City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: MAY 7, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LEAH RILEY, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
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Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Sections 5-2-16 (PLACING MERCHANDISE ON OR OTHERWISE OBSTRUCTING SIDEWALKS AND OTHER PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY) and 5-2-29 (STREET ENCROACHMENTS) of the of Article A (GENERAL PROVISIONS) of Chapter 2 (STREETS AND SIDEWALKS) of Title 5 (TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES) of the City Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
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ISSUE: Should City Council adopt amendments to City Code Sections 5-2-16 and 5-2-29 to establish consistent enforcement mechanisms and civil penalties for obstructions and encroachments within the public right-of-way.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council approve the ordinance (Attachment 2) on first reading and schedule it for public hearing, second reading, and final passage.
BACKGROUND: City Code Sections 5-2-16 and 5-2-29 regulate the placement of objects within the public right-of-way and the authorization of encroachments. These provisions are essential to maintaining safe, accessible and unobstructed streets, sidewalks and public spaces for all users.
While the Code currently outlines permitted and prohibited activities, enforcement provisions are limited. Currently, the Code does not allow the City to issue monetary penalties to people in violation of these Code sections. This has created challenges in addressing violations, because there are not clear disincentives for repeatedly breaking the law.
The proposed ordinance updates these sections to establish consistent enforcement provisions and provide staff with clearer authority and tools to address violations while continuing to prior...
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