Montgomery County limits residential building height to 35 feet in most single-family zones under the zoning ordinance Chapter 59. Height is measured from the average finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Some commercial and mixed-use zones allow greater heights.
Under Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance Chapter 59, most single-family residential zones (R-200, R-90, R-60, R-40) limit building height to 35 feet measured from the average finished grade at the building perimeter to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, antennas, and rooftop mechanical equipment may extend above the 35-foot limit by a specified amount. In planned development zones and mixed-use areas such as those around Bethesda, Silver Spring, and White Flint, maximum heights can range from 50 to over 200 feet depending on the master plan and density provisions. Accessory structures are generally limited to 20 feet in height. The compatibility standards in Chapter 59 require buildings near single-family zones to step down in height to reduce visual and shadow impacts. The Department of Permitting Services reviews height compliance as part of the building permit process.
Exceeding the height limit without approval is a zoning violation. The Department of Permitting Services can issue stop-work orders. Correction may require reducing the height of the structure at the owners expense.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle structure height limits.
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