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.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County Code §31-14 prohibits parking heavy commercial vehicles (over 10,000 lbs, 21+ ft, 8+ ft high) on public residential roadways. One light com...
Montgomery County, MD
Abandoned vehicles in Montgomery County are subject to state and county law. MD Transportation Code §25-201+ defines abandonment; county can tag and tow vehi...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland has no shared fence cost statute. Each owner responsible for their own fence. Spite fence provision under MD RP Art. §14-120.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County prohibits barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones under Ch 59. HOAs commonly restrict chain-link fencing. Approve...
Montgomery County, MD
Maryland’s Tracey’s Law (2014) treats all dog breeds equally under negligence standard. No breed-specific strict liability. Dangerous dogs behavior-based.
Montgomery County, MD
Montgomery County requires dogs on leash in public. Off-leash in designated parks only. Rabies vaccination required statewide. MD Criminal Law §10-619 covers...
See how Montgomery County's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.