DPS Commercial Plan Reviewers Ready to Beat the Clock

DPS has committed to a 30 day initial plan review period for building construction plans that are complete upon submission.  The DPS Commercial Plan Review Section has recently instituted process changes that will "reduce plan handling and provide more efficient plan review protocol" according to Matthew Shanks, Acting DPS Manager. 

The DPS clock starts ticking when applicants' complete plans submittals with all necessary documents and the plans pass screening.  A checklist for a complete plan submittal is available on the DPS website.
New changes to help DPS beat the clock include: 

• Electronic plans submission and apply online

• Concurrent reviews where feasible

• Daily status reviews by managers 

For more information on eServices or the commercial submission process visit the DPS website.  Instruction videos for eServices Apply Online and ePlans are available online.  Remember it Takes 2 Steps - 1) an apply online account and 2) then upload plans using ePlans ProjectDox. 

New Building Codes Effective on October 5, 2015

 DPS held three "Open Houses"  to go over the changes in the adopted 2015 International Building Code Changes including the Executive Regulation 4-15AMII.  The building codes were adopted on August 3, 2015 and have a 60 day grace period for permits.  

All permits received on or after Monday, October 5 will be subject to the 2015 building codes. 

Quick Links to DPS Open House Presentations 

Significant Changes to 2015 Residential Code
Signicant Changes to 2015 IECC Commercial Code
Significant Changes to 2015 IMC Code  
Executive Regulation 4-15AMII   

Protecting Our Water Resources

New residential properties with a stormwater management system will be required to provide a signed Right-Of-Entry (ROE) and Maintenance Agreement.  This agreement will become mandatory for building permits for new homes on January 1, 2016.  In compliance with state laws passed in 2007 and county laws passed in 2010, homeowners with on-site stormwater systems are responsible for maintaining the stormwater system located on their property.  The Department of Environmental Protection is required to inspect these systems and the agreement provides access to inspect the stormwater management system.  

Saving Water Saves $$$

Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) Credit Program 
Homeowners with stormwater systems will also qualify for the WQPC credit program.   It's all about being green! 

What is a stormwater system?  

Common residential systems include rain gardens, permeable pavements, cisterns, green roofs, etc.  For more information go check stormwater under the Department of Environmental Protection. 
 More to come....For any questions please call 311 or 240-777-0311 and request information from DEP.   

Resolution for Sign Permits and Other Zoning Fees

A resolution to implement zoning and sign permit fee changes was introduced by the District Council on September 29, 2015.  The fee changes complete implementation of the fee adjustments under the Comprehensive Fee Study and functional analysis completed in FY2015.  Adoption assures that all DPS customers pay for costs of services related to their specific permit types.  

Other fees were adjusted on July 1, 2015, however, because of the manner in which fees are adopted the fees related to zoning permits issued by the Department of Permitting Services must be adopted by Council Resolution.

A public hearing on the resolution is scheduled for October 13, 2015 at 1:30 pm in the Council Hearing Room at 100 Maryland Avenue.  

Recent DPS Outreach Events  

DPS New Building Codes Open Houses 

US Chinese Business Association

MFD Outreach & Networking Event with Hensel Phelps Multi-Agency Service Project

Contact  Jessica Fusillo, DPS Community Outreach Manger, to schedule an event with your organization. Email: jessica.fusillo@montgomerycountymd.gov or 

Call 240-777-6272. 

eServices Adds Demolition Permits and Payment Enhancements

DPS customers can now use apply online for demolition permits, pay applicable fees online and print/save their payment receipt.  Supporting documentation for the permit can be submitted in person at DPS or by email to DPS.AO-Demo@montgomerycountymd.gov.  Check the DPS website for more information about the documentation needed. Once all requirements have been met, the demolition permit can be printed online.

 The second major enhancement released provides for an improved credit card payment process.  DPS can now accept four credit cards online: Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. 

Coming up: IVR System Retires in 2015.

Effective December 31, 2015, DPS will be retiring the old IVR phone system used for scheduling inspections. With online inspection scheduling and 311 as a one-stop call center, the outdated IVR phone number handles only 1.6% of the 128,372 inpections scheduled in FY2015.   DPS will continue to schedule inspections  through the DPS website or by simply calling 311 or 240-777-0311.