Building Safety in Alexandria, VA (2026)
4 verified building safety rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Building Permits
Alexandria enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and city code layers on local triggers such as a permit and inspection for replacement windows and over 100 square feet of replacement siding or roofing on any building in a historic district or over 100 years old. Building permit violations carry up to a $500 fine per day.
Alexandria Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code §§ 8-1-2, 8-1-22, 8-1-24
The city enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2006 edition, including the Virginia Maintenance Code, ("VUSBC") and such future editions thereof as are then in force in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ... In accordance with the provisions authorized by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, a permit and inspections are required for the installation of replacement windows a...
Electrical Permits
Electrical work in Alexandria is governed by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, which the city adopts locally at Sec. 8-1-2. If the building official finds wiring in any structure dangerous or unsafe, the utility must disconnect the building within 72 hours of notice and cannot restore power until the wiring is approved.
Alexandria Electrical Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code §§ 8-1-2, 8-1-19, 8-1-23
The city enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2006 edition, including the Virginia Maintenance Code, ("VUSBC") and such future editions thereof as are then in force in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ... Whenever in the judgment of the building official the electrical wiring within any structure in the city is deemed a dangerous and unsafe condition, he shall notify the public s...
Plumbing Permits
Alexandria enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for plumbing work, and local code requires every building with an outside entrance to have its own sewer and water connection. Sewer taps must be made under a certified master plumber's supervision, with permit fees set by council resolution.
Alexandria Plumbing Permit & Connection Rules
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code §§ 8-1-2, 8-1-16, 8-1-17
The city enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2006 edition, including the Virginia Maintenance Code, ("VUSBC") and such future editions thereof as are then in force in the Commonwealth of Virginia. ... Every building and every separate business establishment having an outside entrance shall have an independent sewer and water supply connection with a public or private sewer or...
Building Inspections
Alexandria's building code requires every permit holder to notify the building official at least 24 hours before any inspection, and to give written notice within 14 days if a contractor is discharged or the work is suspended or abandoned, under City Code Sec. 8-1-11.
Alexandria Building Permit Inspection Notice Rules
Some RestrictionsAlexandria City Code Sec. 8-1-11
(a)In addition to the inspector requirements of the VUSBC, it shall be the duty of the permit holder to notify the building official at least 24 hours in advance of any inspection requested.(b)The holder of a permit shall give written notice to the building official within 14 days from the date a contractor, working pursuant to the permit, has been discharged from employment or from the date wo...