Animal Ordinances in Rockville, MD (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Rockville, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Rockville permits up to five hens on single-family lots with a $25 permit under Ordinance 12-15. No roosters. Coops must be 5 feet from property lines and 40 feet from neighbors.
Rockville Backyard Chicken and Livestock Rules
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Rockville requires dogs to be leashed off the owner's property under City Code Chapter 3. First offense for a dog at large is $100, subsequent violations $500.
Rockville Dog Leash Law
Some RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Rockville has no breed-specific bans. Maryland applies the same one-bite negligence standard to all breeds under Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article 3-1901.
Rockville Dog Breed Restriction Rules
Few RestrictionsBeekeeping
Beekeeping is permitted in all Rockville zones with no local restrictions. Maryland Agriculture Article 5-501 requires free colony registration with MDA within 30 days.
Rockville Beekeeping Regulations
Few RestrictionsExotic Pets
Maryland Criminal Law 10-621 prohibits possession of foxes, skunks, raccoons, bears, caimans, alligators, crocodiles, wild cats, wolves, nonhuman primates, and venomous snakes statewide. Rockville residents are additionally subject to Montgomery County Code Chapter 5, which bans possession of any wild or dangerous animal without authorization from Animal Services.
Rockville Exotic Pet Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Rockville and Montgomery County discourage deliberate wildlife feeding that attracts nuisance animals such as deer, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons to residential areas. Montgomery County Code Chapter 5 prohibits maintaining conditions that attract wild animals to the detriment of neighboring properties, and Rockville code enforcement responds to wildlife nuisance complaints.
Rockville Wildlife Feeding Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLivestock
Rockville allows residents of single-family homes to keep up to five female chickens for personal use with a $25 permit, but roosters are prohibited. Larger livestock such as cattle, horses, pigs, goats, and sheep are generally not permitted in residential zoning districts under Rockville's Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance.
Rockville Livestock and Backyard Chickens Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Montgomery County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rockville city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Montgomery County →