Subject
title
Introduction of an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 5 of the Rockville City Code Entitled “Buildings and Building Regulations,” Article XIV (Green Building Code Regulations)
end
Department
CPDS - Inspection Services
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Mayor and Council introduce 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 its reviews of these documents and recommends amendments to Article XIV, the IgCC, and the NGBS as shown in Attachement 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.
Below is a summary of the key points of the staff report for the June 2, 2025, work session <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1287314&GUID=CBFFB10A-9405-4E54-A0FA-3077EF45E0BF&Options=info|&Search=>, and responses to specific questions posed during that work session.
Responses to Work Session Questions
Q: How will staff ensure review timelines are not delayed by a “flood” of applications approaching the implementation date of these amendments?
A: Implementation language, which allows some flexibility for projects currently in early design or conceptual phases.
“The effective date of these amendments shall be 180 days from the date of adoption. Exception:
1. Projects for which a contract for design or construction is signed prior to the effective date. First application for building permit shall be made within 180 days of the effective date. The Building Official shall be permitted to extend the application deadline for specific projects where applicants submit a written request prior to the application deadline.
2. Projects for which a contract for design or construction is signed prior to the effective date, which have a valid site plan approval or which are currently in review for site plan approval. First application for building permit shall be made prior to expiration of site plan approval.
Q: Third-party verification of residential projects is proposed. What does the process look like? How long does it take? Will it be challenging or costly for applicants?
A: Staff met with representatives from Home Innovations Labs, the accrediting body for NGBS Verifiers, to understand the process. Applicants would select an accredited third-party verifier prior to submitting application for permit, and their verifier would register the project in the NGBS online portal. Proof of registration would be submitted along with construction documents for permit review and issuance. At the time of final inspections, the verifier would submit their final verification report to the online portal, and the NGBS Verified documentation would generally be available within 1-2 days.
A search on the NGBS Verifiers database returned at least 126 individuals qualified to verify projects in the State of Maryland, many of them within less than one hour from Rockville. The cost of verification varies depending on the size of the project, but the representative from Home Innovations Labs indicated the typical overall cost of verification for newly constructed single-family dwellings and townhouses to be between $450-$1,000. With only requiring projects to obtain “NGBS Verified” status, it is anticipated that the average cost for most projects will tend toward the lower end of this spectrum.
Q: In the Comp Plan, it was suggested that the building code may need updated for improved soundproofing. Are staff actively looking at proposing better soundproofing?
A: There are Sound Transmission Classification baselines established in the International Building Code. There is currently no empirical data to support raising those baselines, so staff from ISD are not proposing any adjustments to the baselines at this time. Sound dampening materials become exponentially more costly when exceeding code minimum requirements, which has the potential to conflict with the City’s affordable housing goals. At any rate, any updates to STC baselines belong in amendments to the International Building Code. Staff will revisit this question when reviewing the 2024 International Building Code for proposed amendments.
Q: How do these proposed amendments interact with Montgomery County’s codes, including their Green codes or the Building Energy Performance Standards?
A: There do not appear to be any conflicts between Montgomery County’s amendments, the Building Energy Performance Standards, and the City of Rockville’s proposed amendments.
Q: Should we be looking at protective elements for taller buildings for migratory birds? (e.g. less reflective glazing, physical barriers, etc.)
A: Staff will evaluate this during the review of the 2024 International Building Code and International Existing Building Code, as amendments to these documents would have a greater impact than amendments to the IgCC.
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 <https://rockvillemd.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=7408900&GUID=1AFD48CF-D353-4411-91CE-6FC6F6BED760&Options=&Search=>.
Public Notification and Engagement
Staff has made a copy of the draft language available on the city website for public review and comment. Staff has also notified stakeholders and customers to solicit their input. Staff will collect any comments received and provide responses and recommendations to the Mayor and Council when this item is brought forward for adoption.
Boards and Commissions Review
The proposed amendments were presented to the Environment Commission for their feedback.
Next Steps
Staff will collect and review responses to the online form for public review and comments and provide recommendations, if any, to the Mayor and Council when this item is brought forward for adoption at the February 2, 2026, Mayor and Council meeting.