Alexandria requires permits for retaining walls above a certain height, typically 4 feet. Engineering review may be required for taller walls.
Alexandria regulates retaining walls to ensure structural safety and proper drainage. Walls up to 4 feet typically do not require a permit. Walls over 4 feet require a building permit and may need engineered plans stamped by a licensed professional engineer. Surcharge loads from driveways, structures, or slopes above the wall may lower the permit-free threshold. Drainage behind the wall is critical and must be addressed in design. Setback requirements apply to retaining walls near property lines.
Unpermitted walls: stop-work order, required engineering review, potential demolition. Fines $200 to $1,000.
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 restricts or prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, coyotes, and bears. Feeding wildlife creates public safety hazards and nuis...
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria restricts ownership of exotic and wild animals. Many species require special permits or are prohibited entirely for public safety.
Alexandria, VA
Alexandria enforces the Virginia Statewide Building Code (USBC, 13VAC5-63), which adopts IRC 2018 Section R314. Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping r...
See how Alexandria's retaining walls rules stack up against other locations.
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