On April 7, 2025, the Mayor and City Council voted to approve an ordinance amending § 2-6 of the City Code, removing the requirement for City-based Common Ownership Communities (COCs) to register with or participate in the Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC). This ordinance became effective on April 27, 2025.
As a result, starting July 1, 2025, City-based COCs will no longer be required by the City to register with or participate in the Montgomery County CCOC. This change effectively removes Chapter 10B of the Montgomery County Code from applicability within the City of Gaithersburg.
What This Means for Your Community:
Residents and COCs seeking dispute resolution or governance support can utilize external resources such as:
- Montgomery County Conflict Resolution Center (CRCMC): Offers mediation services for community disputes.
- Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development: Provides guidance and resources for housing-related matters.
- Maryland Office of the Attorney General: Assists with legal inquiries related to housing and community governance.
- Future City Initiatives: The City is exploring the feasibility of establishing a Gaithersburg-based program to support COCs with governance and dispute resolution services. While no formal timeline is set, implementation would not occur before late 2026 at the earliest.
Next Steps for COCs:
- Evaluate Needs: COC boards should assess their community's needs for dispute resolution, training, and governance support.
- Stay Informed: Monitor City communications for updates on the development of a Gaithersburg-based support program for COCs.
For further assistance or inquiries, please contact the Neighborhood Services Division.