Gaithersburg approves signage for Kitchen Social

Kitchen Social has received approval for the signage it has proposed for installation at its Downtown Crown location from the City of Gaithersburg. The restaurant chain had to request an exemption, because the dimensions of the signage exceed the standards laid out in the Downtown Crown master plan. Branham Sign designed the signage, which will consist of the main sign above the entrance, and two pedestrian-facing blade signs. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission approved the signage at its meeting last night. Kitchen Social is expected to open this summer at 203 Crown Park Avenue.

Rendering courtesy Branham Sign

Kentlands Market Square seeks permission for larger signage from Gaithersburg

Kentlands Market Square has filed an application with the City of Gaithersburg requesting an amendment to its August 2020 site plan approval for signage at the property. Kimco Realty, Inc., the property owner, is seeking permission to enlarge wall signs bearing the development name beyond the dimensions allowed under City code. If approved, the wall signage could increase beyond the existing zoning allowance of 13.5-square-feet to 40 SF. 

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the request at its January 21, 2026 meeting at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are recommending approval of the amendment.

Sixty Vines seeks permission to add retractable screens to pergola

Sixty Vines, the new restaurant at 212 Ellington Boulevard at Downtown Crown in Gaithersburg, is seeking permission from the City of Gaithersburg to add retractable screens to its outdoor dining pergola structure. The retractable vinyl curtains will utilize the MagnaTrack Vinyl Screen System. Those screens will be black in color, and will not count as increasing the building footprint under City regulations. Sixty Vines' application will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its meeting tonight, December 3, 2025 at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are recommending approval of the application.

Auto Spa Express car wash proposed for Gaithersburg

Car washes have been a tough sell for approval in Gaithersburg in recent years. Auto Spa will be the latest chain to make the case for one before the Gaithersburg Planning Commission tomorrow night, April 16, 2025. The property in question is 10009 Fields Road, which is bounded by Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, right smack between Downtown Crown and Rio Lakefront. As such, the traffic expected for the car wash is controversial, but Gaithersburg planning staff are now supportive of a car wash use. 

The property owner has tried and failed over the last five years to attract a retail or restaurant tenant to the site. Three letters of intent were signed: one by a bank, one by a casual restaurant, and one by a drive-thru fast food restaurant. However, none of those proposals were "economically feasible or sustainable," the owner concluded.

Sheetz on Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda Dec. 4

The addition of a second Montgomery County Sheetz convenience store and mega-gas-station will take another step toward reality this Wednesday night, December 4, 2024, in Gaithersburg. City Planning Commissioners will take up a request by the Walnut Hill Shopping Center to install an additional monument sign that will display the Sheetz gas prices. A similar sign was allowed at the Montgomery Village Sheetz further up MD 355. The amendment to Walnut Hill's sign package will also allow additional signage on the Sheetz convenience store building. City staff are recommending approval of the Sheetz amendment.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to rule on final site plan for Walnut Hill Sheetz

The Final Site Plan for the second Gaithersburg location of Sheetz will go before the city's Planning Commission this Wednesday night, October 16, 2024 for possible approval. Proposed for the parking lot of the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 16529 S. Frederick Avenue are a 4959-square-foot Sheetz convenience store, with six, double-sided gasoline filling stations. The plan also includes new east and west sidewalk connections to increase pedestrian access to the site, a new retaining wall and fence to be constructed to the east of the site, and a new trash enclosure facing South Westland Drive. Planning staff are recommending approval of the site plan with conditions, including correction of minor drafting errors on the Final Site and Forest Conservation plans, and revision of the recently-approved comprehensive sign plan for the shopping center to include the new Sheetz signage.

Walnut Hill Shopping Center seeks parking waivers from Gaithersburg

Walnut Hill Shopping Center is seeking approval of changes to its parking lot, and waivers for smaller drive aisles in several spots around the lot, from the City of Gaithersburg. The retail property was recently annexed into the City, and is making many improvements and alterations to successfully bring add an Aldi grocery store and Sheetz convenience store to its tenant roster. Because the future Sheetz will take up a portion of the existing surface parking lot, a reconfiguration of the rest of the parking spaces on the lot is necessary. Walnut Hill is arguing that maintaining a sufficient number of spaces will require waivers to allow several drive aisles to be narrower than allowed under City code.

The drive aisles proposed in several locations around the parking lot would be 20 to 24 feet in width. City of Gaithersburg code requires drive aisles with two-way traffic to be 26' in width. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will take up the waiver request at its meeting tonight, April 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM. City staff are recommending approval of the waiver request, and have advised that the other proposed changes - which involve adding green space to the parking lot (shown in green on the map below) - be addressed when the site plan for the Sheetz is submitted for approval at a later date.

Gaithersburg to rule on updated signage for Walnut Hill Shopping Center

The venerable Walnut Hill Shopping Center sign is a landmark in itself for drivers traveling through Gaithersburg on MD 355. But like other design features at the center, it is now considered past its prime as the property's owners are amidst a major renovation to update it. There is one other problem - as Walnut Hill was annexed into the City of Gaithersburg to facilitate the addition of a Sheetz convenience store, it is now subject to that city's zoning codes. And those codes say that Walnut Hill's existing signage is not compliant.

Proposed locations of new
monument signs (in red) and
freestanding tenant signage (green)

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will attempt to resolve all of these issues by reviewing, and potentially voting to approve a comprehensive sign package submitted by Walnut Hill at its March 6, 2024 meeting. Walnut Hill's proposed signage is still not in compliance with city code, but Planning staff are still recommending approval of the package. They note that the new signs will be in the same locations, will assist in safer wayfinding for drivers and pedestrians, and will not be visually obstructive. 

One condition placed on the release of final sign permits from the City is the removal of two Montgomery County stormwater easements at the property. Some of the current and new signs are located within those easements. The City says it is currently working with Montgomery County to have those easements terminated.

Corner monument sign - note the
Sheetz gas station canopy visible in 
the background

Silver Diner pergola, annexation request on Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda tonight

A long-planned pergola enclosure for the outdoor dining patio at the Silver Diner at Rio Lakefront is on the Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda tonight, January 17, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The pergola will have guillotine-style window, and a louvered roof, which both can be remotely operated by restaurant employees to adjust to changing temperatures and weather conditions. City staff are recommending approval of the pergola, with the condition that some minor errors in the plans submitted to the City are corrected prior to issuance of the construction permit. 

Commissioners will also make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council on whether or not an unaddressed piece of land between I-370 (Sam Eig Highway) and O'Neill Drive should be annexed into the City. The Casey Foundation is making the request for annexation. Staff are recommending commissioners defer their recommendation until all public comment is received by the deadline of 5:00 PM on January 31, and then decide on their recommendation at their February 7, 2024 meeting. 

Gaithersburg Planning Commission approves dining pier for Copper Canyon Grill

Copper Canyon Grill at Rio Lakefront received a vote of approval from the Gaithersburg Planning Commission last night for its proposal to build a dining pier on the lake in front of its restaurant at 100 Boardwalk Place. The pier structure will largely be made of wood to blend in with the boardwalk, and will have asphalt shingles on its roof. Commissioners also approved a plan for minor and temporary changes to the existing restaurant building related to the pier addition. This includes a temporary southern entrance with a wooden construction ramp leading up to it.

Gaithersburg grants sign waiver to First Watch

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission voted last night to grant a sign waiver to First Watch at 802 Muddy Branch Road, in the Muddy Branch Square shopping center. First Watch is rebranding with new signage, and the visibility of its previously-approved storefront sign is limited from Muddy Branch Road. As the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant's side facade lacks identification, the owners and shopping center argued that a second sign is needed for wayfinding purposes. City planning staff recommended approval of the additional sign, stating that First Watch was being negatively impacted by the configuration of the shopping center, which made it less visible than other businesses at the property.

First images of Walnut Hill Sheetz in Gaithersburg

The first images of what the proposed Sheetz convenience store and mega gas station at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center in Gaithersburg will look like have been revealed. They will be among the exhibits provided by the property owner to the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its meeting this Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 7:30 PM. Commissioners will be reviewing the property owner's request to be annexed into the City of Gaithersburg. 

The proposed Sheetz can only move forward at this site if the City annexes the property, as their ideal store and gas configuration is legal under Gaithersburg law but not Montgomery County zoning. This disparity has been a boon for Gaithersburg, as its more business-friendly codes have now attracted a Royal Farms, an under-construction Wawa, and not one but two Sheetz stores to the city. Interestingly, the top rendering depicts a future MD 355 Flash Bus Rapid Transit line and station in the median of the highway.

Gaithersburg proposal would replace single family homes with 2 apartment buildings

A developer has proposed replacing single-family homes at 201 Brookes Avenue and 9, 11 and 15 Park Avenue in Gaithersburg with two apartment buildings. Four-story-tall Building 1 would be at the corner of Brookes and Park, and have 70 units and a surface parking lot. Five-story-tall Building 2 would be on Park Avenue, and hold 110 units. Building 2 will have a parking garage. The completed buildings would be adjacent to the remaining single-family homes in the neighborhood.

The Gaithersburg Historic District Commission had advised rejecting the proposal, recommending historic designation for the existing homes. That recommendation was rejected by the City Council on October 3, 2022. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will now review the apartment buildings proposal at its December 7, 2022 meeting at 7:30 PM. Planning staff are recommending approval of the proposal with two conditions: 1) that the windows around the building entrances be changed to comply with Olde Towne District Design Guidelines, and 2) that the applicant successfully receive a waiver for the fifth story of Building 2 from the Mayor and Council, or else reduce that building to four stories.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to make recommendation on new Spectrum apartment building proposal

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will vote on its final recommendation to the Mayor and Council on a proposed new residential development at the Spectrum development this Wednesday night, October 19, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Located at 103 and 203 Spectrum Avenue, the building would house 230 units. It would be six stories tall, at a total height of 70'. 

City planning staff notes that residents of 30 units on the first and second floors may have difficulty accessing the lobby and amenity space of the building, and that the applicant's revised proposal has not adequately addressed those concerns. It also finds that the side of the development facing MD 355 could still be better enhanced with tile or landscaping features. 

Despite these two areas of concern, staff is still advising the Planning Commission recommend the Mayor and Council approve the project. Staff will address the two concerns with amended conditions to the approval, if the Planning Commission wishes.

The Labs at West Watkins on Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda tonight

Trammell Crow is asking the City of Gaithersburg to allow it to rellocate and consolidate approved office and retail space for its planned biotech development, The Labs at West Watkins. Located in the Watkins Mill Town Center, the two life sciences buildings would be larger than originally planned, allowing Trammell Crow to eliminate two other office buildings it had approvals for. For that reason, the company needs to reallocate the 62,494 square feet of retail and 100,950 SF of office space already approved for the two canceled buildings among these two biotech buildings, and three other future buildings.

The Labs at West Watkins is to be part of the long-delayed urban core of the Watkins Mill development, where there has been substantial residential development such as the Parklands community. Future streets that would connect to the Labs property are Town Center Boulevard, Commerce Street, Midtown Street, Grand Street and Parkview Avenue extended. All of these roads have yet to be constructed. Trammell Crow also notes that the replacement of the Corridor Cities Transitway rail line with a bus rapid transit route has made the required dedications of land on its property for the railway obsolete.

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the requested site plan update at its meeting tonight, September 7, 2022 at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are not yet making a recommendation on the request to the commissioners at this early stage of review.

Renderings courtesy Trammell Crow Company

Gaithersburg residents push back on plan to replace homes with car wash on MD 355

Gaithersburg residents have launched a campaign to stop a proposal to replace two homes at 605 and 607 S. Frederick Avenue (MD 355) with a car wash. Signs have been posted along the roadway in that area which read, "NO CAR WASH." They urge people to email planning@gaithersburgmd.gov by April 27, 2022 in opposition to the proposal. The signs warn of the impact in traffic, noise and pollution opponents believe the car wash will cause.

Residents are batting .500 in stopping contentious projects with significant impacts on residential neighborhoods in the city over the last couple of years. A proposal to build a crematorium adjacent to residential homes was ultimately rejected by the city. The plan to build a Wawa convenience store and mega gas station was approved, and ground was broken recently on that project. Wawa having more than a few fans in Gaithersburg probably helped, along with the stronger legal position the applicant held. There's probably not a similar built-in fan base for a car wash, so it will be interesting to see who prevails in this case.

Rio Lakefront seeks permission for new sign on I-270 in Gaithersburg

The Peterson Cos. is asking the City of Gaithersburg for permission to erect a new sign for its Rio Lakefront development along I-270. It is requesting a special exception allowing it to be a bit closer to the highway than current city rules allow, due to the existing vegetation and a sewer line on the strip of land where the sign is to be placed. The sign will be lit at night, and will feature several of the property's retail and restaurant tenant names - and presumably include the AMC Dine-In Rio Cinemas 18, as well. 

Peterson Cos.'s request will be taken up by the Planning Commission at its February 2, 2022 meeting tomorrow night. Planning staff recommends approval of the sign request and exceptions. In its comments, staff notes that competing developments along I-270 have similar prominent signage by the highway, and that Rio should therefore be granted the necessary exceptions.

King Buick GMC moving to Gaithersburg

The King Buick GMC dealership at 16200 Frederick Road will be relocating into the City of Gaithersburg. Its current property is being annexed by the City of Rockville, and will be redeveloped by EYA into a multifamily housing community. King's new location will be 953 N. Frederick Avenue, by the existing King Kia dealership.

A new 15,725 square foot showroom building will be constructed on the site for the Buick and GMC brands. The existing service center will be expanded by 19,589 square feet, as well. These proposed structural additions will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its February 2, 2022 meeting. Planning staff recommends approval of the proposal, as well as the granting of a parking waiver.

Gaithersburg Wawa final site plan goes before Planning Commission Wednesday

The long road to breaking ground on the construction of Montgomery County's first Wawa store may be nearing its end this week. On Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7:30 PM, the Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the project's final site plan. The Wawa convenience store and mega gas station, if approved, will be located at 405 S. Frederick Avenue, across from Gaithersburg High School. 

Planning staff is recommending approval of the site plan, with a condition that the applicant resolve concerns the Department of Public Works has with planned retaining walls on the property. Competitor Royal Farms' first Montgomery County store, also in Gaithersburg, is nearing completion at the Spectrum development. Wawa's arch-rival Sheetz has yet to announce any plans to open a store in Montgomery County.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to review proposed Spectrum plan amendment converting office to residential

Last month, Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council voted to send a proposed sketch plan amendment for the Spectrum development to the city's Planning Commission for review and a final decision. The proposal would convert pad sites currently approved for a bank and an office building to residential use instead. Up to 225 residential units would be constructed, if the amendment is approved.

Commissioners are now scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment at their Tuesday, September 14, 2021 meeting at 7:30 PM. Planning staff is suggesting the public record be closed on the matter on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Commissioners are then expected to vote on the amendment at their November 3, 2021 meeting.