Alexandria's Zoning for Housing reforms adopted in November 2023 substantially loosened owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs as part of a deliberate push to expand housing supply. ADUs are generally permitted by right regardless of whether the owner occupies the principal dwelling. Virginia has no state preemption of local owner-occupancy rules (unlike California or Oregon), so Alexandria's choice to drop the requirement is a local policy decision. HOA and condo declarations may still impose private rules.
Under the November 2023 Zoning for Housing/Housing for All amendments to Title 4 of the Alexandria City Code, the City Council deliberately reduced or eliminated traditional owner-occupancy conditions on ADUs in most residential districts. The intent was to expand the practical availability of ADUs as rental housing — including investor-owned configurations — to address Alexandria's acute housing affordability pressures driven by its position in the close-in Washington metro market. This places Alexandria among the more progressive Virginia localities on ADU policy, alongside Arlington County and Fairfax County (which adopted similar reforms in 2020 and 2022 respectively). Virginia has not enacted statewide ADU preemption legislation (unlike California's AB 671, Oregon's HB 2001, or Idaho's §67-6511A), so localities retain authority under Va. Code §15.2-2280 to add owner-occupancy if they choose. Verify the current rule with Planning and Zoning before purchasing or designing — local rules can change with future amendments. HOAs and condominium associations may impose owner-occupancy requirements through their declarations under Va. Code §55.1-1800 (Property Owners' Association Act) and §55.1-1900 (Condominium Act), and many older Alexandria HOAs in Cameron Station, Old Town townhome associations, and West End condos contain restrictive language predating the 2023 reform. Federal Fair Housing Act, Va. Code §36-96.1 et seq. (Virginia Fair Housing Law), and Va. Code §55.1-1228 (housing for older persons exemption) apply.
Civil penalties up to $1,000 per occurrence under Va. Code §15.2-2286 for any zoning violation that does apply. HOA violations: private fines under declaration enforced through county circuit court per Va. Code §55.1-1819. Note that pre-2023 ADUs with recorded owner-occupancy covenants may still be subject to those recorded conditions until amended.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and tow...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria EV chargers need an electrical permit (and possibly a structural permit) via APEX. In the two locally-regulated historic districts or on 100-Year-...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuis...
See how Alexandria's adu owner occupancy rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.