Montgomery County's Green Future 

 The future is Green, as in the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) 2012 was recently adopted by Montgomery County.

The IgCC was established by the International Code Council to improve the long term performance and safety of commercial and high-rise residential buildings. 

Council Bill [19-17] repeals the existing Green Building Law and commencing December 1st, 2017 expands its scope and breadth with the IgCC to apply to all new construction and additions over 5000 square feet. Significantly, the new Green Code will recognize the following compliance pathways: structures that achieve a LEED Silver rating using certain energy points; residential and mixed use buildings of five stories or more that comply with the ICC-700 National Green Building Standard (NGBS) at the Silver performance level; and to structures that comply with ASHRAE standard 189.1.

The IgCC is a Model Construction Code that overlays and coordinates with existing I-Codes used for construction throughout Montgomery County. It establishes minimum design standards in the areas of building site development and land use, waste management, materials resources, energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gases, water resource conservation, and indoor environmental quality and comfort. 

Public Roads and Sidewalk Closure Permits

 A Right of Way (ROW) permit is required to temporarily close any portion of a public road, whether it be for road improvements, driveway and utility construction or closing a road for a block party. A ROW permit is also required for temporary closure of adjacent sidewalks. 

 WHY: Permit ensures any closure does not violate important safety codes or adversely impact the use of connecting public roads.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: If the proposed work is on a primary or higher classification roadway (80’ right-of-way or greater), roadways in the Central Business District (Wheaton, Bethesda and Silver Spring), and/or needs sidewalk closure longer than 15 days, the applicant must also submit a site specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP).

APPLICATION: Must include details of the closure including but not limited to: location, duration and purpose.  A fee or a bond may be required per Executive Regulation 26-16 and based on Chapter 49 of the Montgomery County Code.

PERMIT:  Once issued contact the DPS Right-of-Way Inspection staff to schedule a pre-construction meeting. This should be done prior to work commencement to all concerns are covered and needed work zone traffic controls are in place. Coordinate with DPS staff to schedule other needed inspections that be required along with the final inspection for work and once closure is complete. Bonds will only be returned the after final inspection.

For additional information regarding public road and sidewalk closure permitting process, please visit our web site at http://permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/road/DrivewayPermit.aspx or contact Linda Kobylski at 240-777-6346.

Short Term Residential Rentals

With the rise of the sharing economy, and the economic and social benefits to residents of sharing resources, short-term rental activity continues to grow. This increased activity has led the Montgomery County Council to work toward modifying short-term rental laws, and prompted an examination of parameters to regulate short-term rentals and establish a pathway to legalize this activity. Currently, the County’s Zoning Ordinance does not allow for short-term residential rentals of less than one month, unless the home has been approved for use as a Bed and Breakfast. Bed and Breakfasts are only allowed in detached houses, and they are subject to specific standards.

In February 2016, the Council introduced proposed legislation (zoning text amendment ZTA 16-03) to allow short-term residential rentals under certain parameters. The ZTA was introduced in conjunction with Bill 2-16, which would update the licensing requirements for all transient housing, including a bed and breakfast

ZTA 16-03, concerning short-term residential rentals, will be discussed at September 18, 2017 PHED Committee.

Septic Smart Week

Each year, EPA holds SepticSmart Week with outreach activities to encourage homeowners and communities to care for and maintain their septic systems.

During SepticSmart Week, EPA seeks to inform homeowners on proper septic system care and maintenance, assist local agencies in promoting homeowner education and awareness, and educate local decision makers about infrastructure options to improve and sustain their communities.

UPDATE: DPS Open House on Wall/Wind Bracing

DPS will conduct an open house training on DPS requirements for adequate submissions for wall bracing for residential projects.  The Open House training will be on Thursday, November 2, 2017 in the Executive Office Building auditorium (101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD).  There will be 2 sessions: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.  

Contact Robert.Kelly@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions.

DPS Employee Recognized for Volunteer Efforts

Envirocert International (ECI) recently recognized their volunteers for their contributions and efforts.

Mr. Kuykendall, Senior Permitting Services Specialist with the Department of Permitting Services, Montgomery County, Maryland currently serves as the regional contact for the ECI Certification Committee.  

He has been involved with various committees over the years. He sat on a national committee to formulate the first manual for CESSWI and served on the CESSWI Board for two terms. He also served on a Maryland Department of the Environment committee to revise the 2011 Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control and sat on a Development Review Committee with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission to provide comments on new and revised developments with emphasis about stormwater management.

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.

As of September 11, 2017, Commercial Solar, Residential New Construction and Sign permits are only 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!