Code Administration

The Department of Code Administration works in concert with customers (residents, tenants, business owners, building owners, architects, engineers, builders, tradesmen, contractors, and developers) as part of the safe building team.

Page updated on Aug 25, 2017 at 12:17 PM

What's New


Friday, September 29, 2017 the Permit Center will close at 12:30 PM.


June 1, 2017 Permit Center Fee Schedule Changes

2017 New Fee Schedule

Code Administration Summary of Fee Changes Effective June 1, 2017

Public Notification Memo regarding Fee Changes June 1, 2017

Alexandria Code Administration Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles

2017 Code Connection Newsletter

The Code Administration's seasonal newsletter provides information and insight about our staff and their day to day activities.

When checking for daily inspection information, please check the Daily Inspection Viewer Website by 8:00 a.m. the day of the inspection as the information is updated up until this time

The 2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) is effective July 14, 2014.  Additional information can be found at:
2012 Virginia Uniform Statewide Construction Code (VA USBC)  

Standing Modification - Minimum Thickness of Galvanized Duct Walls for Single Family Dwellings 

Important Information on the 2012 VRC Girder and Header Span Tables

Same Day Service Ends at 4:15pm. Please be sure to have all plans and applications submitted prior to 4:15pm Monday through Friday for same day services.

Scheduling and Obtaining Inspection Results
The Department of Code Administration offers an automated system known as "ACCESS". "ACCESS" allows permit holders to use a touch tone phone to schedule or cancel inspections, request inspection results, speak to a Permit Technician or other city agencies or listen to recorded customer service messages. "ACCESS" is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day. To use the system, call 703.746.4200 or 703.838.4900 (direct). Note - to use ACCESS, you will need a touch-tone phone. If ACCESS is unavailable, please call 703.746.4200 for assistance during business hours.

Gas Permit Policy for Residential Additions & Alterations
Code Administration conducted a survey of the surrounding jurisdictions’ plan review requirements for residential fuel gas permits.  The results found that a majority of localities did not require a fuel gas riser diagram prior to permit issuance for residential gas pressures less than 2 psi.  Therefore, to stay consistent across local boundaries, the City of Alexandria will no longer require 1 & 2 family dwelling building (single family, townhomes and duplexes) applicants to submit a residential gas riser diagram for additions and alterations to an existing residential fuel gas system with gas pressure less than 2 psi.    

  • Please note - a residential gas riser diagram is still required for new residential homes and accessory structures.  Furthermore, there is no change in the plan review requirements for commercial fuel gas permits – a fuel gas riser diagram is required.  

NOTICE:  Code Administration’s fire protection systems (FPS) walk-thru services are now available on a scheduled basis.  Please contact Adrian Mirt - adrian.mirt@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4198 - to schedule an appointment.  

Tell us how we are doing! As we make improvements to assist our customers with the permitting process, your feedback is important to us. Please fill out our  Customer Service Survey and let us know what we can do to improve the permitting experience. 

About the Department

Welcome to the Alexandria Department of Code Administration, where we work work in concert with other City agencies and our customers (residents, tenants, business owners, building owners, architects, engineers, builders, tradesmen, contractors, and developers) as part of the safe building team. Our objective is to assist customers with compliance related to Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building and Maintenance Codes (USBC), and the City Code nuisance and development provisions. This is accomplished through permit processing, plan review; timely and consistent inspections, and education regarding the requirements of the referenced codes.  The department contains the five divisions of Permit Center, Property Maintenance Inspections, New Construction Inspections, Plan Review Services, and Administrative Services.  Learn about our our values, commitment and goals -  ONE TEAM, ONE CITY - OUR CITY  

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Department Structure and Services

Find out how the department is structured, and determine what services are provided by different units. Learn how these units work together to provide services related  to development review, permits, inspections, code violations, and nuisance complaints.

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Permit Center

The Multi-Agency Permit Center processes construction permits, certificates of occupancy, elevator certificates, fire prevention permits, maintenance and nuisance complaints; manages permit, inspection and violation records; and fulfills information and records requests. Learn about the permit process, review policies and procedures, get updates on the daily inspection schedule, and obtain applications, forms, and fee schedules.

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Contractor Information

If you’re a contractor who regularly visits the Department of Code Administration to conduct business, please visit our Contractor Information for the latest news, information, training opportunities and updates exclusively for you!

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Hiring a Contractor

If you plan to hire a contractor to work on your property, get tips on how to select the right contractor, find out what permits and inspections the contractor is required to obtain for the work that is being done, and determine what policies and procedures must be followed.

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Small Business Resources

Learn about opportunities for businesses and property-owners planning operations within Alexandria’s Enterprise zone, get assistance from the Small Business Development Center, and find out how to obtain permits and inspections that are necessary to open and operate a small business in Alexandria.

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News and Media

Receive the latest news from the department’s online newsletter, The Code Connection. Obtain updates on new programs, initiatives, and changes that affect the department, permit processes and inspections. You can also subscribe to the City’s eNews group to receive regular news updates from Code Administration.

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