Rustic Roads
Rustic roads are roads in the Agricultural Reserve or rural parts of Montgomery County which exemplify the rural and agricultural character of the area. Exceptional rustic roads are roads which have such unusual and pleasing character that preservation of the road as it exists today is highly desirable.
Rustic and Exceptional rustic roads are preserved under the Rustic Roads Program which provides a system for evaluating, protecting, and enhancing these scenic roadways. The program includes nearly one hundred roads. These roads are listed and described in the Rustic Roads Functional Master Plan and in other area Master Plans as shown below.
The Rustic Roads Program is overseen by the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee (RRAC) and three agencies. The RRAC is comprised of seven citizen members who are appointed by the County Executive; they review and the advise the County Executive, County Council, Planning Board, Department of Public Works and Transportation, Department of Permitting Services and other county agencies on matters concerning rustic roads. Members review and comment upon roadway classifications, policies, regulations, and promote public awareness of the Rustic Roads Program.
Master Plans
- Rustic Roads Functional Master Plan (1996)
This document provides information about the program, its intent, history and regulations, as well as descriptions of the initial 66 roads designated under the program. - Damascus Master Plan (2006)
- Olney Master Plan (2005)
- Rustic Roads Functional Master Plan, Clarksburg Master Plan & Hyattstown Special Study Area, Boyds Master Plan & Gaithersburg Vicinity Master Plan Amendment (2004)
- Potomac Subregion Master Plan (2002)
- Sandy Spring/Ashton Master Plan (1998)
- Cloverly Master Plan (1997)
- Fairland Master Plan (1997)
- Clarksburg Master Plan & Hyattstown Special Study Area (1994)
Calendar of Upcoming Meetings
The RRAC meets six or more times a year. Meetings are normally held at 7:00 pm in the 9th Floor Conference Room of the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD (after hours, use the Cafeteria entry on the south side of the building). Meetings are open to the public. The anticipated 2008 meeting schedule is below; confirmation is recommended (Sarah Navid, 240-777-6304).
- Tuesday, January 15, 2008
- Tuesday, February 19, 2008
- Tuesday, April 1, 2008 (agenda)
- Tuesday, April 22, 2008
- Tuesday, May 27, 2008
- Tuesday, June 24, 2008 (agenda)
- Tuesday, September 16, 2008 (agenda) (Updated agenda. Note time, date and location. This is a joint meeting with the Ag Advisory Committee*)
- Tuesday, October 28, 2008
- Tuesday, November 25. 2008
- December 2008, TBD
*Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the Upcounty Regional Services Center
12900 Germantown Road, Germantown
RRAC Members
Jim Arnoult (engineer)
Kevin Foster (farmer)
Robert Goldberg (civic)
Cheryl Imperatore (civic)
Fred Lechlider (farmer)
Michael Seebold (rural preservation)
Eric Spates (farmer, AAC rep)
Staff coordinator:Sarah Navid (DPS)
Non-voting member:Leslie Saville (M-NCPPC)
Agency Contacts
The three agencies overseeing the program and their responsibilities are:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
- Classifications - Master Plans and Amendments
- Subdivision review and approval
- Contact: Leslie Saville, 301-495-2194, Leslie.Saville@mncppc-mc.org
Department of Public Works and Transportation
- Executive regulations and policies
- Roadway Maintenance, Division of Highway Services (240-777-ROAD)
Department of Permitting Services
- Review and permitting of work in rustic roads right-of-way
- Staff Coordination with Rustic Roads Advisory Committee
- Contact: Sarah Navid, 240-777-6304, or sarah.navid@montgomerycountymd.gov
