Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Gaithersburg and Rockville have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Home occupations in Gaithersburg are governed by the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 59), which establishes a three-tier system designed to accommodate a range of home-based business activities while protecting residential neighborhood character. The No-Impact tier requires no registration and allows minimal business activity with no more than 5 client visits per week, no non-resident employees, no exterior signage, and no evidence of the business visible from outside. The Low-Impact tier requires registration with the county Department of Permitting Services (DPS) and permits up to 1 non-resident employee, a maximum of 20 client visits per week, and one commercial vehicle under 10,000 pounds. The Major Home Occupation tier requires Conditional Use approval through a public hearing before the county Hearing Examiner and allows up to 2 non-resident employees and greater client traffic volumes. In all tiers, the home occupation must remain clearly secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and cannot occupy more than 33 percent of the gross floor area.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Rockville's Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance permits home-based business enterprises in residential zones provided the business does not diminish the residential character of the dwelling. The business must be conducted by a resident within the dwelling unit or accessory structure, and certain business types including vehicle repair, landscape contracting, and bed-and-breakfasts are excluded.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| No-Impact | No registration; max 5 client visits/week | - |
| Low-Impact | DPS registration; 1 employee; 20 visits/week | - |
| Major | Conditional Use; public hearing; 2 employees | - |
| Floor Area | Max 33% of gross floor area | - |
| Code | Montgomery County Zoning Chapter 59 | - |
| Code Section | - | Chapter 25 Zoning Ordinance |
| Requirement | - | Must not diminish residential character |
| Operator | - | Must be a resident of the dwelling |
| Excluded Uses | - | Vehicle repair, B&Bs, landscape contractors, daycare |
| County Registration | - | May be required by Montgomery County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in Gaithersburg?
Yes. Most home businesses qualify as No-Impact (no registration needed) or Low-Impact (requires simple DPS registration). The business must remain clearly secondary to residential use, cannot exceed 33 percent of your home's floor area, and must not generate impacts detectable outside the dwelling.
Do I need a Conditional Use permit for a home business?
Only if your business qualifies as a Major Home Occupation, which typically means more than 1 non-resident employee or significant client traffic that cannot fit within the Low-Impact tier limits. Contact Gaithersburg Planning at 301-258-6330 or Montgomery County DPS to determine which tier applies.
Rockville FAQ
Can I run a business from my home in Rockville?
Yes. Rockville's zoning ordinance permits home-based business enterprises in residential zones as long as the business does not diminish the residential character of the dwelling. The business must be conducted by a resident within the home or an accessory structure.
What types of businesses cannot be run from home in Rockville?
The zoning ordinance excludes bed-and-breakfasts, boardinghouses, day care facilities, landscape contracting, private educational institutions, tourist homes, and motor vehicle repair from the home-based business enterprise classification. These uses require separate zoning approvals.
Do I need to register with Montgomery County?
Yes. Montgomery County requires registration for home occupations classified as low-impact or major through the Department of Permitting Services. Rockville residents must comply with both city zoning rules and county registration requirements.
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