Business Licensing & Operations in Alexandria, VA (2026)
4 verified business licensing & operations rules for Alexandria, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Massage Establishments
Alexandria does not license massage establishments; instead City Code Sec. 11-4.2-2 makes it unlawful for anyone to provide a massage anywhere in the city unless they are a therapist certified in good standing with the Virginia Board of Nursing, staff at a hospital, clinic or licensed medical office, or a barbershop or salon employee limited to the scalp, face, neck and shoulders.
Alexandria Massage Provider Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsCity of Alexandria, VA Code Sec. 11-4.2-2 - Provision of massages
(a)Except as provided in subsection (b), it shall be unlawful for any person to provide or administer a massage at any location in the city.(b)Only the following persons may provide or administer a massage in the city:(1)persons who are certified as a therapist by, and are in good standing with, the Virginia Board of Nursing:(2)persons:(i)at a hospital, nursing home or medical clinic, or at the...
Secondhand Dealers
Alexandria requires anyone who buys or pawns junk, antiques, or secondhand articles for resale to hold a police-issued permit before opening. City Code Sec. 9-8-12 makes operating without one unlawful, on top of any regular business license, and the chief of police can refuse or pull the permit outright.
Alexandria Secondhand & Junk Dealer Permit
Significant RestrictionsAlexandria City Code § 9-8-12
It shall be unlawful for any dealer to engage in any activity subject to regulation by this article without first obtaining a permit therefor from the chief of police as specified herein. Such permit shall be necessary in addition to any required business license.
Auto Repair on Residential Property
Alexandria bans motor vehicle repair, sales, and engine work as a home occupation outright. Zoning Ordinance Section 7-301(L) prohibits any home business from doing vehicle repairs, and Section 7-301(M) further limits residents to one commercial vehicle of one-ton capacity or less parked on the property.
Alexandria Home-Based Auto Repair Ban
Heavy RestrictionsAlexandria Zoning Ordinance § 7-301(L), (M)
(L)No motor vehicle repairs, sales or internal combustion engine work shall be permitted.(M)Not more than one commercial vehicle having a capacity not greater than one ton shall be parked on the property and then only in accordance with applicable regulations of this ordinance.
Towing Companies
Alexandria caps what a tow truck service can charge to remove a vehicle from private property without the owner's consent: $150 for light vehicles, $250 for medium tows and $500 for heavy tows, plus limited storage and after-hours fees. Companies must register annually with the transportation department and post the fee schedule.
Alexandria Non-Consent Tow Company Rules
Significant RestrictionsAlexandria City Code Sec. 9-13-3
For the towing of a motor vehicle (i) less than 7,500 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, the maximum fee shall be $150; (ii) for medium tows, 7,500 to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, the maximum fee shall be $250; (iii) for heavy tows, greater than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating, the maximum fee shall be $500... It shall be unlawful for any person to charge a towing fee, ...