Major Changes to the Rockville Building Code

New Code Will Positively Impact Renovations in Twinbrook

The Twinbrook Community Association (TCA) has been following Rockville’s proposed changes to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – including detached units, garage apartments, and basement apartments.

TCA expressed concerns that the current building code makes many renovations too expensive. City staff replied that they have historically used the basic residential code for new construction to regulate renovations. Effective January 1, 2020, they have adopted an additional set of codes (Appendix J of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC)) to specifically address renovations. Senior Rockville staff overseeing the permitting and inspection operations in Rockville will be addressing these changes at the TCA General Meeting on February 25, 2020.

A good example is the minimum ceiling height which was 7 feet. That has been changed to 6 feet 8 inches (6 feet 4 inches at duct chase obstructions.) There are also changes to stair width, headroom and landing requirements. These two changes should make many Twinbrook renovations financially reasonable. TCA representatives will be meeting with the city officials on February 20 to prepare for this meeting.