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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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  • Calendar

    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Flood Map

Floodplains are areas of land prone to flooding. About 20% of Alexandria is mapped as a floodplain, susceptible to flooding from low-lying streams and the proximity to the Potomac River.
Page updated on December 8, 2022 at 1:43 PM

Stormwater Management

  • Stormwater Quality
  • Flood Action Alexandria
  • Flooding & Drainage
  • Stormwater Utility Fee
  • Stream Restoration
  • Chesapeake Bay
  • Sanitary Sewers
  • Illicit Discharges

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Living in a Floodplain

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A civil engineer for the Stormwater Management Division surveys a gated section of Cameron Run during an inspection in May 2022. 

Park property along many of the City's waterways and open spaces located within floodplains have been designated as natural floodplains. 
• Four Mile Run Park includes about 18 acres of dedicated wetlands in the Four Mile Run floodplain.
• Fort Williams Park has dedicated open space in a natural forested environment, as well as recently restored natural areas located in the Strawberry Run floodplain.
• Dora Kelley Park, Brook Valley Park and All Veterans Park contain parklands and dedicated natural areas located within the Holmes Run floodplain.
• Tarleton Park and Cameron Run Regional Park contain natural open space and parklands in the Cameron Run floodplain.

Benefits
• Reduce flood velocities and provide flood storage to reduce peak flows downstream by spreading over a large area.
• Create improved water quality and reduce the amount of sedimentation transported downstream by acting as a filter for stormwater runoff and flow.
• Reduce the frequency and duration of low flows of surface water by serving as a recharge area for groundwater.
• Provide habitat for diverse species of plants and animals, some of which can not live anywhere else. 
• Moderate water temperature, which reduces potential harm to aquatic plants and animals.

Hazards
• Alexandria is prone to flooding from heavy rainfall and tropical storms, creating overbank flooding from the Potomac River and its tributaries.
• In conjunction with development in low-lying areas and an overtaxed stormwater system, the tidal influence on the Potomac River can also contribute to flooding. Summer thunderstorms with high intensity-short duration rainfall are the most common flooding problem.
• The 100-year floodplain is the area that has a 1% chance of being flooded in any given year. Put another way, it has about a 26% chance of being flooded over the life of a 30-year mortgage. Smaller floods have a greater chance of occurring in any year and can create a significant flood hazard to people and property close to the channel. 

Flood Mitigation Maintenance
To mitigate flooding, the City conducts maintenance on storm drains and streams that become clogged with debris, soil erosion and overgrowth of vegetation. The City also investigates illegal dumping that can threaten the quality of waterways and contribute to flooding. 
• Report localized drainage problems to T&ES Maintenance at 703.746.4488. 
• Request maintenance service on storm drains or streams through Alex311. 
• Report illegal dumping to T&ES Stormwater Management Division at 703.746.6499.

Notable flooding events:
• Severe thunderstorms on Sept. 10, 2020
• Severe thunderstorms on July 23, 2020
• Severe thunderstorms on July 8, 2019
• Tropical Storm Lee on September 11, 2011 
• Significant storm event on June 25, 2006
• Hurricane Isabel on September 18, 2003
• Hurricane Agnes June 21 to 23, 1972

Property Protection MeasuresId.jpg

Preliminary 2022 FEMA Maps

Alexandria is participating in a Flood Insurance Study being conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update the City’s current floodplain maps. Floodplain maps inform communities about local flood risk. The maps help set minimum floodplain standards, which helps communities build safely and resiliently, and they also determine the cost of flood insurance, which helps property owners financially protect themselves against flooding. A few FEMA resources are linked here:

What Flood Map Updates Mean for You

FEMA’s Flood Insurance Advocate Explains NFIP Basements (Video)

Defining a Property’s Unique Flood Risk (Video)

Flood risk changes over time due to weather patterns, land development, and erosion. The changes are likely to affect some residential and commercial property owners, who may need to obtain coverage under a new flood insurance policy or alter existing policies. This effort is unrelated to recent flooding the city has experienced from flash flooding in July 2019 and, more recently, on July 23.  The storm on July 23 dropped 2.5 to 3 inches of rain in 30 minutes, creating a brief, extremely high-intensity event that caused significant flash flooding in many areas, including some not normally impacted by flooding. Visit the City’s Flooding and Drainage web page for Frequently Asked Questions about flooding, as well as more on planning and prioritization efforts for projects that will address flooding and drainage issues in less extreme cases.

FEMA map changes occur periodically, as the agency deems necessary—the maps in Alexandria were last changed in 2011. The City of Alexandria is a partner in this process, but FEMA develops the new maps and sets the process timeline. The new flood maps currently being developed by FEMA are scheduled to go into effect in Alexandria and neighboring jurisdictions in the Fall of 2022 (see timeline for implementation below). Click here for an interactive map to see the proposed changes (enter a property address to help orient the map).

Residents and businesses are encouraged to visit FEMA’s website to view the draft map changes and find both the current and proposed flood risk for their property. The City received copies of the new Preliminary Maps (below) and a new Preliminary Flood Insurance Study in September 2020. Before the new maps take effect in Fall 2022, residents will be invited to participate in a review and appeals process.
 

2022 REVISED Preliminary Maps (12/1/2022)

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FEMA documents for appeals for 2021-2022 

FEMA letter
FEMA notice
​​​​​​​Scientific Resolution Panels

2020 Preliminary Maps (9/30/2020)

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It is important for residents and business owners to know current flood risks if residences or businesses are in a FEMA 100-year floodplain, or property is susceptible to damage from any type of flooding that may occur. Residents and business owners can take steps to protect themselves and their property. 

FEMA’s current schedule (a flood map change typically takes 36 months):
• New Maps Effective – TBD
• FEMA Issues Letter of Final Determination (LFD) – TBD
• Preliminary Maps Updated and Re-Published – May 30, 2022
• FEMA's responses to appeals Jan. 31, 2022
• Appeals period ended Oct. 20, 2021
• Public Review and Comment (Appeal) Period –  Began July 22, 2021 and lasts for 90 days
• FEMA Community Open House – March 1, 2021 
• Publish Preliminary Maps – September 2020

FEMA Appeal Process

The second appeal process begins Dec. 15, 2022. 

The 90-day appeal process for the revised FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report began on July 22, 2021. Residents may submit an appeal if they perceive that modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect.  Please follow these guidelines when submitting an appeal:

  • An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim.
  • Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress.
  • If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information — such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary — they can submit a written comment.

Questions or appeals:
Email
stormwater@alexandriava.gov 

Mail
Brian Rahal, P.E., CFM,
Transportation & Environmental Services
2900B Business Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314

Flood Insurance

Alexandria participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Because City engineers regularly inspect floodplains and stormwater management staff complete activities in 17 categories annually as part of the federal Community Rating System program, Alexandria residents are entitled to up to a 20% discount on flood insurance premiums. Residents with a preferred risk flood policy (PRP) can receive a reduction up to 5% on insurance premiums.

There are two types of coverage:

  • Structural coverage covers everything that stays with a house when it’s sold, including cabinets, built-in appliances, and wall-to-wall carpeting. The maximum amount of structural coverage is $250,000 for residential policies and $500,000 for commercial policies.
  • Contents coverage covers furniture and other personal possessions except money, valuable papers, etc. Renters may purchase contents coverage, even if the owner does not buy structural coverage. The maximum amount of contents coverage available for residential policies is $100,000 and $500,000 for commercial policies.

Local insurance agents are permitted to sell an NFIP flood insurance policy to everyone (residences and businesses) under the rules and standards set by the federal government. Any house or business in Alexandria can be covered by a flood insurance policy, and the average cost is less than $750 per year. Detached garages and other accessory buildings may also be covered under the policy for the main building on the lot. Check with your insurance provider for more details. 

Don’t wait until the next flood to buy insurance. There is a 30-day waiting period before the NFIP coverage goes into effect. For information on flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov. 

Flood Insurance Rate Maps

The City of Alexandria has detailed, digital flood hazard maps that reflect current flood risks to provide reliable information about flood risks on a property-by-property basis. These maps amend flood maps from 1991. 

  • 2011 Flood Insurance Rate Maps  (all maps in a single file : 29 MB)

    To locate the floodplain near your property on these maps:
    1.  Click on "2011 Flood Index Map" below to view the index map.
    2.  Locate and make note of the map number (ex: 5155190009E) that corresponds to your property location.
    3.  Come back to this page and click on the noted map number below to view that map (adobe PDF): 2011 Flood Index Map    FEMA Flood Insurance Study  

    • 5155190009E 
    • 515519IND0A 
    • 5155190017E 
    • 5155190027E 
    • 5155190028E 
    • 5155190029E 
    • 5155190031E 
    • 5155190033E 
    • 5155190036E 
    • 5155190037E 
    • 5155190041E 
  • www.floodsmart.gov  

 The FEMA Flood Maps are also available for viewing at all Alexandria Public Libraries: alexlibraryva.org   

For Property Owners

The NFIP and the City of Alexandria require that if the cost of reconstruction, rehabilitation, additions or other improvements to a building equal or exceed 50% of the building’s market value, then the building must meet the same construction requirements as a new building. Substantially damaged buildings must be brought up to the same standards. This means that a residence damaged where the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 50% of the building’s value before it was damaged must be elevated above the base flood elevation (BFE).

Before proceeding with repairs or improvements to a damaged structure, contact the Department to Code Administration 703.746.4200.

For Developers

Any development in the floodplain (not just the construction of buildings, but bringing in fill or storage of material) requires a permit. Our City's Zoning ordinance captures the requirements; however, you should first contact the Floodplain Administrator at 2900-B Business Center Drive, 703.746.6499, to find out exactly what is required.

Any illegal floodplain development should be reported to this office as well. Our Code Administration office, Room 4200 of City Hall, has Elevation Certificates of recent construction on file available to the public upon request. The Code Administration phone number is 703.746.4200 and the Floodplain Administrator at 703.746.6499.

Public Meetings and Information

  • FEMA Map Update Open House (Click here to see the slides and here for the Zoom recording of the presentation which starts at the 5:19 mark.)
    Monday, March 1, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. This event walked the community through the FEMA map update process and was managed by City staff. 
    • Questions and answers from the Open House

The City hosted a series of virtual meetings targeted to residents and businesses within the floodplain during the months of May and June. Neighborhoods were broken up by watershed and also by the FEMA preliminary map number (note, some maps span more than one watershed). To find what watershed your property is located in, use the Watershed Tool. 

  • Four Mile Run (FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190033F and 5155190029F) – May 19, 2021, 7 p.m.
    • Click here for the presentation and here for the Zoom Webinar Recording
  • Potomac River/Old Town (FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190033F and 5155190041F) – May 24, 2021, 7 p.m. 
    • Click here for the presentation and here for the Zoom Webinar Recording
  • Hooff’s Run (FEMA map number 5155190041F) – June 2, 2021, 7 p.m. 
    • Click here for the presentation and here for the Zoom Webinar Recording
  • Cameron Run, Backlick Run, Strawberry Run, Taylor Run (FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190017F, 5155190036F, and 5155190037F)  – June 7, 2021, 7 p.m.
    • Click here for the presentation and here for Zoom Webinar Recording
  • Holmes Run (FEMA preliminary map numbers 5155190009F and 5155190028F) – June 29, 2021, 7 p.m. 
  • Click here for the presentation and here for Zoom Webinar Recording

Resources

  • City's storm sewer system
    Following flooding in June 2006, the City of Alexandria launched a review of its storm sewer system to identify flooding areas and develop and prioritize solutions. The Storm Sewer Capacity Analysis (CASSCA) project was completed in February 2016.   
    City of Alexandria Storm Sewer Capacity Analysis  
  • Which watershed do you live in?  
    Watershed Tool

  • FEMA flood map updates questions & answers sheet
  • Learn about FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 which might impact your federal flood insurance rates
  • CRS Community Certification
  • Flood Hazard Mapping Fact Sheet  

Contact

Brian Rahal, P.E., CFM
Transportation & Environmental Services
2900B Business Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.746.4057

Flood Warning Procedures

Flood warnings are forecasts of impending storms and are broadcast to the public by the NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, TV stations, and local emergency agencies. Alexandria has developed a flood warning system to notify residents of impending floods. Warnings will be disseminated by local radio, including stations WTOP, and DC101, and local television stations including NBC4/WRC, FOX5/WTTG, ABC7/WJLA, and CBS9/WUSA. The flood warning system is intended to provide up to one half hour of advance warning of a flood hazard. By paying attention to weather alerts, you will have enough time to protect your property or evacuate. The National Weather Service local forecast office transmits flood advisories, watches and warnings on frequency 162.550 MHz. Anyone with a NOAA Weather Radio can receive this information. The Emergency Alert System (operated by the FCC in cooperation with FEMA and NOAA) allows the public to be notified via commercial radio, cable TV and broadcast TV of emergency messages from the National Weather Service or local civil authorities.

Flood Safety Measures

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