Forest and Tree Preservation

Development in Rockville is subject to the city’s Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance (FTPO), adopted under Chapter 10.5 of the Rockville City Code. Supplemental information required by the ordinance is found in the Forest Conservation Manual and the Environmental Guidelines. The review process incorporates industry standards and best management practices. Any development subject to site plan review or project plan review must also adhere to applicable requirements in the Landscaping, Screening, and Lighting Manual.

The purpose of the FTPO is to:

Encourage the preservation and enhancement of Rockville’s urban forests.
Replace tree cover in non-forest areas within the city.
Establish procedures, standards, and requirements that protect trees and forests during and after development activity and minimize tree loss due to development.
Establish procedures, standards, and requirements for afforestation and reforestation of land within the city.
Fulfill the requirements of the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Natural Resources Article, Sections 5-1601 through 5-1613 of the Annotated Code of Maryland).

Explore the interactive Forest Conservation Easements Map to view protected forest areas in Rockville.

Ordinance Amendments

In 2023, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill amending state law to reduce the gradual loss of forest and tree canopy by instituting a variety of changes intended to increase the amount of forest and tree canopy at a statewide level. Proposed amendments to the FTPO will bring Rockville’s code into compliance with the state legislation.

The proposed amendments were presented at the March 27, 2024 Planning Commission meeting and the May 6, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting. A public hearing for the amendments was held at the Aug. 5, 2024 Mayor and Council meeting.

In the interest of transparency, city staff sought public input on the proposed amendments in May 2024 by hosting two virtual public forums, a forum for applicants, developers, and industry professionals, and a forum for the broader community.