Building Permits in Alexandria

Alexandria Code Administration handles building-code permitting and inspections and uses the APEX Permitting & Land Use System for permit services.

Current Building Code

Virginia DHCD states that the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) became effective January 18, 2024. The state identifies the 2021 I-codes and 2020 NEC in the current Virginia code collection. Alexandria's Code Administration page likewise identifies the 2021 USBC as its current statewide framework.

Plan Review

Alexandria's Plan Review Services Division reviews construction documents for compliance with the USBC. The city states that plan review is required for new buildings and renovated or altered commercial and residential buildings, except construction exempt from permits under the Virginia Construction Code.

Fees

Alexandria publishes its own Code Administration fee schedule; the current page identifies a schedule effective July 1, 2025. Use that schedule for the actual permit instead of applying a generic percentage or statewide fee assumption.

Inspections

Inspection requests and daily inspection information are available through Alexandria's permit services. Required inspections depend on the approved scope and USBC requirements.

Design Professionals

Whether plans require a Virginia-licensed architect or engineer depends on the project and applicable Virginia law/code exceptions. This page does not impose a universal seal requirement on every permit.

Review Time

No generic review duration is stated here. Project review can involve multiple disciplines and corrections; use the current City plan-review information for the permit type.

Official Sources

Use Alexandria Code Administration/APEX and Virginia DHCD's current USBC resources linked above before filing.