Zone is an area where boaters are required to operate at a slow speed that does not create a wake, helping to protect shorelines, docks, and other vessels, as well as ensuring safety for swimmers and wildlife.

The map below shows the approved No Wake Zone sign locations and the designated No Wake Zone enforcement areas, which are highlighted in yellow. These shaded areas indicate where reduced-speed operation is mandatory to comply with local regulations.

Read the February 12, 2026 Press Release - York County Clarifies "No Wake Zone" Regulations

No Wake Signs

Printable Map (PDF)

Request a Change to a No Wake Zone

Residents who wish to add or remove a No Wake Zone can follow these steps:

Step 1: Submit a Written Request

Send a written request to the York County Board of Supervisors at bos@yorkcounty.gov.
 Include details about the proposed change (addition or removal) and the specific location.

Step 2: Public Hearing

After your request is received, a public hearing will be scheduled to gather community input and discuss the potential impact of the proposed change.

Step 3: State Approval

Following the hearing, the proposal will be reviewed and must be approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before any changes are implemented.

No Wake

Information from the Board of Supervisors Meeting - February 17, 2026

 No Wake Zones and Markers in York County Waterways

  1.    Memorandum from the County Administrator
  2.    Virginia Code Section 29.1-744
  3.   Proposed Ordinance No. 26-3(R)
  4.    Proposed Resolution R26-18(R)

View the meeting replay here.

Information from the Board of Supervisors Meeting - February 3, 2026
No Wake Zones and Markers in York County Waterways.  Presentation by Shannon Forrest Assistant County Attorney and James Scruggs,
Dockmaster. (Presentation only, no vote)

    1.     Memorandum from the County Administrator
    2.     Virginia Code Section 29.1-744
    3.     Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee Review Report (Fall, 2016)
    4.     Proposed Ordinance No. 26-3
    5.     Proposed Resolution R26-18

View the meeting replay here.


Questions? Contact the York County Public Affairs office by email.