Rockville, MD Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Group R-3 residential
- Triggered by
- Framing & roofing complete
- Certifier
- MD-licensed surveyor or engineer
- Gate
- No close-in until approved
Summary
Rockville withholds close-in inspections on Group R-3 homes until a Maryland-licensed surveyor or engineer certifies the framed building height, submitted right after framing and roofing finish.
110.3.4.1 Residential Building Height. The height of residential buildings in Group R-3 shall conform with Chapter 25, Zoning Ordinance, Section 25.10.05 of the Rockville City Code. A building height certification shall be submitted to the City of Rockville after all framing and roofing is complete. No close-in inspections will be performed until the certification has been approved by the City. The building height certification shall be prepared and signed by a licensed land surveyor in the State of Maryland, a civil engineer licensed in the State of Maryland or any individual who is deemed qualified by the Building Official.
Exception:
(1)Residential buildings in Group R-3 where the proposed addition, alteration or reconstruction does not exceed or increase the height of the existing structure. New SFD construction shall be excluded. Sections 111.1.1, 111.1.2, and 111.1.3 are added to the IBC to read as follows:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
IBC § 110.3.4.1, added locally at City Code § 5-87, requires a building height certification for residential (Group R-3) construction once framing and roofing are done. No close-in inspection, the step that covers up rough framing, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work behind drywall, proceeds until the City has approved that certification. The certification must be prepared and signed by a Maryland-licensed land surveyor, a Maryland-licensed civil engineer, or another individual the Building Official deems qualified. The rule exempts additions or alterations that don't raise an existing structure's height, but applies to all new single-family detached construction.
Violations & Fines
Proceeding to close-in inspection or covering framing before the required height certification is approved violates § 5-87 (IBC § 110.3.4.1) and halts the inspection process until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a building height certification required in Rockville?
Can close-in inspection happen before the certification is approved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
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