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Rockville HDC staff outlines zoning-code updates, demolition-by-neglect review and grant work
Summary
City staff told the Historic District Commission the preservation work plan includes updates to demolition-by-neglect language, a zoning ordinance rewrite expected within a year, and active grants for cemetery survey work and professional development.
City of Rockville preservation staff told the Historic District Commission on May 15 that updates to preservation-related portions of the zoning ordinance and city code are underway, including consideration of demolition-by-neglect language and tree-protection protocols.
Preservation planner Sheila Paziri and comprehensive planning manager Katie Gerbis summarized the city's work plan: staff are drafting updates to preservation provisions to fold into the forthcoming zoning ordinance rewrite. Gerbis said the rewrite is proceeding internally with an aim to publish a draft for public review later in the summer and that the overall process could take about a year before final authorization, likely in November or December 2025.
Why it matters: Commissioners said current code lacks clear measures to prevent loss of historic resources through neglect. Commissioner Michael Goldfinger raised the issue during earlier comments, noting owners sometimes allow historic properties to deteriorate to the point they are unsalvageable; staff agreed the city lacks demolition-by-neglect language and is considering revisions.
Grants and projects: Staff reported active grant work. The HDC has an FY23 award from the Maryland Heritage Area Authority (administered by the Maryland Historical Trust) to perform ground-penetrating radar at Avery Road Cemetery; that project has funds available through the summer. Staff said they applied for FY26 funds to continue that work and have submitted applications for noncompetitive continuing-education grants through the Maryland Historical Trust but had not yet heard the outcome.
Tree-protection and replacement: In response to commissioner questions, staff cited City Code Chapter 10.5, which contains tree preservation and replacement protocols. Staff and the deputy city attorney, Cynthia Walters, advised the commission that while the HDC can ask staff and the city forester to try to preserve a street tree, imposing an absolute condition guaranteeing preservation is likely beyond the HDC's authority.
Ending: Staff asked commissioners for continued input and said they will return with draft code language and public-engagement materials when the zoning rewrite reaches public review stages.
