Alexandria, Virginia Building Department 2026: Permits, Inspections & Services

Alexandria Permits & Inspections: Start Here

The City of Alexandria Department of Code Administration manages building permits, construction plan reviews, and inspections for properties within Alexandria, Virginia, city limits. Most permit applications, payments, status checks, and inspection requests are handled through the City’s APEX online permitting system.

Department Contact & Office Hours

Office information verified from the City’s 2026 Permit Center guidance. Older government pages may still display 301 King Street; use the current Permit Center location above for in-person permit assistance.

When Do You Need a Building Permit?

Alexandria generally requires permits for new construction, additions, structural changes, many renovations, demolition, and regulated electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. The exact permit depends on the proposed work and the building’s occupancy classification.

Do not assume permit exemption means zoning exemption. Even a project that does not require a construction permit may need to meet setbacks, height limits, lot coverage requirements, or historic-preservation restrictions.

How to Apply for a Building Permit in Alexandria

1. Confirm your jurisdiction and project requirements. Verify that the property is within Alexandria city limits. Check zoning, historic-district restrictions, and the City’s permit requirements.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. Gather the project address, scope of work, construction valuation, contractor information, and applicable drawings. Choose the project-specific checklist from the APEX Document Library.
3. Create an APEX account. Visit the official APEX portal, select Sign Up if you are a new user, complete registration, and sign in.
4. Submit the appropriate application. Select the relevant permit or plan application in APEX, enter the property and project information, and attach the requested files. Follow the submission instructions displayed in the portal.
5. Respond to review requests and pay fees. Check your APEX dashboard and email for invoices, plan-review comments, or additional-document requests. Use the City’s electronic review process when directed.
6. Obtain approval before regulated work begins. Once the permit is approved and required fees are paid, obtain the issued permit, follow its conditions, and arrange the required construction inspections.

What to Prepare Before Uploading Plans

• Accurate property address and description of the proposed work.
• Construction drawings and site or grading plans where required.
• Estimated construction value, including materials and labor.
• Contractor contact details, applicable Virginia license information, and City business license information where required.
• A property owner’s affidavit where an eligible owner is performing work without a contractor.
• Signed and sealed plans from a registered design professional when legally required.
• Any required zoning, historic-preservation, fire, or other agency approvals.

The City’s electronic submission requirements govern digital plan files. Additional documentation is determined by the project type and review comments. Applicants should follow the current APEX instructions rather than relying on older paper-submission directions.

Building Permit Fees in Alexandria

The City’s published FY2026 Code Administration fee schedule took effect July 1, 2025. Fees depend on construction type, area, project valuation, associated trades, and applicable additional charges.

Budget for additional charges. The published schedule includes administrative, Permit Center, technology, training, and state levy assessments where applicable. Payment vendors may charge processing fees. Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other approvals may generate separate charges.

Applications requiring plan review generally require a nonrefundable deposit of 35% of the estimated total permit fee, including levies, credited toward the permit cost. Actual charges are established through the City’s application and invoice process.

Check official fee information or read the official FY2026 fee schedule (PDF).

How to Schedule Building Inspections

Construction inspections are requested through APEX. The permit holder or property owner is responsible for arranging inspections at the required stages, including before work is concealed.

1. Open APEX and sign in to the account associated with the permit.
2. Locate the issued permit and access its inspection options.
3. Select the required inspection type and available scheduling option.
4. Submit the inspection request and check its status.
5. Use the City’s Inspection Schedule page to reach the Daily Inspection Viewer and check scheduled inspection information.
6. After inspection, open the permit’s inspection records in APEX to view results or required corrections.

Common Required Inspection Stages

• Footing excavation and reinforcement before concrete placement.
• Foundation-system inspections.
• Preparation before concrete placement.
• Structural framing before concealment.
• Rough electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installations before concealment.
• Energy-conservation and insulation inspections before concealment.
• Final inspection after the approved work is completed.

Inspection problems? If APEX reports that a permit is not attached or that scheduling prerequisites are incomplete, call 703-746-4200. To cancel a building inspection, contact the Permit Center by phone rather than assuming it can be canceled through APEX.

Building Codes Used in 2026

Alexandria administers Virginia’s statewide building-code framework. The City’s published guidance identifies the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code regulations, effective January 18, 2024, as the applicable adopted code framework.

The applicable provisions depend on project type and can include the Virginia Construction Code, Residential Code, Existing Building Code, electrical and mechanical requirements, plumbing provisions, energy conservation, accessibility, and fire-safety requirements.

For renovations or additions, confirm the code and applicable review requirements with the City’s plan-review staff before finalizing drawings.

View Alexandria’s official building-code resources →

Local Zoning, Historic Districts & Other Approvals

Alexandria building permits do not automatically replace other required approvals. Projects may need additional clearance from Planning & Zoning, Transportation & Environmental Services, the Fire Department, or Historic Preservation.

• Zoning: Check setbacks, use restrictions, building height, parking, and lot coverage. Planner of the Day: 703-746-4333 or zoning@alexandriava.gov.
• Historic properties: The Old & Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray districts have additional review requirements. Exterior alterations visible from public rights-of-way may require a Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Fire protection: Fire-alarm, sprinkler, and certain occupancy projects may involve Fire Department review or inspections.
• Public right-of-way: Work involving streets, sidewalks, excavation, or public infrastructure may require separate transportation or engineering permits.

Historic Preservation can be reached at 703-746-3833. Review the City’s historic preservation procedures before modifying protected exterior features.

Checking Permit Status & Resolving Problems

For technical help, use the City’s APEX tutorials or call the Permit Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information checked: October 8, 2026. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website, not the City of Alexandria government. Permit rules, service locations, and fees can change; the official City portal controls actual applications and approvals.