When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in Alexandria?

A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck. Virginia's building code doesn't regulate patios, walks and driveways laid on grade. Local zoning, land-disturbance and right-of-way rules can still apply.

Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in Alexandria?

Apply through APEX permit portal, or call 703-746-4200.

Do you need a permit for a patio, walkway, or driveway in Alexandria, VA?

It depends on the details of your project.

Open terraces up to 2 ft above grade may sit in any yard except a primary front yard.

The 2 ft limit for terraces in a yard is measured from the adjoining ground.

The yard allowance for open terraces does not apply in a primary front yard.

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

Permits a patio, walkway, or driveway can need in Alexandria

Permit	When it applies
Building permit	A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck.Medium confidence
Floodplain development permit	Paving and fill in a FEMA special flood hazard area need a permit.
RPA review (Environmental Management Ordinance)	In a Resource Protection Area, new structures and paving are not among the uses the city's Environmental Management Ordinance allows outright (Zoning Ordinance § 13-107). They need approval from the Director of Transportation and Environmental Services, usually as an exception under § 13-119 backed by a water quality impact assessment.
Board of Architectural Review approval	In Old and Historic Alexandria or Parker-Gray, exterior work visible from a public way needs a certificate of appropriateness from the Board of Architectural Review, even when no building permit is required.

Limits that apply citywide

In a required yard	Open terraces and decks up to 2 ft above the adjoining ground, in any yard except a primary front yard

Local details

Call 811 at least a few days before you dig footings or post holes. Utility locating is free.
HOA covenants and deed restrictions can be stricter than city rules. Check yours before you build.

How to apply

APEX permit portal
Code Administration, when is a permit required
Alexandria zoning map
Phone: 703-746-4200

Common questions

When does a patio, walkway, or driveway need a building permit in Alexandria?: A raised surface more than 30 in above grade is built and permitted as a deck. Virginia's building code doesn't regulate patios, walks and driveways laid on grade. Local zoning, land-disturbance and right-of-way rules can still apply.
Where do I apply for a patio, walkway, or driveway permit in Alexandria?: Apply through APEX permit portal, or call 703-746-4200.

Sources

Virginia USBC, 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, Exemptions from application for permit. Checked 2026-10-23
2. One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet... 5. Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety as provided for by Section 3306 or used…
44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
City of Alexandria Zoning Ordinance Article XIII, Environmental Management, §§ 13-107 and 13-119 (Municode). Checked 2026-10-23
13-107 - Development, redevelopment, and uses permitted in RPAs. The following criteria shall apply in RPAs unless the development, redevelopment, use, or land-disturbing activity is exempted under section 13-123 or granted an exception pursuant to section …
Virginia Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC25-830-80, -140). Checked 2026-10-21
Land development may be allowed in the Resource Protection Area, subject to approval by the local government, only if it [is water dependent, is redevelopment, or fits the other listed cases]... The 100-foot wide buffer area shall be the landward component …
City of Alexandria Code Administration, PP 2012-01 When is a permit required (April 12, 2012). Checked 2026-10-20
Other City agencies [Planning and Zoning, Board of Architectural Review, Transportation and Environmental Services, Health Department] may still need to review and approve work even when no building permit is required... For specific requirements, contact t…
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 …