Big Changes Coming? Rockville Zoning Rewrite Targets Downtown and Twinbrook
Rockville is rethinking the rules that shape how our neighborhoods and business districts grow—and major zoning changes are on the table for both downtown Rockville and the Twinbrook neighborhood.
The city is updating its zoning ordinance for the first time since 2009 to reflect how people live and work today. This rewrite will bring Rockville’s zoning in line with the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan and could pave the way for new housing options, business models, and construction types—especially in areas identified for growth and change.
If you live, work, or own property in Twinbrook or downtown Rockville, this is the time to get involved.
Key dates to watch:
- Tuesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m. – Twinbrook Community Association meeting at the Twinbrook Recreation Center (residents especially encouraged to attend)
- Monday, June 24 and Wednesday, June 26 – Two virtual citywide zoning update meetings. Register for the virtual meetings at www.engagerockville.com/zoningrewrite
These meetings will explore how zoning changes could shape the future of your neighborhood—from building heights to business uses and green space requirements.
Understanding Rockville’s Zoning: A Guide for Residents and Businesses
As Rockville updates its zoning ordinance, it’s helpful to understand what the current zones mean—especially if you live, work, or plan to develop in the city. Here’s a breakdown of five key zones under consideration, explained for non-specialists:
Continue reading →Will Mayor and Council Move Forward with Accessory Dwelling Units?
At its Monday, January 23, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss if they will move forward with allowing accessory apartments and dwelling units for single family houses. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are elevator modernization for 50 Monroe Street (NTE $470,000); purchasing of Tasers (“electronic control devices”; $213,000), and agreements for two Maryland Bikeway Grants, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on concept designs for the renovation of the outdoor pool at the Swim Center (built 1968, last renovated 1991; 2023 estimated renovation cost $9 million).
The City of Rockville has been exploring accessory dwelling units (ADUs) since 2019 and is now considering whether to move to the next step: developing regulations. ADUs are typically a second small home with a kitchen and bathroom on the same lot as an existing single family home. It allows more flexibility in neighborhoods with single family houses (the zoning that dominates Rockville) to accommodate different living situations more comfortably. For example, a grandparent could move in with their children, yet maintain a separate space (or downsize to a smaller home, allowing their children to move into the main house). Or as teenagers move into adulthood, they could have more privacy and independence while reducing expenses. Or it can allow a separate home office (businesses without employees or customers on site are currently allowed in single family neighborhoods). Secondly, it increases housing in a region that has a housing shortage without creating huge apartment or condo complexes. The homeowner can earn extra revenue, while the renter can obtain a more affordable and usually more comfortable place to live. So far, accessory buildings have gained the support of the Twinbrook Community Association, Lincoln Park Civic Association, East Rockville Civic Association, and West End Citizens Association and Montgomery County currently allows accessory dwelling units.
More details in the 182-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01232023-6787.
Max for Rockville 