Please review the following and contact us with further questions:

• Development Review Process Brochure
• Alexandria Master Plan (See relevant Small Area Plan)
• Zoning Ordinance
• Citywide Design Guidelines and Landscape Guidelines
• Green Building Policy
• Public Art Policy (See pages 58-59)
• Affordable Housing Contribution Policy
  • Policy Summary

Planning and Zoning staff will assist you in determining the specific parking requirements for your property. Requirements vary depending on the type of use and location of your property within the city. See Parking Standards for New Development Projects for updated information regarding parking requirements in Alexandria. If you determine that your site cannot meet the parking requirements for its particular use, you may apply for a Special Use Permit for a parking reduction.

Visit our Active Development Projects page or the online Planning and Development Viewer, an interactive map showing active planning efforts, development project case information, zoning, and Special Use Permit (SUP) documentation.

The two types of development applications most common in the city are a Development Site Plan (DSP) and a Development Special Use Permit (DSUP). A property owner must have an approved DSP or DSUP before building permits can be released.

• Development Site Plan (DSP): A development site plan, or DSP, is a request to develop a site by-right in compliance with existing Zoning Ordinance requirements. The most common requests for a DSP include requests to construct 3 or more dwelling units, a new building or addition that exceeds 3,000 square feet, or to build 5 or more parking spaces. Only the Planning Commission hears a request for a DSP.
• Development Special Use Permit (DSUP): A development site plan with a Special Use Permit (SUP) or DSUP, is simply a request for a development site plan that will not comply with specific zoning ordinance regulations. A DSUP requests the right to develop a property with relief from specific zoning ordinance requirements such as minimum parking requirements, building setbacks, or for increases in building height or square footage. An applicant requesting a DSUP approval must also meet a more stringent requirement by demonstrating that their project provides substantial public benefit before relief from zoning ordinance requirements are granted. Both the Planning Commission and City Council hear a request for a DSUP.

A planner in the Development Division is assigned to each development proposal as the project manager and coordinates the review among other City departments. More information about the development review process can be found in our Development Review Process Brochure .

Visit the City's Land Use Services and Zoning page for resources and information.