Article X, Section 10-101
Dimensional standards
Height & bulk
Servicing
- Geographic extent
- Old and HistoricHistoric districtAn area where exterior changes need design review to protect its character. Alexandria DistrictZoning districtA mapped area with one set of rules, identified by a code like R-1 or B-2. as shown on zoning maps
Extracted standards
11 individual requirements pulled out of this section’s prose, each with the sentence it came from.
Height
- HeightMaximum heightThe tallest a building may be, given in feet, in storeys, or both — whichever binds first. limit in Potomac River Vicinity30 ft
Within the Potomac River Vicinity Height District, in addition to the provisions of section 10-105(A)(2), the following standards and guidelines, to the extent relevant in each individual case, shall apply in considering an application for a certificate of appropriateness by the board of architectural review, or by the city council on appeal, for any building in excess of 30 feet in height when such height has been authorized by a special use permit.
Other
- Administrative approval for signs and minor architectural elements
The director may review and approve applications for the following exterior changes, provided they comply with the specific criteria and standards outlined and formally approved by the board. (a) Signs; (b) Minor architectural elements including, but not limited to, residential accessibility structures; sheds; storm doors; gutters and downspouts; utility meters, vents and HVAC condensers; fences and gates; exterior lighting and shutters; siding and trim; railings; and, antennas.
- Certificate of appropriateness expiration12 months
Any certificate of appropriateness issued pursuant to section 10-106(A) and any permit to move, remove, capsulate or demolish in whole or in part in the Old and Historic Alexandria District issued pursuant to section 10-106(B) shall expire of its own limitation 12 months from the date of issuance if the work authorized thereby is not commenced and diligently and substantially pursued by the end of such 12 month period; and further, any such certificate and permit shall also expire and become null and void if such authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 12 months after being commenced and diligently and substantially pursued.
- Certificate of appropriateness required for exterior alterations
No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, altered or restored within the Old and Historic Alexandria District unless and until an application for a certificate of appropriateness shall have been approved by the board of architectural review or the city council on appeal as to exterior architectural features, including signs (see Article IX), which are subject to public view from a public street, way or place.
- Permit required for moving, removing, capsulating or demolishing
No building or structure within the Old and Historic Alexandria District shall be moved, removed, capsulated or demolished in whole or in part without first obtaining a permit approved by the board of architectural review or the city council on appeal, except as provided in section 10-111 and except for demolitions of portions of buildings resulting in the removal of less than 25 square feet total of exterior wall, roof or surface which shall be deemed an alteration and subject to section 10-103(A).
- Demolition of less than 25 sq ftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000. considered alteration25 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
except for demolitions of portions of buildings resulting in the removal of less than 25 square feet total of exterior wall, roof or surface which shall be deemed an alteration and subject to section 10-103(A).
- Design review standards for new construction and alterations
The board of architectural review or the city council on appeal shall consider the following features and factors in passing upon the appropriateness of the proposed construction, reconstruction, alteration or restoration of buildings or structures: (a) Overall architectural design, form, style and structure, including, but not limited to, the height, mass and scale of buildings or structures; (b) Architectural details including, but not limited to, original materials and methods of construction, the pattern, design and style of fenestration, ornamentation, lighting, signage and like decorative or functional fixtures of buildings or structures; ...
- Building massing study required for large projects or near residential3,000 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
Applications for projects over 3,000 square feet, or for projects located within 66 feet of land used or zoned for residential uses, shall include a building massing study.
- Ordinary maintenance exempt from certificate
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Article X, exterior architectural features may be the subject of ordinary maintenance, including repair and replacement with the same design, color and material, without the necessity of a certificate of appropriateness if, upon review by the director or his designee, it is found that such maintenance: (1) Does not result in the substantial removal of an exterior feature that is considered to have historic and/or architectural significance; and (2) Does not perpetuate a condition or treatment that is considered to be, by board of architectural review policy, inappropriate or incompatible with the historic surroundings of the Old and Historic Alexandria District.
- Preapplication conference required for projects over 10,000 sq ftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.10,000 sqftsq ftSquare feet. An acre is 43,560 sq ft; a typical suburban lot is 7,000–10,000.
No fewer than 45 days prior to filing an application for a certificate of appropriateness, an applicant who proposes construction which is subject to this section 10-105(A)(3), shall meet with the director to discuss the application of these standards to the proposed development; provided, that this requirement for a preapplication conference shall apply only to the construction of 10,000 or more square feet of gross building area, including but not limited to the area in any above-ground parking structure.
- Maximum building footprint on Washington Street100 ft
Buildings should appear from the public right-of-way to have a footprint no larger than 100 feet by 80 feet.
From the ordinance
No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, altered or restored within the Old and Historic Alexandria District unless and until an application for a certificate of appropriateness shall have been approved by the board of architectural review or the city council on appeal as to exterior architectural features, including signs (see Article IX), which are subject to public view from a public street, way or place.