Building permits in Alexandria are issued by the Department of Code Administration. Alexandria enforces the 2021 VUSBC and has additional local requirements, especially in historic preservation areas including the Old Town Historic District.
This guide covers what requires a permit, the APEX system, fees, trade permits, and inspections in Alexandria.
Alexandria is an independent city directly adjacent to Washington, D.C. Old Town Alexandria and other historic areas have strict design review requirements through the Board of Architectural Review (BAR). The city requires a 35% non-refundable deposit on plan review fees at submission.
What requires a building permit in Alexandria?
Under the 2021 VUSBC, a permit is required for most construction activities. Alexandria also enforces local preservation requirements:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and alterations
- Structural and load-bearing modifications
- Reroofing, windows, siding, and exterior changes
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- Decks, pools, fences, and accessory structures
- Change of occupancy
- Demolition
- Work in historic districts (additional BAR review)
Typically exempt
- Painting, flooring, and cosmetic work
- Detached accessory structure ≤ 256 sq ft
- Retaining walls ≤ 4 ft
- Same-type fixture replacements
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. Note that exemption from a building permit does not exempt a project from zoning requirements — confirm edge cases with the building department.
Who handles permitting in Alexandria?
The Department of Code Administration handles permitting through five divisions: Permit Center, Property Maintenance Inspections, New Construction Inspections, Plan Review Services, and Administrative Services. Applications are filed through the APEX permitting and land use system.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | Permit Center — Department of Code Administration, Alexandria, VA |
| Phone | (703) 746-4200 |
| Online portal | APEX Permitting & Land Use System — alexandriava.gov/Permits |
| Same-day service | Ends at 4:15 PM |
| Plan review deposit | 35% of estimated permit fee (non-refundable) |
| Code cycle | 2021 VUSBC — effective January 18, 2025 |
Apply through the APEX permitting system. APEX supports electronic application, plan submission and review, and online payments. A 35% non-refundable deposit based on the estimated permit fee is required at the time of plan review submission. Plans must be signed and sealed by a Virginia-licensed registered design professional (RDP) when required by Code of Virginia § 54.1-400.
Alexandria building permit cost
Alexandria building permit fees are valuation-based. A 35% non-refundable deposit (based on estimated permit fee) is required at plan review submission. A mandatory 2% state levy applies to all fees. Online payment processing fees apply per the approved fee schedule.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Plan review deposit | 35% of estimated permit fee (non-refundable) |
| Residential building permit | Valuation-based (see Alexandria fee schedule) |
| Commercial building permit | Valuation-based |
| Trade permits | Separate fees per trade |
| State levy | 2% on all permit fees |
| Work-without-permit | Double fees + enforcement |
Want a precise number for a specific Alexandria project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Alexandria trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are filed separately through APEX.
Electrical permits
Required for service upgrades, panel work, solar PV, and wiring — DPOR-licensed electrical contractor required.
Plumbing permits
Required for plumbing, repipes, water heaters, and gas work — DPOR-licensed plumber required.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC installations, changeouts, and ductwork — DPOR-licensed mechanical contractor required.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Projects in historic districts require Board of Architectural Review (BAR) approval. Sign, demolition, and land disturbance permits follow additional review tracks.
Verify your contractor's license. Virginia requires a state contractor license issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) for any project valued over $1,000. Licenses are classed by project value: Class A ($120,000+ per project), Class B ($10,000–$120,000), and Class C ($1,000–$10,000). Each class requires specific experience, education, and financial qualifications. Homeowners may perform work on their own primary residence without a contractor license, but all permits and inspections still apply. Verify licensure at dpor.virginia.gov.
How to get a building permit in Alexandria
Confirm zoning & BAR requirements
Check if the property is in a historic district — additional Board of Architectural Review (BAR) approval may be required.
Register on APEX & apply
Create an APEX account. Submit the permit application and upload required documents.
Submit plans & pay deposit
Upload sealed construction documents. Pay the 35% non-refundable plan review deposit based on estimated permit fee.
Plan review & corrections
Staff reviews against 2021 VUSBC and local ordinances. Address comments and resubmit as needed.
Pay remaining fees & receive permit
Pay the balance of permit fees (including 2% state levy). Permit issued upon approval and payment.
Schedule inspections through CO
Check the Daily Inspection Viewer by 8 AM on inspection day. Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.
Inspections in Alexandria
Check the Daily Inspection Viewer website by 8:00 AM on the day of inspection, as information is updated until that time. Standard checkpoints include footing/foundation, framing, rough-in MEP, insulation, and final. Keep approved plans and permit on-site.
Address correction notices before requesting a re-inspection; a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy are required before legal occupancy or use.
Official Alexandria permitting resources
- 🏛️ Alexandria Permits & Land Use (APEX)
- 📋 Department of Code Administration
- 📋 Permit requirements
- 🪪 VA DPOR — verify licenses
- 📘 VA DHCD — building codes
- 🗺️ Permit Center info
Simplify Alexandria permitting with Alliance Permitting
Alexandria's APEX system, historic district design review, non-refundable plan review deposit, and RDP requirements reward applicants who build complete packages from the start. Alliance Permitting is a permit expediter for Alexandria — our permit expediting services pair AI-driven document review with experts who know the Department of Code Administration process, so your Alexandria submissions move faster.
Trusted by leading builders and brands — including Dream Finders Homes, Tesla, Verizon, Hyatt, and Sunnova.
Contractors and builders choose Alliance for Alexandria because we deliver:
- Local expertise — we know Alexandria Code Administration, the APEX system, BAR historic district processes, and VUSBC requirements.
- Complete oversight — track every permit and inspection across all your jobs in one place.
- Error-free submissions — AI pre-checks plus expert review catch issues before they become correction cycles.
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
Need an Alexandria building permit?
Get your Alexandria project permitted right. Alliance Permitting handles your applications through APEX — so you build, not wait.
More Virginia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the Alexandria Department of Code Administration before filing. This is not legal advice.