Moving day has enough moving parts without worrying about tickets, tow trucks, or a last‑minute scramble for curb space. If you are relocating within Rockville, a little planning around permits, parking, and portable storage can save time and stress. This guide walks you through who to call, what to file, and when, so your truck, POD, or dumpster is exactly where it needs to be. Let’s dive in.
Confirm the right jurisdiction
Before you reserve space or order a POD, confirm who controls the street in front of your home. It may be a Rockville city street, a Montgomery County road, or a State highway.
- Rockville city streets: The City controls use of the public right of way. Review the city’s guidance on the Protection of Right of Way and permits for any activity that blocks sidewalks, parking lanes, or travel lanes. See the city’s Public Works permit overview for details on PODs and dumpsters in the right of way. Rockville’s Public Works permit guidance
- Montgomery County roads: If the street is a county road, the county requires a right of way permit to place a portable storage container or dumpster. Montgomery County’s PODs guidance
- State highways: If you are on a Maryland route like MD 355, contact MDOT SHA about permits for any placement that affects the State right of way. MDOT SHA access management
If you are unsure which jurisdiction applies, call Rockville DPW at 240‑314‑8500 or Montgomery County DPS at 240‑777‑0311.
Reserve curb space for trucks
Temporary No Parking signs in Rockville
To hold curb space for a moving truck or to bag meters, submit Rockville’s Temporary No Parking Signage Request at least 5 business days before your move. The Parking Enforcement Division reviews requests and will follow up on accommodations. Include meter numbers if meters are affected, the exact location, and start and end times. Temporary No Parking Signage Request
Permit districts and visitor parking
Some Rockville neighborhoods use residential parking permits. If you are moving in a permit zone, check whether you or your movers need a temporary or visitor permit for moving day. Rockville parking permits
PODs and dumpsters in Rockville
When you need a Public Works permit
Rockville requires a Public Works permit when equipment or work will traverse or obstruct any portion of the public right of way. The city allows PODs and dumpsters in the right of way only when you can show they cannot be placed on private property, as determined by DPW. If a sidewalk, parking lane, or travel lane must be closed, a permit is required. Rockville’s Public Works permit guidance
Processing time and costs
Plan ahead. Typical first review for a Rockville Public Works permit is about 2 weeks. Single‑family or more complex requests may take closer to 3 to 4 weeks. Fees and a bond for right of way protection may apply. DPW will provide specifics during application. Rockville DPW overview
County and state rules near Rockville
If your street is outside Rockville’s city jurisdiction, use the county process. Montgomery County requires a right of way permit to place a portable storage container in the county right of way. Permits typically issue in 1 to 2 weeks, are valid up to six months, and require safety devices like cones or barricades. Some sites need a traffic control plan. Montgomery County’s PODs guidance
The county has a similar permit process for dumpsters in the right of way. County dumpster permits
For storage on private property, Montgomery County zoning generally allows a storage container on site for up to 30 consecutive days twice per calendar year. It must be fully on the property and on a paved surface. Municipalities and HOAs may be stricter, so check those rules too. Montgomery County zoning on storage containers
Avoid fines and enforcement headaches
Rockville Parking Enforcement actively enforces blocking and obstruction rules. Typical fines include $60 for blocking a driveway or parking on a sidewalk, and $250 for parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Oversized vehicle violations in residential zones can escalate on repeat offenses. Keep clear of sidewalks, driveways, and hydrants, and never place a POD on a sidewalk or lawn. Rockville parking fines overview
Step‑by‑step moving checklist
- Confirm your street’s jurisdiction. If unsure, call Rockville DPW at 240‑314‑8500 or Montgomery County DPS at 240‑777‑0311.
- If inside Rockville and you need curb space, submit the Temporary No Parking Signage Request at least 5 business days before moving day. Include any meter numbers. Request temporary no parking
- For a POD or dumpster:
- On private property: confirm local limits. County zoning allows up to 30 days twice per year on a paved surface, fully on site. Municipal or HOA rules may differ. Zoning reference
- In the street: apply for a Public Works or right of way permit from the jurisdiction that owns the street. Include a placement plan and required safety devices. Allow about 1 to 4 weeks depending on complexity. Rockville right of way info
- Share all permit numbers, dates, and site diagrams with your mover or POD company. Confirm in writing who will place and remove cones, barricades, and any temporary signs.
- Keep copies of submitted forms, approvals, and inspector contacts. Some permits include pre‑construction meetings or inspections.
- On moving day, keep lanes, sidewalks, driveways, and hydrants clear. Follow posted restrictions to avoid citations.
Key contacts
- City of Rockville Department of Public Works: 240‑314‑8500, [email protected]
- Rockville Parking Enforcement: 240‑314‑8920 (general), 240‑314‑8900 (complaints)
- Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services: 240‑777‑0311
Make your move smoother
A few early calls and the right permit plan can keep moving day calm, safe, and on schedule. If you are planning a sale or purchase in Rockville as part of your move, connect with Kari Wilner for steady, local guidance from preparation through closing.
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a POD in my Rockville driveway?
- If the container is entirely on private property for a short period, county zoning generally allows up to 30 days twice per year. If it goes in the street or stays longer, a right of way permit is required by the correct jurisdiction, and HOA or municipal rules may be stricter. County PODs guidance
How do I reserve street parking for my moving truck in Rockville?
- Submit the city’s Temporary No Parking Signage Request at least 5 business days before the move. Include meter numbers if meters are affected and list exact start and end times. Temporary No Parking request
How long do Rockville and county POD permits take?
- Rockville Public Works permits typically have a first review in about 2 weeks, and more complex requests can take 3 to 4 weeks. Montgomery County POD permits often process in 1 to 2 weeks. Start 2 to 4 weeks before moving day. Rockville DPW overview | County PODs process
Who issues tickets if I block a driveway or hydrant in Rockville?
- Rockville Parking Enforcement handles violations inside city limits. Typical fines include $60 for blocking a driveway or parking on a sidewalk and $250 for parking within 15 feet of a hydrant. Rockville parking fines overview