Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Montgomery County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Montgomery County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
In the county's Planned Development (PD) zone, Chapter 59 lets projects exceed the maximum base density to build Moderately Priced Dwelling Units, with the required MPDU share set by how dense the project already is.
Montgomery County PD Zone Density Bonus
Some RestrictionsMontgomery County Code, Ch. 59 (Zoning Ordinance), § 59.8.3.2(C)(2)(a)(i)
the maximum density allowed under Section 8.3.2.C.1 may be increased to accommodate the construction of MPDUs if: (a) the number of MPDUs for a project with a residential density of less than 28 dwelling units per acre is at least the number of bonus density units or 12.5% of the total number of dwelling units, whichever is greater; or (b) the number of MPDUs for a project with a residential de...
Downtown Design Guide
Development in downtown Bethesda falls under a special zoning overlay that caps building height at the underlying zone limit and lets height and density rise only through Planning Board-approved site plans, MPDU allocations, and per-square-foot park impact fees.
Montgomery County Bethesda Downtown Overlay Zone
Significant RestrictionsMontgomery County Code, Ch. 59 (Zoning Ordinance), § 59.4.9.2
The purpose of the B Overlay Zone is to implement the recommendations of the Bethesda Downtown Plan, as amended, as it relates to density, building heights, affordable housing, parks, and design. B. Land Uses The land uses of the underlying zones apply. Surface Parking for Use Allowed in the Zone is not allowed as a principal use on a site from which density has been transferred. C. Develop...
All Montgomery County ordinances
See every category we cover for Montgomery County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Montgomery County Ordinance Hub →