Parking Rules in Alexandria, VA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Alexandria or are thinking about moving there, parking rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Alexandria has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of parking rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Driveway Rules

Alexandria requires driveways meet local code standards. Vehicles may not block sidewalks or rights-of-way under Virginia law.

Key details: Sidewalk: Cannot block with vehicle. Lawn Parking: Prohibited in most zones. Permits: Required for new driveways. State Roads: VDOT controls access.

Blocking sidewalk: $50 to $150 ticket. Lawn parking: $100 to $250 code violation. Unpermitted driveway: correction notice.

Street Parking Limits

Alexandria's Residential Permit Parking program (Sec. 5-8-77) restricts on-street parking in posted districts to 2-3 hours unless the vehicle has a district permit. A separate citywide 72-hour rule prohibits leaving any vehicle in the same on-street spot continuously.

Key details: RPP Code: Sec. 5-8-77. Adopted: 1979. Time Limits: 2-3 hr (no permit). 72-Hour Rule: Citywide, no exemption.

Parking without a permit during enforced hours: standard parking citation. 72-hour violation: ticket and potential tow regardless of permit status.

Overnight Parking

Alexandria regulates overnight parking on public streets. Many areas restrict parking between certain hours or require permits for overnight street parking.

Key details: Restricted Hours: Typically 2 AM to 6 AM. Permits: May be available. Ticket: $25 to $75. Towing: Possible for repeat violations.

Parking tickets typically $25 to $75. Vehicles may be towed at owner expense ($150 to $300+ plus daily storage).

Commercial Vehicle Restrictions

Alexandria restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential areas through zoning ordinance. Weight and size limits apply.

Key details: Weight Limit: Typically 10,000 lbs GVWR. Semi-Trucks: Prohibited residential. Work Vans: Often 1 permitted. Surface: Paved required.

Zoning violation: $50 to $250. Repeat: daily fines. Towing possible for street violations.

RV & Boat Parking

Alexandria regulates RV and boat storage on residential property through local zoning. VA Code §15.2-904 addresses inoperable vehicles.

Key details: Front Yard: Typically prohibited. Surface: Paved surface required. Inoperable: VA Code §15.2-904. HOA: May impose stricter rules.

Zoning violation: $50 to $250 per day. Inoperable vehicle: VA Code §15.2-904 enforcement. HOA fines separate.

Abandoned Vehicles

Alexandria prohibits storing abandoned, inoperable, or unregistered vehicles on public streets or visible on private property. Vehicles may be tagged and towed after a notice period.

Key details: Street Limit: Typically 72 hours. Private Property: Must be enclosed or screened. Towing: At owner expense. Registration: Must be current.

Notice period typically 72 hours to 10 days. Towing and storage at owner expense ($150 to $500+). Additional fines for repeat violations.

EV Charging

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-Old Buildings, chargers visible from a public right-of-way trigger BAR review. The number of chargers cannot exceed allowed parking spaces.

Key details: Electrical Permit: Required. Submit Via: APEX system. Historic ROW Charger: BAR review. Charger Cap: ≤ allowed spaces.

Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required removal. HOA violations of EV access laws: legal remedies available to homeowners.

The Bottom Line

Alexandria's parking rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Alexandria is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Alexandria's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.