Skip to content
SetbackIQ

Historic districts in Alexandria, VA

In Old and Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray, exterior work visible from a public way needs a BAR certificate of appropriateness, even with no building permit. SetbackIQ checks the city's historic district map.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Alexandria before you build.

The details

  • Shed limits shrink to 65 sq ft and 8 ft in the historic districts.High confidence
  • The BAR may waive fence heights and corner sight rules in the historic districts.High confidence

Check a project at your address

SetbackIQ reads the zoning, flood zone, historic district, and environmental maps for your lot. Then it applies these rules.

What are you building?

Open the checker

Common questions

What changes in a historic district in Alexandria?
In Old and Historic Alexandria and Parker-Gray, exterior work visible from a public way needs a BAR certificate of appropriateness, even with no building permit. SetbackIQ checks the city's historic district map.

Sources

  1. City of Alexandria Zoning Ordinance §§ 7-101, 7-202, 7-801, 7-1101, 7-1102 (Municode, Supp. 103). Checked 2026-10-21
    [7-202(A)] Arbors, trellises and pergolas, provided that such structures: (a) Shall not exceed ten feet in height... (c) Shall remain 80 percent open... (10) Walls which do not exceed two feet in height... (12) Structures or mechanical equipment associated …

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.