A City of Gaithersburg Project
Retool Gaithersburg is a comprehensive initiative to update the City of Gaithersburg’s Zoning Code to ensure that the regulations better accommodate and implement the City's vision and goals to support the vibrancy and innovation of the City of Gaithersburg.
Welcome to the Retool Gaithersburg Project Page!
This page will provide updates, links to project events, education, and background information about the project.
Project Timeline
Why Retool Gaithersburg?
Cities are always changing.
The last comprehensive update to the City of Gaithersburg Zoning Code was in 1965, a time when the City was mostly agricultural. Retool Gaithersburg looks to ensure that the Zoning Code better reflects the needs of the community today, and helps to prepare the City for a more prosperous tomorrow.
Zoning should support current policy and trends.
A zoning code is a tool used to guide the physical development of the City to reflect the community’s visions and goals. Since the adoption of Gaithersburg's original Zoning Code in 1965, the types of businesses, housing, and industrial uses have changed. Zoning rules must support policies to improve quality of life in the City, prepare for new and innovative businesses and construction methods, and be calibrated for the future demands of the City of Gaithersburg.
Zoning should be easy to use.
Zoning can be complicated. This is exacerbated by decades of incremental updates and changes which often make the ordinances complicated to navigate for homeowners, developers, and those that enforce the rules. Retool Gaithersburg seeks to update the ordinance to enhance usability for the residents of Gaithersburg.
How will the Zoning Code Be Improved?
Terminology & Definitions
Retool Gaithersburg will update and modernize the terminology and definitions used throughout the code.
Interpretation & Understanding
Retool Gaithersburg will make the Zoning Code easier to understand through diagrams, tables, graphics, and illustrations that clarify and enhance understanding of relevant code sections.
Organization & Inconsistencies
Retool Gaithersburg will improve the overall organization of the Zoning Code so it is easier to navigate and understand.
Zoning Districts
Retool Gaithersburg will result in revisions to certain zoning districts or the creation of new zoning districts that better reflect the City's goals, policies, and visions.