Forest and Tree Preservation

Development in Rockville is subject to the city’s Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance (FTPO), adopted under Chapter 10.5 of the Rockville City Code. Supplemental information required by the ordinance is found in the Forest Conservation Manual and the Environmental Guidelines. The review process incorporates industry standards and best management practices. Any development subject to site plan review or project plan review must also adhere to applicable requirements in the Landscaping, Screening, and Lighting Manual.

The purpose of the FTPO is to: 

• Encourage the preservation and enhancement of Rockville’s urban forests.
• Replace tree cover in non-forest areas within the city.
• Establish procedures, standards, and requirements that protect trees and forests during and after development activity and minimize tree loss due to development.
• Establish procedures, standards, and requirements for afforestation and reforestation of land within the city.
• Fulfill the requirements of the Maryland Forest Conservation Act (Natural Resources Article, Sections 5-1601 through 5-1613 of the Annotated Code of Maryland).

Explore the interactive Forest Conservation Easements Map to view protected forest areas in Rockville.

Information and Applications

FTPO Process Basics FTPO Fees Natural Resource Inventory/Forest Stand Delineation Application Natural Resource Inventory/Forest Stand Delineation Checklist Forest Conservation Plan Application Forestry Permit Application Significant Tree Removal Permit Application

Legal Templates

FTPO Conservation and Maintenance Performance Bond FTPO Cash Bond Form FTPO Letter of Credit Five-Year Warranty and Maintenance Agreement (available upon request) Forest Conservation Easement and Declaration of Covenants (available upon request)

Notes, Details, and Required Plan Preparation Charts

Forest Conservation Plan Notes Soil Profile Rebuilding Specifications Planting Notes for Landscape Plans

Charts and Details

A-1 Shade Tree Planting Detail A-2 Evergreen Tree Planting Detail A-3 Root Pruning Detail A-4 (under review) A-5 Deer Rub Protection Detail A-6 Tree Protection Fence Detail A-7 Soil Rehabilitation Detail A-8 Established Tree Soil Aeration Detail A-9 Permanent Forest Conservation Easement Signage A-10 Trunk Protection Detail Approved Crape Myrtle Cultivar List Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) Rating Template (under review) Natural Resource Inventory/Forest Conservation Plan General Notes Template Natural Resource Inventory/Forest Conservation Plan Required Plan Charts (under review)