Rockville, MD Outdoor Lighting: Dark Sky Rules (2026)

The City of Rockville zoning ordinance includes outdoor lighting standards for new development and redevelopment projects. Commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily developments require site lighting plans as part of the development review process. All exterior luminaires must be full-cutoff or fully shielded to prevent upward light emission and reduce sky glow. Parking lot lighting must use downward-directed fixtures and may not exceed a maximum mounting height specified in the approved site plan, typically 25 feet. Lighting along property boundaries must not exceed 0.5 footcandles at the property line to protect adjacent residential properties. Rockville does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance comparable to those in International Dark-Sky Association certified communities, but achieves similar goals through development review conditions. The city follows Montgomery County design guidelines for lighting in transit-oriented and town center zones. Residential properties are subject to nuisance standards that prohibit lighting creating unreasonable glare on neighboring parcels. Many newer HOA communities in Rockville have architectural guidelines that specify approved fixture types, color temperatures, and brightness limits. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources also encourages dark-sky-friendly lighting near sensitive habitats. Contact the Department of Community Planning and Development Services at 240-314-8200 for lighting plan requirements.