Rules for ZIP Code 20816
Bethesda, MD · Montgomery County
155 local rules on file for this area. The rules on file for this ZIP code come from Montgomery County.
ZIP code 20816 is unincorporated Montgomery County land, in the community of Bethesda: about 100% of its residents live outside any city or town, so the county's ordinances are the local rules here. County rules tend to differ from nearby cities in areas like noise enforcement, building setbacks, and animal regulations.
ZIP codes do not follow city lines. 20816 also covers:
- Bethesda (community)~76% of residents
- Brookmont (community)~23% of residents
Shares are estimates from 2020 Census geography. If your address is in one of these, its rules apply instead.
Each topic below links to the full ordinance breakdown with specific code sections, fine amounts, and answers to common questions. The data is sourced from the official municipal code and verified by our editorial team.
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These are the local rules that apply to ZIP code 20816 based on Montgomery County ordinances.
Fire Regulations
5 rules- Outdoor BurningSignificant
- Smoke DetectorsSome
- Propane StorageSome
- Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome
- FireworksHeavy
Soliciting & Door-to-Door
1 ruleParking Rules
11 rules- Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome
- EV ChargingSome
- Towing & Impound RightsSignificant
- Overnight ParkingSome
- Driveway RulesSome
Public Conduct
6 rules- Public Alcohol UseSignificant
- Aggressive PanhandlingSome
- Skateboarding RulesSignificant
- Loitering RulesSome
- Public UrinationSome
Tobacco & Vaping
1 rule- Flavored Tobacco BansSignificant
Outdoor Lighting
2 rulesBuilding Safety
10 rulesSidewalk & Pedestrian Rules
2 rules- Obstruction RulesSignificant
- Encroachment PermitsSome
Mobility & Curb Rules
2 rules- Bike Lane RulesSome
- Shared E-Scooter RulesSignificant
Accessory Structures
4 rules- ADU Rental RestrictionsSignificant
- ADU Owner OccupancySome
- Shed & Carport RulesSome
- ADU RulesSignificant
Trash & Recycling
9 rules- Recycling RulesSome
- Yard Waste CollectionSome
- Dumpster RulesSignificant
- Bulk Item DisposalSome
- Illegal DumpingHeavy
Noise from Specific Sources
6 rulesHistoric Preservation
1 rule- Historic-Cultural MonumentsSignificant
Special Events & Permits
1 ruleAnimal Ordinances
10 rules- Cat RulesSome
- BeekeepingFew
- Chickens & LivestockSome
- Pet Groomer RulesSome
- MicrochippingSome
Landscaping Rules
5 rules- Weed OrdinancesSome
- Native PlantsLight
- Rainwater HarvestingSome
- CompostingSome
- Tree Removal & Heritage TreesHeavy
Public Health Rules
4 rulesNoise Ordinances
7 rulesRental Property Rules
4 rulesFood Trucks & Mobile Vendors
3 rules- Food Truck PermitsSome
- Sidewalk & Mobile VendingSome
- Vending ZonesSignificant
HOA Rules
7 rulesProperty Maintenance
3 rules- Vacant Lot MaintenanceSome
- Snow & Sidewalk ClearingSome
- Property BlightSignificant
Environmental Rules
4 rules- Erosion ControlSome
- Flood Elevation RequirementsSome
- Stormwater ManagementHeavy
- Flood ZonesSignificant
Swimming Pools & Spas
2 rulesSign Regulations
3 rules- Digital BillboardsSome
- Garage Sale SignsSome
- Window SignsSome
Immigration Policy
1 rule- Sanctuary Policy PreemptionSignificant
Invasive Plant Rules
2 rules- Tree-of-Heaven RemovalLight
- Prohibited SpeciesSignificant
Tree Protection
3 rules- Heritage & Protected TreesSome
- Protected Tree SpeciesSignificant
- Parkway PlantingSome
Short-Term Rentals
9 rules- Noise RulesSignificant
- Primary-Residence-Only RuleSignificant
- Host Presence RuleSignificant
- Night CapsSome
- Repeat Violator StrikesSignificant
Building Setbacks & Zoning
2 rules- Setback RulesSome
- Lot Coverage LimitsSome
Fence Regulations
3 rulesBusiness Licensing & Operations
5 rules- Adult EntertainmentSome
- Massage EstablishmentsSignificant
- Secondhand DealersSignificant
- Tobacco Retail LicenseSome
- Towing CompaniesSignificant
Solar Energy
3 rulesHotels & Lodging
1 ruleZoning Overlays & Bonuses
2 rules- Downtown Design GuideSignificant
- Density Bonus LawSome
Home Business
3 rulesRight to Farm
2 rulesGarage & Yard Sales
1 ruleWater Use Rules
1 ruleRental Inspections
2 rulesLocal Taxes & Fees
1 rule- Parking TaxSome
Outdoor Cooking
1 rule- Smoker RulesSome