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Rockville adopts updated green building regulations; ordinance effective July 31, 2026
Summary
The council unanimously adopted amendments to Chapter 5 Article 14 to align with the 2021 International Green Construction Code and 2020 National Green Building Standard (with local adjustments for EV charging, bird-friendly glazing and off-site renewables); changes largely take effect July 31, 2026 with grandfathering for projects already far along.
Rockville’s mayor and council voted Feb. 2 to adopt amendments to the city’s Green Building Code (Chapter 5, Article 14), aligning the city with the 2021 International Green Construction Code and the 2020 National Green Building Standard with several local adjustments.
Chris Dempoff, staff lead on the update, told the council the changes add EV charging requirements that go beyond current energy‑conservation code language, permit certain off‑site renewable energy to meet on‑site provisions, and add bird‑friendly glazing requirements for taller buildings. For NGBS‑applicable projects the city will require third‑party verification via the Home Innovation NGBS portal.
Staff said the code changes are scheduled to be effective July 31, 2026, with exceptions for projects that are well advanced (for example, projects with signed design or construction contracts) so that ongoing projects are not unduly disrupted. Councilmembers asked about grid impacts, affordability/rent concerns and which building types would be covered; staff said the article applies to most new construction and significant renovations and that there is no conclusive data linking the code changes to rent increases.
Council Member Banquera moved to adopt the ordinance; Council Member Lehi seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
