Department of Code Administration

The Department of Code Administration works in concert with customers (residents, tenants, business owners, building owners, architects, engineers, builders, tradesmen, contractors, and developers) as part of the safe building team. Our objective is to assist customers with compliance related to Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building and Maintenance Codes (USBC), and the City Code nuisance and development provisions. This is accomplished through plan review; timely and consistent inspections, and education regarding the requirements of the code. Learn about our our values, commitment and goals - ONE TEAM, ONE CITY - OUR CITY

Online Permit Application Program - currently accepting applications for Sign Permits, trade permits (Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing) and Fire Protection System permits. Additional permit types will be added to this program in the near future.

What's New

Tell us how we are doing! As we make improvements to assist our customers with the permitting process, your feedback is important to us. Please fill out a Customer Service Survey or email permit.center@alexandriava.gov and let us know what we can do to improve your permitting experience.
A series of training sessions for “An Introduction to Energy, Energy Conservation and Energy Codes” are coming soon.
Tenants renovating or altering leased space must have a licensed contractor to perform the permitted work.

	Department Structure and Services Find out how the department is structured, and determine what services are provided by different units. Learn how these units work together to provide services related to development review, permits, inspections, code violations, and nuisance complaints.
	Permit Center The Multi-Agency Permit Center processes construction permits, certificates of occupancy, elevator certificates, fire prevention permits, maintenance and nuisance complaints; manages permit, inspection and violation records; and fulfills information and records requests. Learn about the permit process, review policies and procedures, get updates on the daily inspection schedule, and obtain applications, forms, and fee schedules.
	Contractor Information If you’re a contractor who regularly visits the Department of Code Administration to conduct business, please visit our Contractor Information for the latest news, information, training opportunities and updates exclusively for you!
	Hiring a Contractor If you plan to hire a contractor to work on your property, get tips on how to select the right contractor, find out what permits and inspections the contractor is required to obtain for the work that is being done, and determine what policies and procedures must be followed.
	Small Business Resources Learn about opportunities for businesses and property-owners planning operations within Alexandria’s Enterprise zone, get assistance from the Small Business Development Center, and find out how to obtain permits and inspections that are necessary to open and operate a small business in Alexandria.
	News and Media Receive the latest news from the department’s online newsletter, The Code Connection. Obtain updates on new programs, initiatives, and changes that affect the department, permit processes and inspections. You can also subscribe to the City’s eNews group to receive regular news updates from Code Administration.