Rockville, MD Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 5,000+ sq ft disturbed area
- Or
- 100+ cubic yards of grading
- Always covered
- new single-family/townhouse homes
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Rockville requires an approved sediment control plan and permit before any land-disturbing construction of 5,000 or more square feet, 100 or more cubic yards of grading, or any new single-family, townhouse or semi-detached home, enforced by the Department of Public Works.
(a)The purpose of this article is to establish requirements and procedures to minimize damage to property and assist in maintaining water quality.(b)Anyone engaging in land disturbing activity in the City must select, design, install, inspect and maintain controls at the development project which minimize pollutants in the discharge, prevent erosion and prevent sediment from leaving the site.(c)This article incorporates the following planning techniques and principles as stated in MDE's standards and specifications:(1)Plan the development to fit the site.(2)Protect and minimize impacts to natural resources.(3)Protect and minimize impacts to steep slopes and highly erodible soils.(4)Minimize disturbed areas.(5)Stabilize exposed soil as soon as practicable.(6)Control and/or manage on-site and off-site runoff.(7)Protect perimeter areas and retain sediment on-site.(8)Make provision for the inspection and maintenance of sediment control measures.(d)These principles will be used in developing the sediment control plans listed in division 3 (sediment control approvals).(e)In addition to any other requirements or conditions, any land disturbing activity must comply with the requirements in regulations, article III, division 4 (sediment control for land disturbing activities). (Ord. No. 19-12, 12-17-12)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 17 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 19-80 (Chapter 19, Article V) sets Rockville's erosion and sediment control policy: anyone engaging in land disturbing activity in the City must select, design, install, inspect and maintain controls at the development project to minimize pollutants, prevent erosion and keep sediment on-site. Under § 19-85, the article applies to disturbance of 5,000+ square feet, 100+ cubic yards of grading, activity in a stream buffer, or construction of any new single-family, townhouse or semi-detached unit, and the Department may extend coverage to smaller projects at its discretion. No land disturbing activity may begin before the City issues a sediment control permit (§ 19-101).
Violations & Fines
Land disturbance without an approved plan and permit is barred outright under § 19-101(a); unpermitted violations default to a municipal infraction under City Code § 1-9, fined up to $400 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every home construction project in Rockville need a sediment control plan?
Can construction start before a sediment control permit is issued?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rockville
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Montgomery County handle erosion control.