Permit Requirements

Find out whether a permit is required, what type of permit is needed, and what requirements are necessary for a building permit.

Permits

• APEX Permitting & Land Use System
• APEX Documents
• Permit Center
• Permit Requirements
• Application Fees
• Code Administration
• Zoning Information
• T&ES

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How Do I Obtain a Permit?

Apply for permits and development plan reviews, attach supporting documents and submit payment from computers or mobile devices using APEX, eliminating the need to make trips to City Hall.

When Do I Need a Permit?

Permits are required for most construction and maintenance work of buildings and structures, including:

• New buildings and structures
• Alterations, demolitions, renovations, additions and change of occupancy in existing buildings and structures
• Maintenance of existing buildings and structures

What Type of Permit Do I Need?

There are two general permit categories, Residential and Commercial:

Residential- Detached single, two-family, and multiple single-family dwellings (townhouses only) not more than three stories above the grade plane in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures, including but not limited to:

Commercial - any residential or commercial occupancy not defined as a "residential occupancy" as stated above, including but not limited to:

Required Documentation to Submit for Plan Review

Commercial Projects

Residential Projects

Points to Remember When Submitting Plans and Documents for Review:

Provide Contractor's information (as applicable - state license number, City of Alexandria business license number and contact information). If no contractor will be conducting the work, then a Property Owner's Affidavit must be submitted.

Provide five copies of construction documents (plans and reports), including all proposed trade work. Six copies should be submitted if the project requires Health Department review and approval.

Maximum Plan Size is 24"x36" (unless waived by the Director) and minimum dimensions for plans are 1/8" = 1'-0" for plan view sheets and ¼" = 1'-0" for section details

Plans must be signed and sealed by a registered design professional (RDP) licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Virginia (1 original plan set) if they are responsible for the construction documents (regardless of whether Virginia law requires the plans to be prepared by an RDP) or if it is required by the Code of Virginia Section 54.1-400 administered by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation

Plans not prepared by an RDP, and not required to be by the Code of Virginia, shall contain:

• The Site Plan or Grading Plan must accompany each Building Permit set upon building permit plan submittal when required.
• The name of the person who prepared the plans
• Occupation
• Contact information
• 35% Deposit is required for plan review – based on estimated permit fee (Refer to Department of Code Administration Fee Schedule). The deposit is non-refundable and is deducted from the total permit fee when the permit is issued.
• Additional building and trade plan submission requirements