Streamlining Stormwater Management

Streamlining the Stormwater Management (SWM) right of entry and maintenance agreements for single family houses has been completed and the documents are now available online.

State law requires SWM agreements for future inspections of stormwater facilities.  DPS has streamlined the sediment control permitting process for new residential construction by recording a master declaration of terms concerning the right of entry and maintenance agreement in the Land Records for Montgomery County.  When onsite stormwater management is required, the building permit applicants for new homes will provide a simple form signed by the property owner and notarized for recordation subjecting the property to the pre-recorded terms.

By using the revised form the County Attorney will no longer need to review each document; and, the DPS Director will no longer need to sign them.  This streamlining measure benefits and saves time for the applicant for sediment control permits.  

The forms and process are on the DEP website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/water/stormwater/maintenance.html#EasementsMaintenanceAgreements. 

You should begin using this form immediately.  

Residential Model House Program

DPS is considering changes to its Model House Program to expedite the issuance of new house building permits and ensure that each house is constructed in accordance with DPS approved plans.  This program establishes a site-specific building permit application process valid for an unlimited number of permits in the current building code cycle.  

 The program is limited to Montgomery County Home Builder licensed contractors.  Model House approved plans cannot be bought, traded or transferred from one contractor/developer.

 The program consists of two parts:

1)      Model House application review and permit issuance and,

2)      Refer-back application review and permit issuance.

Additional information can be found at the DPS website using this link: http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/pdf/ProposedModelHouseProgram.pdf

Please note that MH applications under the 2018 building code – which is scheduled for adoption in July 2018 – must comply with the updated program. 

Private Road Closure Permits

Effective February 13, 2017, a permit is required to temporarily close any portion of a private road that is also considered an urban road (in or abutting a Metro Station Policy Area, Town Center Policy Area, or other area identified by the County Council as urban).  This includes adjacent sidewalks.  The permit will ensure any closure does not violate important safety codes or adversely impact the use of connecting public roads. 

The application must be submitted by the owner of the private road and must include details of the closure including but not limited to:  location, duration and purpose.  

For additional information, please visit our web site at http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/building/PrivateRoadClosure.aspx  or contact Linda Kobylski at 240-777-6346.

Dangers of Electronics Near Water 

This past summer, 14-year-old teenager died from electrocution when using her plugged in cellphone in the bathroom. This is a tragic reminder that electronics- even small personal ones -- near water are dangerous.  Especially in the home while bathing, soaking in a hot tub or swimming in a pool.

Prevention is critical. Make sure all receptacles that are within six feet of a water source are GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters).   GFCI outlets should be checked monthly by pushing on the test button until it trips and then resetting it.

You are invited: Open House for Wall Bracing

DPS will conduct an open house training on DPS requirements for adequate submissions for wall bracing for residential projects.  The Open House will have 2 sessions; morning and afternoon.  November 2, 2017 in the Executive Office Building auditorium (101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD).  8:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm.  Snacks will be provided

Submit Paperless Permits Means More Time for Business! 

Customer can now apply online for commercial, residential, fire alarm and fire protection permit revisions.  Commercial and residential permittees can use online revisions for both paper and electronically processed permits.

Beginning September 11, 2017, Commercial Solar, Residential New Construction and Sign permits will only be accepted electronically.  Currently, all Fire Alarm, Electrical, Utility, Fire Protection, Fence, Residential Solar and New Commercial Construction permits require electronic submission. 

Mondays are for eServices Training! DPS has dedicated Mondays for training at 9 am - not need to register just come by the Training Room at 9 am located at the DPS Offices at 255 Rockville Pike.  DPS Staff will be on hand to go through the process on ePermits and ePlans or answer any questions. 

Check out the green tab on the DPS website for more information about eServices .

Questions about eServices? Contact us at: dps.eServices@montgomerycountymd.gov

Property Tax Credits for Accessible Homes

Homeowners and Businesses can benefit from the Design for Life program. 

Go designforlifemc.org to find out more! 

eServices now accept ACH payments for online permits!