Permit Guidelines - Transportation & Environmental Services Basic Guidelines Any work in or use of the public right-of-way (street, landscaping strip [area between the sidewalk and the street], sidewalk, public alleys) requires a permit from Transportation & Environmental Services. This could include activities such as placing a ladder and/or scaffolding on the sidewalk, closing the sidewalk or travel lane, locating a dumpster, trailer, or crane on the sidewalk or street, stock piling materials, excavation, and special events such as a block party, foot race/walk-a-thon, parade/procession. See the full list of activities and permits below. A permit for work in/use of the public right-of-way should be applied for five (5) business days prior to the start of the work. A drawing will be required showing the location of the work/use and equipment, together with a maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan. Submitted MOT plans must be specific to the work described on the associated permit application. The location of work and the MOT may be combined on the same drawing. The MOT plan must meet the requirements of the current version of the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual and the Virginia Department of Transportation's Work Zone Pedestrian and Bicycle Guidance (WXPBG). Transportation and Environmental Services Fee Schedule Payment of all applicable permit fees will need to be provided prior to the release of any permit. The Transportation and Environmental Services fee schedule can be found here: Transportation and Environmental Services Permit Center Fee Schedule. Submit Applications Online The City's APEX Permitting & Land Use System makes it easier for customers to apply for and obtain permits and approvals electronically. APEX offers electronic application, plan submission and review for permits and land use applications; online payments; real-time status tracking for permit and land use applications; online inspection scheduling, tracking and updates; advanced search capabilities; and easy, effective communication with customers. For help with T&ES permit applications, call 703.746.4035. Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) and Construction General Permits In accordance with the new Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Regulations, effective on July 1, 2014, the City of Alexandria will administer construction general permits for discharges of stormwater from local construction activities. For more information on how to obtain a construction general permit, please visit the Water Quality Regulations and Permitting webpage. Emergencies Per City code section 5-2-141(b): When an emergency demands the work to be done immediately, provided the permit could not reasonably and practicably have been obtained beforehand, the person may proceed with an opening without a permit; provided, however, that notification of such emergency work shall be given to the director of Transportation & Environmental Services by telephone before proceeding with the work. The person shall therefore apply for a permit on the first regular business day on which the office of the director of Transportation & Environmental Services is open for business, and the permit shall be retroactive to the date when the work was begun. Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Please follow the links below for requested documents.

  • Virginia Department of Transportation's Work Zone Pedestrian and Bicycle Guidance (WZPBG)
  • Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (VWAMP)
  • Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Permit applications and drawings (no larger than 11 x 17) may be submitted by e-mail to TESPermits@alexandriava.gov In accordance with the WZPGB, the MOT must also address the safe conveyance of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, through or around the work area (see Memo to Industry 04-18 for more details). The standard accepted treatment for sidewalks and bicycle traffic is to maintain a safe path around the site, and closing sidewalks and directing pedestrians to cross the street will be exception for only extreme circumstances. The Virginia Work Area Protection Manual and the WZPBG may be accessed via the links above. Please note that all drawings are required to have a North arrow to aid in orientation. See attached examples of MOT plans for small road closure and/or work in an intersection. The attached MOT plans are examples and are provided for informational purposes only. If the proposed work is part of an approved site plan, special use permit or grading plan, a copy of the approved plan sheet showing the work to be performed, must be attached to the permit application. If reserved parking is needed, it must be indicated on the drawing. Parking must be approved and paid for no later than three (3) business days prior to when it is needed. (See Temporary Parking Regulations for requirements and fees.) Community members who have concerns about the implementation of a Maintenance of Traffic Plan should contact the Permits & Inspections Division through Alex311 under Other - ROW Access & Construction Issues. Permit Requirements All maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans shall be in conformance with the current version of the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual, the Virginia Department of Transportation's Work Zone Pedestrian and Bicycle Guidance, and Memo to Industry 04-18. The name of the insured on the certificate of insurance, and the name of the principal on the required bonds must be identical to the name of the applicant/contractor on the permit application.