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Building Setbacks & Zoning in Rockville, MD (2026)

3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Rockville, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Setback Rules

Rockville establishes minimum building setbacks in its zoning ordinance that vary by zoning district. Single-family residential zones typically require front setbacks of 25 to 30 feet, side setbacks of 8 feet, and rear setbacks of 25 feet. Mixed-use and commercial zones have different requirements. Variances may be granted by the Board of Appeals for hardship situations.

Rockville Building Setback Requirements

Some Restrictions

Structure Height Limits

Rockville limits building height based on zoning district. Single-family residential zones cap height at 35 to 40 feet, typically two and a half to three stories. Mixed-use and commercial zones allow greater heights, with some transit-oriented zones permitting buildings up to 150 feet or higher through the development approval process.

Rockville Building Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Lot Coverage Limits

Rockville limits the percentage of a lot that may be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces. In single-family residential zones, building coverage is typically limited to 30% to 35% of lot area, with total impervious surface (including driveways and patios) capped at 45% to 55%. Exceeding coverage limits requires a variance from the Board of Appeals.

Rockville Lot Coverage Limitations

Some Restrictions

Looking for Montgomery County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rockville city rules.

Building Setbacks & Zoning in Montgomery County