Early Building and Repair Permits (MS040)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Alexandria Library
Alexandria Library
Local History/Special Collections
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Patricia Walker, Branch Manager
Phone: (703) 746-1719
Phone: (703) 838-4577
Fax: (703) 706-3912
Preferred citation:

[item description], Early Building and Repair Permits, MS040, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
4.60 Cubic Feet 10 boxes
Creator:
Alexandria (Va.). Office of City Engineer and Alexandria (Va.). Office of City Auditor
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[item description], Early Building and Repair Permits, MS040, Alexandria Library, Local History and Special Collections, Alexandria, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains applications for permits for new construction and repairs or alterations of properties in Alexandria, Virginia, dating from the 1890s through the 1940s. These documents include description of the property, description of new construction or proposed modifications, location, owner, builder, material, cost, and other specifications. Some permits also include hand-drawn maps or architectural sketches. The collection is organized chronologically.

Biographical / historical:

Permits for new construction and permits for repairs and alterations were first issued in Alexandria, Virginia starting in 1891. That year, a new act to regulate the erection of buildings in the city was approved by the Common Council President, President of the Board of Aldermen, and the Mayor. Permit applications were submitted to the Office of the City Engineer. After approval was granted by the City Engineer, the Office of the City Auditor issued the permits. The Office of the City Auditor kept all permit applications and provided an annual report to the City Council with statistics regarding permits issued. In 1891, it cost $0.50 to apply for a building permit and fines for violating city regulations ranged from $2.00 to $10.00.

Acquisition information:
Gift of John Stevens and the Alexandria Archaeology Society.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard