Rockville requires grading permits and drainage plans for projects that disturb 5,000 square feet or more under Chapter 19 of the City Code. Finished grading must provide positive drainage away from all building foundations. Standing water on lawns must drain within 24 hours after rainfall, and drainage may not be redirected onto adjacent properties.
Chapter 19 of the Rockville City Code regulates grading and drainage for development and redevelopment projects. A grading permit is required for any earth-moving activity that disturbs 5,000 square feet or more of land area or moves 100 cubic yards or more of soil. Grading plans must demonstrate adequate gradients to prevent standing water on lawns for more than 24 hours after rainfall (48 hours in designated drainage courses and swales). All grading must provide positive drainage away from building foundations and openings. No permanent cut or fill slope steeper than 3:1 is allowed in lawn maintenance areas. Surface drainage must not be redirected onto adjacent properties without appropriate easements. The city enforces grading standards through plan review and field inspections during construction. Retaining walls exceeding 4 feet in height require engineered design and a separate building permit. Drainage connections to the city's storm sewer system require approval from the Department of Public Works. WSSC Water standards also apply to grading near water and sewer infrastructure. Contact the Department of Public Works at 240-314-8567 for grading and drainage inquiries.
Grading without a permit is subject to stop-work orders and fines. Redirecting drainage onto neighboring properties may trigger code enforcement and potential civil liability. Unpermitted retaining walls may be ordered removed. Daily fines may apply for ongoing violations until the site is brought into compliance.
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