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Rockville Council adopts stronger tree ordinance, requires 80% native plantings and adds off-site planting option
Summary
On Jan. 12, 2026 the Rockville Mayor and Council adopted amendments to Chapter 10.5 (Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance) to align with Maryland law, add an off-site planting mitigation option, require at least 80% native trees for conservation plantings, extend public notice to 30 days, and strengthen inspection and administration provisions.
The Rockville Mayor and Council on Jan. 12 adopted amendments to Chapter 10.5 of the Rockville City Code (the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance), approving a package of changes city staff said aligns the code with state law and increases local protections for tree canopy.
City planner Sean Ryan, presenting staff's recommended motion, said the draft updates were prompted by the Maryland Forest Preservation and Retention Act (Senate Bill 526) and a multi-step review with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. "At least 80% of trees planted to meet forest conservation requirements must be native species," Ryan told the council when summarizing the proposed native-species requirement.
The ordinance adds several substantive provisions: an off-site planting mitigation option that allows developers to secure reforestation on properties elsewhere within Rockville city limits…
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