Subject
title
Adoption of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code Entitled “Building and Property Maintenance Regulations,” Article XIV (Green Building Code Regulations)
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Department
CPDS - Inspection Services
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council adopt amendments (Attachment 1) to Chapter 5, Article XIV of the City Code, Entitled “Green Building Regulations.”
Change in Law or Policy
The proposed amendments will update the Green Building Regulations in the City of Rockville by adopting and amending current versions of the model codes published by the International Code Council (ICC).
Discussion
During the 2024 updates to Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code, staff recommended evaluating Article XIV - Green Building Regulations separate from the amendments to the other 13 articles, to provide thoughtful and meaningful updates. The City’s Climate Action Plan calls for progressively strengthened Green Building codes in Action Item C-03. The 2024 updates to Chapter 5 included several amendments to the City’s Energy Conservation Code which are substantially more progressive than the base text of the International Green Building Code (IgCC) and the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and will continue to make Rockville a regional leader in this area.
The 2021 edition of the IgCC and the 2020 edition of the NGBS are more substantial than prior editions and warranted more in-depth review. Staff has completed their review of these documents and recommends amendments to Article XIV, the IgCC, and the NGBS as shown in Attachment 1 and summarized below. This summary provides only significant changes and does not include grammatical or administrative changes.
Article XIV
Key Updates/Recommendations:
• Relocation of scoping requirements
• Relocation of definitions
• Requirement to obtain third-party certification
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
Key Updates/Recommendations:
• Deletion of majority of Chapter 5 (Site Conditions), addressed elsewhere in City Code
• Providing flexibility to use off-site renewable energy to meet requirements for on-site renewable energy, with documentation
• Incorporating EV-Charging Infrastructure requirements above the amount established in amendments to the Energy Conservation Code
National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
The nature of the NGBS is different than that of the IgCC, in that it allows for a more selective approach based on obtaining a certain number of points rather than following a uniform list of mandates. This allows homebuilders some flexibility in how they meet the requirements. Due to the scoring model and the recommendation to require third-party verification, staff recommends adopting the NGBS mostly as published, with a few minor changes to reference other City codes where applicable.
Effective Date
If adopted as attached, the ordinance will become effective on August 1, 2026. The ordinance includes new language allowing for certain construction and development projects already in progress to utilize the former version of the Green Building Regulations for an additional period of time.
Responses to Feedback
During the introduction of this item at the Mayor and Council meeting on December 15, 2025, staff committed to provide additional information and responses to questions posed by the Mayor and Council.
1. EV Charging - Impacts to Electric Utility
Staff has reviewed available publications on the impact of EV-Charging infrastructure on electric utility grids, as well as locally relevant information from PEPCO. In review of reports from reputable sources, there does not appear to be anything that would deter staff from recommending adoption of the amendments as proposed.
2. Soundproofing
In discussing Comprehensive Plan Action Item 5.1 with long range planning staff, it was determined that the intent of this item was to ensure that regulations exist. With the existing International Building Code regulations on sound transmission, the goals of Action Item 5.1 have been met and no further changes are recommended at this time.
3. Protective Elements for Migratory Birds
Staff examined the USGBC LEED Credits available for “Bird-Friendly Glass,” along with legislation currently in place in neighboring jurisdictions. The reference to the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird-Friendly Materials Evaluation Program test protocol provides a sufficient standardized rating to develop effective and enforceable code language. Staff recommends the following language be adopted in the amendments:
“BIRD-FRIENDLY MATERIALS. For new construction, or for alterations involving the replacement of 75% or more of the exterior glazing area, each façade of the exterior wall envelope and any exterior fenestration up to 100 feet above grade shall be constructed with materials or assemblies that have been designed or treated to have a maximum material threat factor of 30 in accordance with the American Bird Conservancy’s Bird-friendly Materials Evaluation Program test protocol. Other materials may be used in the exterior wall construction, provided they do not exceed an aggregate 10 square feet within any 100 square foot area of the exterior wall.”
EXCEPTIONS:
1. These provisions shall not apply where:
a. The subject property is located within an Historic District, and the Historic District Commission determines that compliance with this section would meaningfully and substantially impact historic elements of the property.
b. The use of materials complying with this section would conflict with elements required for fire and life safety.
c. In the opinion of the Building Official, compliance with this section would create a hazard.”
4. Impact on Rent
There do not appear to be any conclusive, data-driven studies from reputable sources that definitively correlate green building certification with increased rent. However, there is substantial anecdotal support for this theory. Green buildings typically have lower long-term operating costs and are desirable in certain markets. Landlords may opt to capitalize on this and charge inflated rent prices for these types of units.
Equity
Given that the overall cost of ownership may be reduced (see Economy), this may be passed through in ownership and rent costs providing more equity to those who are less able to afford higher cost. equity.
Environment
Adoption of this ordinance will further the City’s Climate Action Plan, creating more sustainable and resilient building stock in the City. Buildings constructed under this ordinance will have a reduced environmental impact in comparison to buildings not subject to this ordinance.
Economy
While the initial cost of construction trends somewhat higher for green buildings, there is significant data to demonstrate that the life-cycle operating costs of green buildings are significantly lower than others. Additionally, the codes provide for resilient buildings, which may be less adversely impacted by climate change and weather events, and may reduce overall cost of ownership.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council held a work session on amendments to the Green Building Regulations at their meeting on June 2, 2025.
The Mayor and Council introduced amendments to the Green Building Regulations at their meeting on December 15, 2025.
Public Notification and Engagement
A copy of the draft language was made available on the City website. The document included a link to a form where the public could share feedback on the proposed amendments. A total of two responses were received, both of which indicated strong support for the proposed amendments. The comments from these responses are included below:
“I hope all City buildings will soon have rooftop solar, to show the City's commitment to this, and become a leader in sustainability. A first start could be harnessing the District Courthouse's "death ray" (the south-facing windows) with window-solar. The media attention when the heat from the windows was killing the vegetation below was considerable - think of how much great press the City could get if they harnessed that power into green energy!”
“I totally support this initiative! It's small changes like this that have a big impact overall.”
Upon adoption of this ordinance, staff will notify the public of the upcoming changes and the effective date of these changes.
Boards and Commissions Review
The proposed amendments were presented to the Environment Commission for their feedback. The commission was supportive of the proposed amendments, with no comments needing addressed.
Next Steps
Following adoption of this ordinance, staff will notify the public of upcoming changes, which will become effective on Saturday, August 1, 2026. Staff will also work with Home Innovations Research Labs to ensure the certification process for residential projects does not hold up issuance of Certificates of Occupancy.