Tree removal permit rules in Rockville, MD — sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances — list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Rockville's Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 10.5) requires a Significant Tree Removal Permit for removal of any tree with a diameter exceeding 4 inches measured 12 inches above ground, or any flowering tree exceeding 2 inches in diameter. Removed trees must be replaced according to city-established mitigation rates.
Rockville enforces one of the more comprehensive tree protection ordinances in Maryland through Chapter 10.5 of the city code, the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance (FTPO). Before removing any tree meeting the significant tree threshold (trunk diameter exceeding 4 inches measured 12 inches above ground, or flowering tree exceeding 2 inches), property owners must obtain a Significant Tree Removal Permit from the city. Applications are processed through the Department of Community Planning and Development Services. The City Forester reviews each application considering the tree's species, health, location, and the reason for removal. When a permit is approved, the city typically requires replacement planting at rates established in Section 10.5-23(a)(1) of the code. Dead, diseased, or hazardous trees may qualify for expedited review. Trees removed for utility maintenance must also be replaced per the FTPO replacement schedule. The ordinance was amended by Ordinance 01-26 in January 2026 to align with current Maryland state forest conservation law, which strengthened statewide protections to reduce gradual canopy loss. Development projects are subject to additional forest conservation requirements including tree surveys, forest stand delineation, and forest conservation plans as detailed in the city's Forest Conservation Manual.
Removing a significant tree without a permit is a violation of Chapter 10.5 subject to fines and mandatory replacement planting at enhanced mitigation rates. Stop-work orders may be issued on construction projects that damage protected trees. The City Forester determines appropriate mitigation, which may include replacement trees, payment into the city's forest conservation fund, or both.
Rockville, MD
Construction noise in Rockville is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM weekdays and 9 AM to 5 PM weekends under MoCo Code Section 31B-6. Nighttime deliveries are prohibit...
Rockville, MD
Industrial noise in Rockville is regulated under MoCo Code Chapter 31B. Industrial limits are 75 dBA day, 70 dBA night. Equipment running 24 hours must meet ...
Rockville, MD
Rockville enforces noise limits under MoCo Code Chapter 31B. Daytime runs 7 AM to 9 PM weekdays, 9 AM to 9 PM weekends. Nighttime limit is 55 dBA at resident...
Rockville, MD
Rockville's animal control ordinance (Chapter 3) prohibits nuisance animal noise. Owners must prevent dogs from causing persistent noise that disturbs neighb...
Rockville, MD
Rockville sits between Reagan National and BWI but is outside both noise zones. Aircraft noise is federally regulated. The Maryland Environmental Noise Act o...
Rockville, MD
Maryland requires new homes after October 2023 to include EV-ready parking with a minimum 40-amp dedicated circuit. HOAs cannot prohibit charger installation.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Montgomery County.
See how other cities in Montgomery County handle tree removal & heritage trees.
See how Rockville's tree removal & heritage trees rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.