Review of Rockville's Comprehensive Master Plan

What is the Comprehensive Master Plan and why is it important?
The Comprehensive Master Plan (CMP) describes the broad vision for the City’s future.  It provides the core philosophy that directs all development and conservation activities in Rockville.  It guides where and in what form development occurs in the community and frames the City’s capital improvement projects. 

The CMP is used to test the appropriateness of both public and private development proposals.  During the life of the plan, decisions will be made on land use issues and budget priorities.  These decisions will be judged by the extent to which they correspond with the master plan.

Why are we doing this now?
The City approved and adopted the CMP on November 12, 2002.  Article 66B of the Maryland State Code requires that each jurisdiction review its CMP every six years and, if necessary, make revisions.  The Planning Commission is given the authority to direct the review to decide how much of the plan should be revised, if any, and to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council.  The Mayor and Council reviews that recommendation, together with public input, and makes the final decision regarding whether revision is necessary.  The Mayor and Council then communicates that decision to the Maryland Department of Planning.

How can I be involved?
Everyone with an interest in the City is welcome to participate, either on an individual basis, or as part of a community group.   

The 2002 CMP is available online.   You can download the entire document or individual sections for review.  Hard copies are also available, free of charge, from the Department of Community Planning and Development Services at City Hall.  You can review the section referring to your neighborhood, or any other portion of the Plan that interests you. 

We want to know what you think! 
After reading the relevant portions of the 2002 CMP, please consider the following questions:

• How accurately does the 2002 CMP text reflect current conditions?
• Are there other relevant documents/plans that currently apply? (For example, a neighborhood plan; HOA regulations etc.)
• Which of the Recommendations do you believe have been implemented?
• Which of the Recommendations have not been implemented but still should be?  
• Which of the Recommendations have not been implemented and should not be?  Why?
• What is missing?

You can send your comments online, by email to masterplanreview@rockvillemd.gov, or by mail to Ann Wallas, CPDS, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD, 20850.

Please submit your comments by December 10, 2008, if you would like them to be considered by the Planning Commission.

What will happen to my comments?
All comments will be passed on to the Planning Commission for their consideration in the form they are received.   Comments may be subsequently summarized and/or categorized by staff for ease of reference.  The Planning Commission will consider all comments as they make their decision on whether or not to revise the 2002 CMP.

Is City staff involved?
City staff has been asked to conduct an Audit/Technical Review of those portions of the 2002 CMP that relate to their work and area of expertise.  Staff across City departments are reviewing the 2002 CMP and responding to the six questions listed above.

What is the timetable?
City staff is currently working on the Audit/Technical Review and the Planning Commission is scheduled for a briefing on the results of that work on October 22, 2008.   The Planning Commission will discuss the Audit, together with input from the community, in December before making their decision in January 2009.

Please submit your comments by December 10, 2008, if you would like them to be considered by the Planning Commission.

Will we revise the Plan?
The Planning Commission will review and discuss the results of the Staff Audit and community feedback and will make their judgment on whether a revision of the 2002 CMP is needed and, if revision is needed, how extensive it should be.  The Planning Commission will convey their recommendation to the Mayor and Council, which will make the final decision on whether, and how much of, a revision is required.  The Mayor and Council will report its decision to the State.

Questions or Comments?
Send questions or comments online, by email to masterplanreview@rockvillemd.gov, or contact Ann Wallas and David Levy within Community Planning and Development Service’s Long Range Planning Division at 240-314-8200.