Development and Planning, Mayor and Council, Rockville Reports

Zoning Ordinance Rewrite Nears Transition to Mayor and Council Review

Rockville’s zoning ordinance rewrite and comprehensive map amendment moved into the final stages of Planning Commission review in February, following a series of public hearings and work sessions on the proposed zoning ordinance and zoning map. 

The Planning Commission began the adoption phase in January, holding multiple public hearings and work sessions on the staff draft zoning ordinance and draft zoning map. At its first adoption work session and public hearing on Jan. 14, commissioners examined historic preservation regulations, parking requirements, the pedestrian and bicycle facilities division, amenity space, and proposed rezonings tied to the comprehensive map amendment for Planning Area 10, Montrose and North Farm, and Planning Area 12, Tower Oaks. 

The commission continued its review on Jan. 28, addressing fencing standards, including deer mesh; selected use standards; nonconformities; and pending state legislation that could affect local zoning provisions. 

Citing the breadth and complexity of the issues under review, the Planning Commission scheduled additional meetings to allow for further discussion and public input. A third adoption work session and public hearing was held Feb. 4, focusing on ordinance language, purpose statements, development review processes, follow-up items from the Jan. 14 meeting, rezonings in Planning Areas 10 and 12, historic preservation, and amenity space. 

The commission held a fourth adoption work session and public hearing on Feb. 11. Topics included selected zoning districts, zoning map amendments, certain development standards, transitional provisions, signage and additional technical items. 

The Planning Commission was scheduled to consider transmitting its recommendation on the zoning ordinance and  zoning map to the Mayor and Council at its Feb. 25 meeting, after press time for “Rockville Reports.” This marks the anticipated conclusion of the commission’s role in the adoption process.  

Planning Commission meetings are held in the Mayor and Council chamber at City Hall and are broadcast live on Rockville 11. Brief books for each meeting, including staff reports and supporting materials, are posted at rockvillemd.gov/agendacenter. 

With the Planning Commission’s review nearing completion, the Mayor and Council are expected to begin their consideration of the proposed zoning ordinance and zoning map this spring. A briefing on the Planning Commission’s recommendation is scheduled for Monday, March 23, followed by work sessions and public hearings before final adoption is considered. 

More information about the project and next steps is available at engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite.