The Historic District Commission (HDC) was created by the Mayor and Council in 1966 for the purpose of recommending the boundaries of districts that are deemed to be of historic or architectural value to the city of Rockville and with reviewing applications for construction or exterior alterations in the historic districts. The establishment of historic districts, as stated in the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, Title 8, Section 8-201, shall be for the purpose of:
Safeguarding the heritage of Rockville by preserving districts which reflect its cultural, social, economic, political or architectural history
Stabilizing and improving property values within these districts Fostering civic beauty
Strengthening the local economy
Promoting the use and preservation of historic districts for the education, welfare and pleasure of the residents of Rockville
The five HDC Commissioners are appointed for three-year staggered terms.