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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
    Close Menu
  • 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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    • Apply
      • Building & Construction Permits
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      • Health Permits
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      • Vehicle Registration
    • Pay
      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Meal Tax
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      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Sales Tax
    • Report
      • Potholes
      • Street Light Outage
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      • Power Outage (Dominion Energy)
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Historic Preservation

Alexandria has a rich historic and cultural legacy which not only creates the city’s unique sense of place, but also represents one of its primary economic and cultural assets. The City of Alexandria is committed to honoring its historic legacy through preservation, planning, interpretation, public outreach, and programming.
Page updated on March 23, 2023 at 9:42 AM

Related Content

  • Historic Preservation Home Page
  • Alexandria's Civic Engagement Policy
  • Archaeology and Preservation
  • BAR Dockets and Webcasts
  • Historic Alexandria
  • National Register Sites
  • Plaqued Houses
  • Preservation Easements

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Historic Districts and 100-Year Old Buildings

Learn about Alexandria's historic districts,100-year old buildings and the Board of Architectural Review.
Information page

Properties under BAR review

Is your property regulated by the Board of Architectural Review?
Historic Preservation Viewer

Design Guidelines and Policies

Overview

The Design Guidelines for the Old & Historic Alexandria (OHAD) and Parker-Gray Districts were developed to provide information and assistance to applicants in understanding the processes of the Board of Architectural Review. These guidelines should be utilized as tools to assist in developing a design approach. The policies listed outline the criteria and standards for administrative approval of select architectural features, including signs.

Both OHAD and Parker-Gray District

  • ​​​​Administrative Sign Policy
  • Alexandria New and Replacement Window Performance Specifications in the Historic Districts 2021
  • BAR Policies for Administrative Approval in Historic Districts
  • BAR Policy for Administrative Approval of Gas Meters
  • Design Guidelines for the Old & Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray Districts

 

Parker-Gray Historic District

  • Parker-Gray Residential Reference Guide (RRG)  used in conjunction with the Alphabetical List of Early and Late Buildings in the Parker-Gray District 
  • BAR Policies for Administrative Approval (Parker-Gray Commercial)
  • Adopted Parker-Gray Design Guidelines
    • How To Use These Guidelines
      • Siding & Trim
      • Windows

How to Submit an Application to the Board of Architectural Review

Applications, Instructions and Fees

All applications should be submitted via the City's online APEX permitting system. 

  • 2023 Board of Architectural Review Hearing Schedule (OHAD; Parker-Gray Districts)
  • Instructions for submitting a BAR application in APEX
    • Applications
      • BAR Full Hearing Application for Certificate of Appropriateness, Permit to Demolish, Waivers, or Concept Review 

        • Please note: While Certificate of Appropriateness and Permit to Demolish utilize the same application, an applicant must submit two separate applications in APEX for each action if requesting both.

      • BAR Administrative (Staff) Approval

      • BAR Administrative (Staff) Approval of Signs

      • BAR Appeal Application

      • BAR Minor Amendment Application

      • Other Applications in APEX

  • BAR Concept Review Policy  
  • Fee Schedule
Historic Masonry Restoration Image

Historic Masonry

Learn about preservation and maintenance tips generally consistent with the Board of Architectural Review's preservation practice.

GW Middle School Front Steps

Art Deco & Streamline Moderne Buildings in Del Ray

The City researched all 15 Art Deco & Streamline Moderne buildings in the Del Ray neighborhood. Learn more. 

OHAD Survey

Historic Resource Survey of OHAD

Office of Historic Preservation has been working on surveying the Old and Historic District with the National Park Service, several state historic preservation offices and local volunteers. Interested in learning more or want to get involved?

Ship discovered at the Hotel Indigo Site, January 2016

Archaeology and Preservation

Alexandria Archaeology reviews development projects to determine impacts on archaeological resources and administers the Archaeology Protection Code.

Historic Preservation House Plaque

Plaqued Houses

If you think your historic house merits a bronze plaque, contact the Historic Alexandria Foundation or the Office of Historic Alexandria to learn more.

The Murray Dick Fawcett House, viewed from the garden

Preservation Easements

Easements are a means by which the owners of historic property can be assured of continued preservation after the property passes from his or her stewardship. Easements can also provide significant tax savings for the property owner.

Row houses in historic Alexandria, VA

The History of Preservation in Alexandria

The City of Alexandria has long been a leader in historic preservation, with the third oldest historic district in the nation. Read some interviews with leaders of this movement.

Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery Memorial with sculpture and wall of names

Preservation of African American Sites

The Parker-Gray Historic District encompasses the historically black Uptown neighborhood. Nine African American historic sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. City parks and museums also preserve African American sites and h

Equity in Preservation Panel Discussion (video image)

Equity in Preservation Panel Discussion

Originally presented May 27, 2021, the panel discussion features three professionals with deep expertise in this timely and important topic. Watch a video of this presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few answers to questions related to the City's historic districts and Board of Architectural Review.

  1. What's the difference between a National Register district and a local historic district?
    Please refer to this document.
  2. How can I find out if my property is within an historic district? And do I need a Board of Architectural Review approval for work I'm planning on doing?
    Refer to the Historic Preservation Map viewer, this pdf of 
    the City’s Historic Districts, or feel free to
     call us at 703.746.3833. Historic Preservation staff will assist you in determining if your location is within one of the city’s local historic districts and whether you will need BAR approval.  In general, historic district regulations pertain to the external appearance of the building.
  3. How many historic districts are in Alexandria?
    Alexandria has seven National Register Historic Districts: Fairlington, Old and Historic Alexandria, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Uptown/Parker-Gray, Parkfairfax, Rosemont, and Town of Potomac. Only two of these historic districts are local historic districts regulated by the City through the Board of Architectural Review: 
    Old and Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray. Additionally, buildings designated by City Council ordinance as One Hundred-Year-Old Buildings are regulated by the Board of Architectural Review. Further information on all three can be found on this page.
  4. Do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness? How do I obtain one?
    A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for all new construction and exterior alterations which are within an historic district and are visible from a public right of way. A Permit to Demolish is required for all demolition or encapsulation over 25 square feet, regardless of visibility. All applications can be found in the APEX permitting system and completed applications with supporting materials should be uploaded there as well. The Board of Architectural Review holds twice monthly public hearings to review applications and determine appropriateness. Hearing schedules, deadlines, and filing fees for applications can be obtained from the BAR web page or by calling the Planning & Zoning office.
  5. What is the Board of Architectural Review and what actions does it take?
    The BAR is a seven-member committee appointed by the City Council and empowered to regulate changes that affect exteriors of structures in the historic districts. The Board may recommend approval of the application as submitted, approval with changes to the application, deferral of the application for restudy, or denial of the application. In the rare cases where the Board denies an application, the same case cannot be heard again by the Board for a period of one year.
  6. Who serves on the Board of Architectural Review?
    The Board members
     are residents of Alexandria who are appointed by City Council. Any interested party may apply to serve on the Board. Two of the seven Board members must be architects. Each Board member serves a 3-year term. After the term expires, the member must reapply to the Board. Board vacancies are advertised through the City's eNews service.
  7. What is the Board of Architectural Review looking for in a project?
    Generally the Board is looking for projects which are sensitive to the historic character of the building and its surroundings, use traditional building materials, and comply with the recommendations of the 
    Design Guidelines and other approved policies.
  8. What should I expect at a Board of Architectural Review public hearing?
    After BAR staff has announced your case, the Chair will ask you if you would like to make a presentation or answer questions. You are not required to make a presentation. It is highly recommended that you read and become familiar with the recommendations in the staff report prior to the discussion of your case. Staff reports are available online on the Friday prior to the public hearing. Additional hard copies are available outside of Council chambers at the public hearing.
  9. Do I need to attend my Board of Architectural Review public hearing?
    Yes. You or your representative must attend the public hearing on your project. While the Board can take action on the application without the applicant being present, it is the policy of the Board to defer consideration of an application when the applicant is not present. If you decide to send a representative to attend the hearing for you, make sure that the individual is familiar with the case and is able to make decisions for you.
  10. Do I need to show my project plans to neighbors in my historic district?
    While not required, we suggest that you show your plans to your neighbors early in the design process. You are responsible for sending out written notice to the adjacent property owners. With residents living in close proximity to one other, it is important to keep your neighbors informed of your plans. In addition to helping maintain peace between neighbors, having neighbor support for your project eases the approval process and subsequent construction.
  11. How long does the Board of Architectural Review approval process take?
    After staff determines that a submitted application is complete, a hearing will take place generally 30 days after the filing deadline.
  12. How do I submit an application to the Board of Architectural Review?
    Completed applications must be submitted in the Apex permitting system by 5 pm on the filing deadline. Instructions for how to apply can  be found through APEX
    .  Although the use of professional designers is not required, drawings must accurately portray the project. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
  13. How do I provide comments on a neighbor’s application to the Board of Architectural Review?
    The primary way to provide comments is to speak at the public hearing. Following the applicant’s presentation, the BAR Chairman will open the discussion to the public. Another option is to provide written comments to the Board. Letters and/or emails should be submitted to BAR Staff by 5 pm on the Thursday prior to the public hearing.
  14. How do I appeal a decision of the Board of Architectural Review?
    Appeals to City Council must be filed within 14 days of the BAR decision. The 
    application, along with a filing fee, must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office. A decision by the BAR may be appealed by the applicant or by 25 property owners within the corresponding historic district.
  15. May I get staff approval instead of going to a full Board of Architectural Review public hearing?
    Yes, under certain circumstances you may secure administrative approval from the Historic Preservation staff. Information for the Old and Historic Alexandria District and Parker Gray commercial can be found here. The Parker Gray Residential Reference Guide is here. The administrative approval process normally takes less than a week, depending on workflow. The Administrative Approval Application can be found in the APEX permitting system.

Resources and Information

City Resources

  • Board of Architectural Review
    • Board of Architectural Review Annual Report
    • Board of Architectural Review Meeting Videos and Docket Materials
    • Annual Letter to Property Owners (2021)
  • Del Ray Neighborhood Residential Pattern Book 
  • National Register compared with Local Historic District
  • National Register of Historic Places Information

State Resources

  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources 
  • Virginia Department of Historic Resources: Federal and State Rehabilitation Tax Credits
  • National Register and Virginia Landmarks Register Listings in Alexandria

More Resources

  • American Institute of Architects 
  • American Institute of Architects, Northern Virginia Chapter 
  • DC Historic Preservation Office 
  • Maryland Historic Trust 
  • National Park Service 
    • National Park Service Historic Preservation Fund
    • National Park Service Historic Preservation Briefs 
  • National Preservation Institute 
  • National Trust for Historic Preservation 
  • National Register of Historic Places Information
  • This Old House (PBS) ​​​​​​​

Related Sites

  • Alexandria Sites on the National Register of Historic Places
  • Historic Alexandria
  • Planning and Zoning

Questions?

  • Historic Preservation staff support the Board of Architectural Review through the application of the local historic district regulations, provision of technical preservation and architectural assistance to property owners, implementation of historic preservation initiatives and ongoing community outreach throughout the city.
    • Contact the Historic Preservation staff in the Department of Planning and Zoning, 703.746.3833.
  • Office of Historic Alexandria's preservation activities include Archaeology, Preservation Easements, and stewardship of City-owned historic sites and museums.
    • ​​​​​​​Contact the Office of Historic Alexandria staff , 703.746.4554.​​​​​​​
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Alexandria, VA 22314

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