Per the City of Rockville: The Mayor and Council in January initiated a public review process for changing city code and the zoning ordinance related to accessory apartments and accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. Accessory apartments are small dwelling units either located within or attached to a single-family detached residence, subject to certain criteria. The code as it stands allows such dwellings through a potentially lengthy approval process for a special exception from the Board of Appeals. Proposed code changes would allow approval by staff, subject to compliance with certain criteria, reducing processing time.
ADUs, defined as small dwellings within a detached accessory structure on a single-family lot, are not currently permitted in the city. The proposed code changes would allow approval of ADUs by staff, subject to certain criteria, as a conditional use. If approved, such units would be subject to the same inspection requirements as other rental units in the city.
If the Mayor and Council authorize the amendments following the review, they will be presented to the Planning Commission for a recommendation. The Mayor and Council will hold public hearings on the amendments before making a decision. At their Feb. 27 meeting, the Mayor and Council will consider code changes to implement regulations for short-term residential rentals, as well as to regulate the rental of rooms within a residence.
The intent of the proposed changes are to clarify when short-term rentals, typically booked through services such as AirBnB and VRBO, are permitted. Proposed conditions include limitations on the number of days per year that a unit may be rented, as well as limitations on the amount of rental unit guests.
Should the regulations be adopted, landlords would be required to register units with the city and be subject to the city’s hotel tax. The city’s zoning ordinance allows up to two people to occupy a dwelling in addition to the resident family. This has been interpreted to permit up to two rooms to be rented to individuals who are not family members.
At present, there are no requirements related to safety inspections, or for such rentals to be subject to the city’s landlord-tenant ordinance. The proposed regulations would require that rental of rooms be licensed and subject to regular inspection, as the rental of residences are currently.
Draft versions of the city code and zoning ordinance amendments are available as part of the Mayor and Council agenda packet for the Jan. 23 meeting, and the Feb. 27 meeting, when posted, at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.
For more information, contact Jim Wasilak, zoning administrator, at 240-314-8211 or by email at mailto:[email protected].
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FREE Shred Day
Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.
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Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.
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This event is open to all! It's a fantastic opportunity to clean out those old documents cluttering up your home, safe in the knowledge that they will be disposed of securely. Plus, it's completely free!
Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!
For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
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As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
