City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 30, 2025
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: GREGG FIELDS, ALEXANDRIA BUILDING OFFICIAL, DIRECTOR OF CODE ADMINISTRATION
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt Adjustments to the FY 2026 Department of Code Administration’s Permit Center Fee Schedule. [ROLL-CALL VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: Resolution to adopt Code Administration Fee Schedule Adjustments
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment 1). If adopted, the new fee schedule will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
BACKGROUND: This memorandum provides information regarding the proposed Department of Code Administration fee adjustments for the FY2026 budget year. The proposed changes include the creation of two new fees and the revision of four fees. The proposed changes represent editorial changes based on customer feedback and adjustments for new construction projects. Proposed increases are projected to result in approximately $141,464.00 in revenue to support additional costs to provide required services. The increases have been presented and discussed with the representatives from the development industry and during our Council Budget work session.
DISCUSSION: The proposed FY2026 code fee adjustments are as follows:
• The Minimum Permit Fee proposed an increase from $85 to $95. The last increase occurred in 2014.
• New Construction (Commercial) Fee proposed increase from $7.30 to $7.50 per $1,000 of construction cost. This proposal represents a 3% increase and is the first increase since 2014.
• Electric Vehicles (EV) Chargers new fee - Minimum permit fee (see above) - this fee will offset the costs of plan review and performing inspections. The fee will be charged for both residential and commercial and will be a flat fee per station.
• Residential Photovoltaic Systems New Fee - Minimum permit fee (see above)- projected 50% increase in the number of installations this year. This will be a flat fee per station.
• Systems Furniture - (adding additional language for clarity)- Minimum permit fee, not currently broken-out in the fee schedule, provides clarity for customers who install systems furniture, no added revenue.
• Commercial Buildings - Existing Business conversions to Residential Occupancy- not currently broken out in the fee schedule, customers were unclear on how to calculate the fee and therefore requested this clarification, no additional revenue expected.
FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed fee schedule modifications pose no adverse effect on the special revenue fund. These fee adjustments will better align services with the cost of administration and will ensure that the multi-departmental permit center can meet the needs of the customer.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. FY 2026 Proposed Code Administration Alexandria Permit Center Fee Schedule Changes
STAFF:
Emily Baker, Deputy City Manager
Morgan Routt, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Diane Best, Assistant Director, Code Administration