City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 9, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: STEVEN CHOZICK, APPLICATIONS DIVISION CHIEF, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Public Hearing, Second Reading and Final Passage of an Ordinance to amend and reordain Article D (HOUSE NUMBERS) of Chapter 2 (STREETS AND SIDEWALKS) of Title 5 (TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES) to add Section 5-2-94 (RENUMBERING) of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of an ordinance in response to a request from Councilman Abdel-Rahman Elnoubi (and former Councilmember Kirk McPike), to amend the City Code to establish a process for renumbering of property addresses and an appeal process for properties affected by renumbering.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council pass on first reading and set for public hearing, second reading, and final passage on April 18, 2026, an ordinance (Attachment 2) to establish a property renumbering process.
BACKGROUND: A resident of Russell Road approached City Council regarding the use of a fractional address (“1/2”), reporting significant confusion and frustration. Mail, packages, and other services were often directed to the incorrect location. The resident reports that supplemental signage on the property has been ineffective at remedying the situation and has requested that their address be changed.
In this instance, established addresses for other properties on the street limit the ability to simply advance to the next sequential address number. Such change would necessitate renumbering the neighboring property as well.
The City Code currently sets out the general building numbering system. Staff have worked with residents facing similar challenges in the past to renumber lots, but only when both lots impacted have been supportive of the change.
DISCUSSION: Currently the renumbering of existing addresses is done on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Information Technology Services/GIS as stated above. The proposed text amendment formalizes the existing process and provides for an appeal process for affected property owners.
The proposed ordinance establishes that the City Manager or their designee is authorized to make property or building number changes to eliminate confusion, correct errors, or for other health, safety, and welfare reasons, in alignment with the City’s authority. Changes may also be requested by a property owner. For changes initiated by property owners, the proposed ordinance establishes an application process and provides notification to affected property owners.
The proposed ordinance also establishes an appeal process for any person affected by a renumbering action by the City. Appeals must be filed within 30 days following notification of a proposed change. The appeal process provides that valid appeals will be scheduled for public hearing by City Council, establishes a timeline for notice of decision by City Council, and when such decision becomes effective.
The Department of Information Technology Services/GIS and the Department of Planning and Zoning are coordinating with the City Clerk to develop administrative procedures related to address renumbering or appeals. This includes a Table of Proposed Renumbering and Appeal Process, that will be used by and can be updated by City staff (Attachment 3).
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance Cover
2. Proposed Ordinance
3. Table of Proposed Renumbering and Appeal Process
4. Renumbering Text Amendment Presentation
STAFF:
Tony LaColla, AICP, P&Z, Land Use + Preservation Division Chief
Steven Chozick, ITS, Applications Division Chief
Brian Dofflemyer, P&Z, Development Engineering Division Chief
Corinna Nowak, ITS, Technical Program Manager
Bill Cook, P&Z, Urban Planner
Mary Christesen, P&Z, Principal Planner