Development and Planning, Rockville Reports

Final Zoning Ordinance and Map Drafts Published

Rockville’s proposed new zoning ordinance and zoning map have reached the final stage of review, with final staff drafts now available on Engage Rockville. 

Published June 15, the final staff draft zoning ordinance and comprehensive map amendment reflect direction provided by the Mayor and Council during work sessions held in May and June. The documents also incorporate technical corrections, minor policy changes and plain-language revisions. 

The June 1 meeting was the fourth and final scheduled Mayor and Council work session on the proposals. The work sessions included a detailed review of the zoning ordinance’s 13 articles and proposed changes to the city’s zoning map. 

The review followed the Planning Commission’s completion of work in February. The commission adopted advisory recommendations on the draft ordinance and map before forwarding both proposals to the Mayor and Council for consideration. The Mayor and Council also held three sets of public hearings during the adoption process. 

The multiyear zoning ordinance rewrite will revise and replace chapter 25 of city code, including zoning and subdivision regulations. The comprehensive map amendment will confirm or modify the zoning designation for each parcel in Rockville. 

Together, the proposals will implement zoning recommendations from the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the adopted Town Center Master Plan while modernizing regulations governing development, land use and application review. 

Final drafts, project updates and supporting materials are available at engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite.