Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
A comprehensive update of Rockville’s zoning ordinance is underway. The city’s zoning ordinance was last rewritten in 2009. In the past 15 years, there has continued to be a shift in land use practices and living arrangements, and the current zoning ordinance has not been flexible enough to accommodate these changes.
This Zoning Ordinance Rewrite follows the adoption of the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan in 2021 and will implement the goals and policies of that plan, along with associated city plans and policies. Updating zoning rules will support policies to improve quality of life, prepare for new and innovative businesses and construction methods, and address the future demands of the city. While this project will update the zoning ordinance and the associated zoning map, it is not intended to revisit the Rockville 2040 Plan or introduce more policies or actions. Additional project goals are outlined below.
What is the Zoning Ordinance?
The city’s zoning ordinance is a set of laws and regulations found in Chapter 25 of the City Code. Zoning regulates what structures and land are used for, where a structure may be located on a lot, and how big structures can be. It also regulates other elements of site development, such as forest and tree preservation, accessory structures, parking, and the processes by which new development can be approved. Zoning laws and regulations are also the main way that the land use recommendations from the city’s comprehensive plan are implemented.
Land within the city is divided into different zoning districts (or “zones”), each of which has its own requirements. This way, use and development regulations are tailored to different parts of the city. The city’s zoning map shows how zones are currently applied in the city.
For additional information on the basics of zoning, check out Rockville Zoning 101.
Goals of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite
Implement zoning-related recommendations in the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Accomplish goals from the FAST initiative as incorporated into Rockville 2040 — making the development review and permitting process Faster, Accountable, Smarter and Transparent.
Ensure compliance with current federal and state regulations.
Incorporate the city’s commitment to equity, resilience and sustainability, as described in the 2021 Mayor and Council social justice resolution and the 2022 Climate Action Plan.
Incorporate the best practices of planning and zoning, including housing variety and clear and objective standards.
Ensure writing and organization is clear, accessible, and easy to use.
What is included in the scope of the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite?
The comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Rewrite will touch on regulations including those related to:
Land use and urban design
Development review processes & procedures
Historic preservation
Housing
Recreation and parks
Environment
Transportation
To implement the updated zoning ordinance, the project will also update the city’s zoning map.
Project Phases
Module 1, Diagnose: Review and identify the issues and strengths of the current ordinance. Analyze whether and how the current zoning ordinance is aligned with goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
Module 2, Calibrate: Using the guidance provided by the Rockville 2040 Plan along with community input, identify and propose effective base standards of the updated zoning code. Solve for issues identified in Module 1.
Module 3, Codify: Following on the proposed new standards, develop a user-friendly, concise, and well-written zoning code.
Ask a Question
Do you have a question about the Zoning Ordinance Rewrite? Send in your question and staff will respond with an answer soon.
Who's Listening
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Phone 240-314-8211 Email jwasilak@rockvillemd.gov -
Phone 240-314-8223 Email hsimmons@rockvillemd.gov