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Rockville adopts updated local Fire Code with expanded sprinkler and safety requirements
Summary
The council adopted amendments to Chapter 9 of the Rockville City Code aligning local rules with state law and adding measures above state minimums — including increased separation for outdoor cooking, micro-mobility charging buffers, assembly sprinkler triggers, signage for unsprinkled high-rises, and a ban on valet trash in corridors; owners of unsprinkled high-rises have 12 years to retrofit.
The Rockville Mayor and Council voted unanimously to adopt amendments to Chapter 9 (Fire Code) that align the local code with state requirements, add local provisions that exceed state minimums and impose new compliance timeframes for existing buildings.
Fire-division staff (including Kina Campbell, Carl Young and Shannon Patrick) told the council the changes are required in part to align with the State Fire Prevention Code and Montgomery County standards and must be adopted by June 2026. Major local provisions highlighted in the presentation included increasing the required separation for outdoor cooking from 15 to 20 feet, expanding the buffer for charging micro-mobility devices from 10 to 15 feet, codifying bidirectional radio amplification standards to preserve firefighter radio function in buildings, altering sprinkler requirements for assembly occupancies based on occupant load and area, and requiring occupant-notification measures within the first 10 minutes of an event.
Staff also proposed a 12-year compliance window for owners of existing unsprinkled residential high-rises to retrofit sprinkler systems; unsprinkled high-rises will be required to post signage at main entrances indicating they are not sprinklered. Fire staff said valet trash services that leave bins in corridors and exit-access areas present both a fire and obstruction hazard and proposed not permitting that service. The ordinance also addresses tent and canopy safety, adds a requirement for sprinklers in new daycare centers above a size threshold, and creates a clear enforcement and outreach plan with grace periods for owners to comply.
Council moved to introduce and to waive the layover period, and then to adopt the ordinance. Councilmember Van Grack introduced the ordinance; Councilmember Fulton moved to waive the layover period and later moved to adopt the ordinance. The motions carried by unanimous voice/hand vote.
Staff said projects currently in the pipeline may use the earlier code cycle and that the Fire Marshal's Office will continue outreach and coordination with Montgomery County fire officials to assist owners in meeting new requirements.
