Development and Planning, Rockville Reports

Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, Map Amendment Move Into Adoption Phase

Rockville’s Zoning Ordinance Rewrite and Comprehensive Map Amendment project has entered its final phase: the adoption process.

This begins a monthslong period of public review expected to shape the final zoning ordinance and map, with adoption anticipated later in 2026.

On Dec. 1, the Mayor and Council authorized staff to file a recommended draft of the zoning text amendment, which would revise and replace the city’s zoning ordinance, and a recommended draft of the comprehensive map amendment, which would update the city’s zoning map.

This authorization launched the formal adoption process. Over coming months, the Planning Commission will hold public hearings and work sessions to review the draft, recommend revisions, and forward the documents to the Mayor and Council for their review and final action. Community members will have multiple opportunities to provide input throughout the process, which is expected to take about six months.

Staff drafts of the updated zoning ordinance and map are available for review at Engage Rockville, engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite. To help understand the proposed changes, city staff created a summary document, “Highlights: City of Rockville Staff Draft Zoning Ordinance,” which outlines key changes and indicates sections of interest.

An interactive version of the draft zoning map allows users to pan across the city, zoom in and out, search for specific properties, compare current and proposed zoning using a slider tool, and view parcel-specific information. Static map files are also available.

To support public understanding and feedback, the Department of Community Planning and Development Services hosted an orientation session on Dec. 4. Video of the session is available at engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite. A second, identical virtual session is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, via Webex. Register at the Engage Rockville website to receive a link to the session.

The Planning Commission received its initial briefing on the draft on Dec. 10 and identified topics for discussion at work sessions scheduled for early 2026. Meeting materials, including a video of the meeting and staff report, can be found at rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.

Community members are encouraged to review the drafts and share feedback using the forms available at engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite. Each form includes structured questions and space for additional comments. Submissions will be shared with the Planning Commission and the Mayor and Council during their respective work sessions. Separate forms are available for the staff drafts of the zoning ordinance and zoning map.