What's New

• Upcoming International Existing Building Code (IEBC) training available on Dec. 7 in the City of Alexandria 
• Listening to our customers, we've created some tips when calling Code Administration's main office number - 703.746.4200
• Learn about Code Administration's new  "Remote Start" staff resource program and how it benefits our customers
• Code Administration's Daily Inspection Viewer is now available for customers to view daily scheduled inspections
• Additional inspection information is available for New Construction, Fire Prevention and Fire Protection Systems 
• Opportunities for businesses and property-owners planning operations within the Alexandria Enterprise Zone!

Code Administration's New Phone Numbers

The City of Alexandria is currently upgrading its 20-year-old telephone system.  Code Administration has recently completed it's City Hall office upgrades, so please refer to the below updated directory to view the new main-line phone number, personnel phone extensions and fax number.

The Multi-Agency Permit Center is Now Open!

The Multi-Agency Permit Center is designed to expedite service and improve communications by having staff from three review agencies (Code Administration, Transportation & Environmental Services, and Planning & Zoning) in one location.  In addition, a member of the Finance Department also staffs the Permit Center to handle most Business License matters.

Director John Catlett, MCP

The Office of Building & Fire Code Administration Organization

The City of Alexandria Office of Building and Fire Code Administration is comprised of three sections working in concert with citizens and customers as part of the safe building team.  Our objective is to manage City-wide code compliance related to Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building, Maintenance and Fire Codes (USBC), and the many City Code nuisance and development provisions.

New Construction Section consists of three units responsible for building construction and site plan review, building construction inspections and fire protection systems, including system retesting.

• The Plan Review Unit reviews all new or existing renovated and altered commercial and residential building construction documents for code compliance in accordance with either the Virginia Construction Code or the Virginia Rehabilitation Code.  Multiple project specific review programs are available to assist customers: walk-through plan review, One-Stop-Shop plan review and the traditional plan review for project which do not qualify for the other two reviews. The unit is comprised of plan review specialists versed in theUSBC related to structural, non-structural (fire and life safety, means of egress, space requirements, materials use, accessibility, etc.), mechanical, plumbing, gas, fire protection & electrical disciplines.  
  • The Site Plan Review, a function of the Plan Review Unit, coordinates with the Departments of Planning & Zoning, Transportation & Environmental Services and Parks & Recreation to ensure minimum emergency vehicle access, fire department connection and fire hydrant location, adequate project fire protection water supply, disabled accessibility site access and other building code related features are achieved for all proposed construction.  This including reviews of Board of Architectural Review cases, Board of Zoning appeals cases, encroachment applications, plot plans, special use permit applications and request for new sub-divisions and property vacations for building code related issues.
• The Fire Protection Systems Inspection Unit is comprised of two interactive groups responsible for inspecting new fire protection systems installations and witness-inspecting/testing existing systems, including: fire-sprinkler, fire-pump and standpipe systems, chemical and hood suppression systems, fire hydrants, fire alarm and detection systems, smoke control, and access control systems.
• The New Construction Inspection Unit inspects all new, altered or renovated residential and commercial construction for minimum compliance with USBC. Inspection disciplines include: building (fire and life safety & structural), electrical, plumbing and mechanical. Multiple project specific inspection programs are available to assist customers: City USBC inspections, Third Party Program and Special Inspections Program.

Fire Prevention and Existing Building Code Section

• Fire Prevention Unit, enforce the Virginia Fire Prevention and Maintenance Codes, as well as City ordinances, such as: rodent abatement, inoperable vehicles on private property, trash disposal and debris accumulations, after hours construction noise, tall grass/weeds and properties not maintained to the minimum requirements of the Virginia Building Maintenance Code.  
• Fire Marshals Unit investigates fire and explosion related incidents, release of hazardous materials and environmental crimes.  
• Environmental and Industrial Unit inspects special hazard facilities for compliance with Virginia Fire Prevention Code.

Administrative Services Section  includes the administration, Information Technology, customer process improvements and the Permit Center.  

• The Permit Center is a multi-agency collective that includes staff from Code Administration, Transportation & Environmental Services, Planning & Zoning and Business License (Finance Department) and processes all construction permits, certificates of occupancy, elevator certificates, fire prevention permits, citizen complaints and manages property construction records. The section also collects all fees, coordinates certificates of occupancy and processes information and records (Freedom of Information Act) requests.   

Mission Statement

Our mission is to collaborate with building owners, design professionals, contractors and developers to ensure minimum public health, safety and welfare are achieved for all new, existing and renovated commercial and residential buildings. We are committed to attaining this goal by educating the public in the minimum requirements of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Uniform Statewide Building Code and Fire Prevention Code. Together, we can create and maintain safe, healthy, energy-efficient, accessible buildings for all occupants to live, work, play and visit.