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How to Verify a Professional's License in Alexandria?

Before hiring any professional in Alexandria, it is essential to ensure that such an individual or business is properly licensed. This is important, especially considering that some professionals have mandatory state and local-level licensing requirements. For example, contractors cannot work on projects up to $10,000 in value or $150,000 per year without a class A license. The Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR), through 18 regulatory boards, licenses a wide range of professionals in Alexandria, including engineers, land surveyors, architects, and contractors. You can verify professional licenses in Alexandria online through the DPOR license lookup or by calling (804) 367-8511.

In addition to verifying professional licenses, it is crucial that you obtain permits before commencing construction projects in Alexandria. The city's Permit Center issues these permits, and you can inquire about, or procure permits needed for your project by contacting this center at either 311 or (703) 746-4311.

Do Alexandria Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

There are over 30 civic and community associations in Alexandria. These associations advocate for the development of the areas they represent by making recommendations to the city council on various issues, including priority projects and code amendments. Note that the associations and the city council do not issue construction permits. However, the city council has the power to approve citywide public projects. For example, the council approved roadway improvement on Eisenhower Avenue, which is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2022. This project is focused on widening the roadways to improve traffic flow in the city. Similarly, the council also approved the Fillmore Avenue Sewer Replacement project to repair damage to an existing 10-inch sanitary sewer main along Fillmore Avenue between North Beauregard Street and Seminary Road. Residents can discover civic and community associations that operate in their vicinity by using the city's community association viewer.

How Do You File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Alexandria?

The DPOR protects Alexandria residents from deceptive business practices by professionals. You can file a complaint against professionals or businesses you had a difficult time with by completing the complaint form and forwarding it to the DPOR either by email, fax to (866) 282-3932, or by mail to

• Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
• Compliance and Investigations Division
• Complaint Analysis & Resolution
• 9960 Mayland Drive
• Suite 400
• Richmond, VA 23233-1485

Similar complaints containing crime allegations should be directed to the Alexandria Police Department by calling (703) 746-4444.

Note that these agencies, upon review of your complaint, will usually attempt to bring both parties together to find an amicable solution to the dispute. This procedure is known as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). However, this ADR is not a compulsory process, and if parties are unable to resolve their differences, then the DPOR will pursue disciplinary proceedings against the professional. Such actions aim to secure penalties against the professional and not compensation for a complainant's losses. As such, in addition to filing complaints, you should also consider instituting compensatory proceedings against the professional. This type of legal action will typically fall within the jurisdiction of the Small Claims Division of the Alexandria General District Court, which has authority over civil claims not exceeding $5,000 in value.