FEMA flood zone rules in Alexandria, VA — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
About 20% of Alexandria is mapped floodplain. The City sees roughly 60 backwater-flooding incidents per year. Any development in the floodplain — buildings, fill, or material storage — requires a permit through the Floodplain Administrator under the Zoning Ordinance.
Alexandria's low elevation along the Potomac River, plus 18th-century stormwater infrastructure, leaves about 20% of the city mapped as floodplain. The City reports an average of 60 backwater-flooding incidents per year. Tidal, wind-driven, and storm-surge flooding from the Potomac, plus flash flooding from tributaries, recur each year. Any development within the floodplain — including buildings, fill, or material storage — requires a permit. The Zoning Ordinance captures the floodplain requirements; applicants must contact the Floodplain Administrator before any work. The City's Flood Action Alexandria initiative coordinates capital projects, including planned Waterfront flood-mitigation infrastructure.
Unpermitted floodplain development can trigger stop-work orders, removal/restoration requirements, and impacts on the City's NFIP CRS standing.
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 flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.