Alexandria Zoning & Land Use Guide
Notable local initiatives in Alexandria
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to Alexandria — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
Zoning for Housing / Housing for All — single-family zoning eliminated(2023)
On November 28, 2023 the Alexandria City Council voted unanimously to approve the Zoning for Housing / Housing for All package, eliminating single-family-only zoning citywide and allowing buildings of up to four units in any residential neighborhood. The package also scaled back parking requirements within a half mile of transit and simplified townhouse standards. Alexandria became the second Northern Virginia locality (after Arlington) to end single-family-only zoning.
Source · alexandriava.govOld & Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray BAR
The Board of Architectural Review (BAR) is a seven-member City Council-appointed body that reviews exterior changes to structures in the Old & Historic Alexandria District, Parker-Gray District, and designated 100-year-old buildings. A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for new construction and exterior alterations visible from a public way, and a Permit to Demolish is required for any demolition of more than 25 sq ft regardless of visibility.
Source · alexandriava.govEisenhower West Small Area Plan(2015)
Adopted by City Council on November 14, 2015, the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan provides a 25-year framework for the 620-acre warehouse/light-industrial district around the Van Dorn Metro Station, transforming it into a transit-oriented mixed-use community. The plan received the APA Virginia 2016 Outstanding Plan Award and 2016 Excellence in Sustainability Award.
Source · alexandriava.govEisenhower East Small Area Plan(2020)
In March 2020 the City Council adopted the 2019 Eisenhower East Small Area Plan following a 12-month community planning process. The plan guides development near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station and has supported large projects including a Council-approved 800-unit residential project; in December 2024 Council adopted a partial tax abatement to induce conversion of 5001 Eisenhower Avenue to ~377 rent-controlled units.
Source · alexandriava.govAlexandria Zoning Ordinance (Municode)
Alexandria's full zoning ordinance — incorporating the 2023 Zoning for Housing amendments and the city's historic-district overlays — is codified in the Code of Ordinances and hosted on Municode. This is the authoritative reference for permitted uses, dimensional standards, BAR jurisdiction, and procedures.
Source · library.municode.com
Key Zoning Facts
Alexandria is an independent city with its own zoning ordinance and Planning & Zoning Department. It is not part of Fairfax County, so Fairfax County zoning rules do not govern property inside the City of Alexandria.
Accessory Dwelling Units
Alexandria adopted local accessory dwelling unit rules in 2021. Property owners should use the City's current zoning ordinance and ADU guidance for the exact use, size, placement, occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Virginia's statewide ADU law has changed since older versions of this page were written. Va. Code §15.2-2292.4 was enacted in 2026 and becomes effective July 1, 2027. The statute expressly does not apply to a locality that adopted an ADU ordinance before January 1, 2026. Alexandria's local ADU policy predates that cutoff, so the page no longer describes the failed 2024 SB 304 proposal as the current statewide context.
Va. Code §15.2-2292.1 is a separate law concerning temporary family health-care structures and should not be used as the legal basis for a general ADU.
Historic Districts
Exterior work in the Old & Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray districts can require separate Board of Architectural Review approval. An ADU or addition that is otherwise allowed by zoning can still be subject to those historic-design controls.
Development Process
- Confirm the parcel's Alexandria zoning district and any historic or overlay controls.
- Review the City's local ADU or other use standards.
- Obtain required zoning, historic-review, or development approvals.
- Submit building-permit documents under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
- Complete inspections and occupancy approvals.
Official Sources
- City of Alexandria Planning & Zoning
- Alexandria Code / Zoning Ordinance
- Virginia Code §15.2-2292.4 for the future statewide framework
Disclaimer: This guide is for general orientation. Verify the current City ordinance and parcel-specific requirements before design or construction.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Alexandria
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Independent City
- Role: Alexandria is an independent city not part of any county. It handles all local government functions including property records, tax assessment, and planning.
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 20,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 40 ft
- Side Setback
- 15 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 15 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- 50 ft
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current Alexandria permit information →Official Sources
City-specific