Proclamation Kicks Off Building Safety Month

BUILDING SAFETY MONTH . . . Creating building projects of all types with safety in mind—and making them more accessible for the disabled—were the themes on May 2 as the Montgomery County Council recognized the month of May as “Building Safety Month.” During May, the Department of Permitting Services will perform inspections of decks at no cost to homeowners. Among those at the ceremonies in Rockville, from left to right, were: Jessica Fusillo of the Department of Permitting Services; County Fire Marshal Rick Merck; Councilmember Sidney Katz; Director of Permitting Services Diane Jones; Councilmember Marc Elrich; and Alan Hinde, chief of the Fire and Rescue Service’s Division of Volunteer Services. 

Inaugural Design For Life Showcase

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett joined the staff from the County’s Department of Permitting Services for the inaugural Design For Life (DFL) Showcase.  Over 22 Building Professionals displayed finished products and features for participants to view.  Several hundred residents came out to view the showcase and generated interest for more information.

NBC's Michael Gordon reported on the Design for Life event.

The DFL Property Tax Incentive Program provides 3 tiers of property tax incentives to make homes more universally accessible. For new home construction a school impact tax credit may be available for projects meeting Level I and Level II Accessibility standards. Whether you are a first time homebuyer, young family, active adult, or person living with a temporary or permanent impairment, these additional design elements will enhance your home and, at the same time, meet your needs and your visitors’ needs throughout your life.

DPS Helps Mentor the Next Generation

DPS is participating in Summer R.I.S.E. (Real Interesting Summer Experience) program locally funded initiative led by WorkSource Montgomery in collaboration with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and other partners. The program provides MCPS rising juniors and seniors with enriching summer career development experiences.

Students will learn more about the residential, commercial construction and land use industry in Montgomery County. Students will work with County employees to help residents and businesses to walk through all the phases of new and existing construction. They will have a chance to learn about professional engineering and permit processes. 

Stay Safe At Home

May is national building safety month and DPS professionals would like to provide some electrical safety tips that could protect your family from hazardous that could occur from accidental contact with electricity.  Over 25 % of the estimated 81,000 electrical systems fires that occur each year can be contributed  to faulty electrical cords and temporary wiring.

Extension Cord Safety:

-Discard damaged extension cords; do not try to repair
-Do not use extension cords for permanent wiring
-Do not run extension cords through walls or through doorways
-Use cords approved for the environment; if outside or around water plug into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
-Use only surge protected power strips and regularly inspect and test for correct operation
-Protect extension cords with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)

Temporary Wiring:

-Do not substitute temporary wiring for permanent building wiring 
-Limit the use of temporary holiday lighting no more than 90 days
-In outdoor environments use only approved wiring for the conditions and provide the necessary protection (GFCI) for protection
-Do not install temporary wiring through doors, or through walls or openings

Equipment Cords

-Visually inspect equipment and appliance cords for damage
-Follow the manufacturer's recommendation in operating electrical equipment.  

Stay tuned for updated information next week as the County is considering adjustments to Impact Taxes to take effect July 1, 2017.  Please see MCER No. 27-16AM in the County Register.