Amendment Passed to Implement FAST-er Planning and Development Services

Rockville’s Mayor and Council have unanimously approved an amendment that makes several changes to the city’s zoning code to improve customers’ experience with the Department of Planning and Development Services.

The amendment implements improvements identified through the FAST initiative to make Rockville’s development review and permitting services “faster, accountable, smarter and transparent.”

Modifications to the code make the process more efficient and allows city staff greater approval authority over reuse of existing buildings, small site changes, and/or minor expansions of 5,000 square feet and less.

The amendment also allows several items that once required minor plan amendments to now go through a building permit or simpler process (adding generators, bicycle racks, seating benches, and pergolas, transformers, trash enclosures, sidewalks, and small storage sheds). The amendment also includes new definitions for research and development and life/science uses as well as a new parking standard for both.

Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/2135/Development-Zoning to find out more about Rockville’s development and zoning services.