Lincoln Park Conservation District Amendments (formerly Design Guidelines)

On January 27, 2025, the Mayor and Council adopted amendments to the Lincoln Park Conservation District Plan and Zoning Text Amendment TXT2024-00267 which revises building standards in the Lincoln Park Conservation District overlay zone.

On January 6, 2025, the Mayor and Council conducted a work session for the proposed Lincoln Park Residential Design Guidelines. After extensive discussion, the Mayor and Council decided not to proceed with the design guidelines. Instead, staff was directed to prepare amendments to the Lincoln Park Conservation District that focus on needed revisions to existing standards relative to building footprint and height requirements. The amendments have been scheduled for possible adoption at the Mayor and Council’s January 27 meeting.

On November 18, 2024, the Mayor and Council held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Lincoln Park Conservation District Plan and Zoning Text Amendment TXT2024-00267 which proposes to revise the Lincoln Park Conservation District overlay zone and Implement the Lincoln Park Design Guidelines. Members of the public were able to provide testimony on the proposed amendments and design guidelines.

At its October 23rd meeting, the Planning Commission recommended approval of an amendment to the Lincoln Park Conservation District Plan and Zoning Text Amendment TXT2024-00267 which proposes to revise the Lincoln Park Conservation District overlay zone and Implement the Lincoln Park Design Guidelines.

On October 10, the Rockville Mayor and Council, joined by residents, staff and members of the public, conducted a walking tour of the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

The tour focused on observing the look and feel of homes in this historic neighborhood in relation to design guidelines proposed for the community. Lincoln park residents were able to provide input on their experience living in the neighborhood and their thoughts on the proposed guidelines for the community.

At its September 25th meeting, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on an amendment to the Lincoln Park Conservation District Plan and Zoning Text Amendment TXT2024-00267 which proposes to revise the Lincoln Park Conservation District overlay zone and Implement the Lincoln Park Design Guidelines. At the meeting, members of the public were able to provide feedback on the current third draft of the design guidelines and the aforementioned items.

At its Sept. 11 meeting, the Planning Commission received a briefing on a proposed amendment to the Lincoln Park Conservation District plan and Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) in order to implement the Lincoln Park Design Guidelines. At the meeting the Commission discussed the ZTA and asked questions of staff.

At their September 9th meeting, the Mayor and Council adopted Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) TXT2024-00266 which created a process to amend neighborhood conservation districts. An amendment of the Lincoln Park Conservation District Plan and associated ZTA was also introduced at this meeting which proposes to update the conservation district to implement the Lincoln Park Design Guidelines. The Mayor and Council authorized the plan amendment and ZTA to move forward. Subsequent public meetings will occur before final action is taken on the design guidelines.

Staff hosted a public meeting for the third draft of the design guidelines at the Lincoln Park Community Center. This meeting was an open house where residents were able to view and comment on the different elements of the design guidelines. Hard copies of the third draft were also available for in-person review at the community center as well. View the third draft here. Residents can continue to contact staff to provide feedback on the draft design guidelines and an amended Conservation District Plan which is needed in order to implement the new design guidelines. View the amended plan here.

On July 8, the Mayor and Council held a Public Hearing on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) TXT2024-00266 which proposes a process to amend a neighborhood conservation district. Members of the public were provided an opportunity to provide testimony on the proposed ZTA during the hearing.