Rockville, MD Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)

Sec. 10-10 defines 'flood protection elevation' as the base flood elevation plus two vertical feet of freeboard, and Sec. 10-78(1)a. applies that number: residential lowest floors 'shall be elevated to or above the flood protection elevation.' Nonresidential structures follow the same two-foot standard, or may dry-floodproof to the base flood elevation plus one foot (Sec. 10-79). Critical and essential facilities get a separate, lower one-foot freeboard floor, or the 500-year flood elevation if higher (Sec. 10-75), and electric panelboards must sit at least three feet above base flood elevation (Sec. 10-73(6)). Compliance is documented through an elevation certificate a Maryland-licensed surveyor or engineer submits at the foundation stage and again before occupancy (Sec. 10-41).