Alexandria enforces the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC), which adopts the 2018 International Fire Code. IFC Β§308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas cylinders over 1 pound on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in buildings with 3 or more dwelling units. Single-family backyard grilling is unrestricted by city code. NFPA 58 governs propane cylinder storage statewide. Enforcement is by the Alexandria Fire Marshal's Office.
Alexandria's fire code is the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code (VSFPC) adopted under Va. Code Β§27-94 et seq., which incorporates the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with Virginia amendments at 13VAC5-51. Enforcement is by the Alexandria Fire Department's Fire Marshal's Office. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices, charcoal burners, and other open-flame appliances on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in any structure containing 3 or more dwelling units. Exceptions: one- and two-family dwellings; balconies served by an automatic sprinkler system (NFPA 13 or 13R); listed electric grills; and listed LP-gas grills with cylinders not exceeding 1 pound. This affects most of Alexandria's mid- and high-rise housing stock: Carlyle, Eisenhower Avenue, Old Town North, Potomac Yard, Del Ray multifamily, Beauregard Street, Landmark/Van Dorn, and West End apartment buildings. NFPA 58 (adopted via VSFPC) governs LP-gas cylinder storage: cylinders larger than 1 pound must be stored outdoors, upright, in a ventilated area, at least 5 feet from building openings. Garage and basement storage of propane cylinders is prohibited β a particular issue for the dense Old Town and Del Ray rowhouse stock where outdoor storage space is limited. At single-family homes (Beverley Hills, Rosemont, Del Ray rowhouses, Old Town freestanding houses, North Ridge, Seminary Hill, Clover-College Park), backyard grilling is unrestricted by Alexandria municipal code. Public grilling: Alexandria parks regulations restrict open fires in parks including Founders Park, Waterfront Park, Cameron Run Regional Park, Chinquapin Park, and Four Mile Run Park β check posted park rules and Title 6 of the Alexandria City Code (Health and Sanitation / Parks).
Use of prohibited grill on multi-unit balcony: Alexandria Fire Marshal citation, removal order, possible lease violation enforced by landlord. Indoor propane cylinder storage: NFPA 58/VSFPC violation, civil penalty under Va. Code Β§27-100, mandatory cylinder removal. Fires causing property damage create personal liability and possible criminal charges under Va. Code Β§18.2-86 (reckless burning).
Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
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Alexandria, VA
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