Alexandria solar installations need standard electrical/building permits via APEX. In the Old & Historic Alexandria District, Parker-Gray District, or on a designated 100-Year-Old Building, panels visible from a public right-of-way require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Board of Architectural Review (BAR).
Alexandria offers a Solar Energy Panel Permit Checklist for the standard electrical and building permits required citywide. Installations are submitted via the City's APEX permitting system. In the two locally-regulated historic districts (OHAD and Parker-Gray) and on properties designated as 100-Year-Old Buildings, any exterior alteration visible from a public right-of-way — including roof-mounted solar panels — requires approval by the seven-member Board of Architectural Review (BAR). The BAR issues Certificates of Appropriateness; installations not visible from a public right-of-way may proceed without BAR review. Preservation staff (Preservation@alexandriava.gov / 703-746-3833) provide design guidance to maximize solar access while meeting historic preservation goals.
Installing visible panels in a historic district without a Certificate of Appropriateness can trigger stop-work and removal orders from the BAR.
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 panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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