Rockville, MD Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- R-90/75/60/40 front setback
- 25 to 30 ft.
- R-90/75/60/40 side (land)
- 8 to 11 ft.
- R-400/200/150 front setback
- 35 to 50 ft.
- I-270 setback (all zones)
- 50 ft. minimum
Summary
Rockville zoning sets minimum yard setbacks for single-unit residential zones, ranging from 25 to 30 feet in front and 8 to 30 feet on the sides, depending on the zone.
C Front Setback 30 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. D Side Setback Abutting Street (Min.) 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft. 25 ft. Abutting Land (Min.) 11 ft. 9 ft. 8 ft. 10 ft. E Rear Setback (Min.) 25 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft. 20 ft.
Full Breakdown
The Rockville Zoning Ordinance fixes minimum setbacks by zone in Table 7.1.4-1 for the small-lot single-unit zones (R-90, R-75, R-60, R-40): front setbacks run 25 to 30 feet, side setbacks abutting land run 8 to 11 feet (up to 25 ft. if abutting a street), and rear setbacks run 20 to 25 feet. The large-lot zones (R-400, R-200, R-150) in Table 7.1.3-1 require larger setbacks, fronts of 35 to 50 feet, sides abutting land of 13 to 20 feet, and rears of 30 to 50 feet. Principal dwellings in every one of these zones must also sit back at least 50 feet from I-270 unless the lot predates a 1980 subdivision approval.
Violations & Fines
Building within the required minimum setback without an approved variance or an applicable exception under Sec. 25.8.1.3 is a zoning violation and can require the structure to be relocated or removed at the owner's expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum front setback for a house in Rockville's small residential zones?
Are setbacks different in Rockville's large-lot residential zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
Compare Rockville to another location·View the Maryland building setbacks & zoning overview
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Setback Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Montgomery County handle setback rules.