Rockville, MD Fire Regulations: Brush Clearance (2026)

Montgomery County Fire Safety Code Chapter 22, aligned with the Maryland Fire Prevention Code and International Fire Code, requires property owners to keep combustible vegetation, brush, and debris cleared from around structures. While Montgomery County is not a wildfire-prone area, the humid subtropical climate produces heavy vegetation growth that can create fire hazards if neglected. The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services, Division of Fire Prevention and Code Compliance, enforces fire safety standards for both new and existing properties. Property owners must maintain clear access for emergency vehicles and ensure that accumulated brush, leaves, and dead vegetation do not create fire risks adjacent to buildings. Rockville City Code addresses property maintenance including requirements to keep yards free of excessive overgrowth and debris. The city code enforcement division can cite property owners for failure to maintain grounds. Montgomery County does not have formal defensible space requirements like Western states with wildfire risk, but general fire prevention principles apply through the adopted International Fire Code. Seasonal yard waste collection is available through city services.