Sept. 2022

Successful Sign Sweep

Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS) inspectors removed nearly 1,400 signs that were illegally placed in the rights-of-way of County-maintained roads during a one-day “sign sweep” on Aug. 4. 

The signs were transported to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for recycling and disposal.

“We have received dozens of sign complaints this year, and will continue to address complaints even after the sign sweep,” said DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Manager Greg Nichols.

Residents may report illegally-placed signs, at any time, online by visiting the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and clicking on the “property complaint” button. When entering the information online, it is important to provide the address of the property complaint and a description of the issue. Complaints may be submitted anonymously.

To report illegal signs along State roadways, go to the Maryland State Highway Administration online complaint form (marylandsha.secure.force.com/customercare/request_for_service).

If you have questions about signs in the right-of-way, contact MC 311 or call 240-777-0311 outside of the County.

EV Charging Info

More and more people are buying electric vehicles (EV) in Montgomery County, and demand for residential charging stations is on the rise as well.

In order to keep you updated about EV charging, DPS’s Electrical Manager Anthony Toussaint and DPS’s Sustainability, Energy, and Mechanical Manager Bryan Bomer will be participating in an EV Charging webinar from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6 that will focus on EV charging at condominium and co-op communities. This webinar will include representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Office of Common Ownership Communities, and the Montgomery County Green Bank.

“We receive calls and emails almost every day from DPS customers who have questions about the permitting process for installing EV charging stations at their residential and commercial locations,” said Toussaint. “I look forward to participating in the Sept. 6 webinar in order to educate communities about how the process works from start to finish.”

Join the webinar to get your questions answered!  If you miss it, an EV Charging webinar is also scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 11.

Visit the DPS website for more permitting information, including frequently asked questions and answers about residential and commercial EV charging stations.

Celebrating Clarksburg's New EV Charging Stations

In case you missed it, local officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for six new EV charging stations earlier this summer at Clarksburg Condominium II at 12824 Clarksburg Square Road.

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Permitting Services supported the project in Clarksburg. Other representatives at this event included Poolesville Green, Montgomery County Green Bank, electric vehicle owners and more. 

Discover more information about the benefits of electric vehicles by visiting the DEP website (montgomerycountymd.gov/green/zev/index.html).

DPS to Host Workshop for Civil Engineers

Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services is hosting an interactive “Land Development Workshop for Engineers” from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14 in the 7^th floor conference room at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

The workshop will cover several land development topics, including:

• Floodplain permits;
• Floodplain studies;
• Sediment control permits; and
• Stormwater management concepts.

Staff from the public right-of-way and well and septic sections of the Land Development division will be available to answer questions during the morning session as well.

Space is limited to the first 50 civil engineers that respond. Email DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski at linda.kobylski@montgomerycountymd.gov to reserve your spot!

Septic Smart Week: Sept. 19 - 23

Did you know that Sept. 19- 23 is the 10^th anniversary of Septic Smart Week?

This annual EPA event focuses on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems: how a septic system works; what not to put down the drain; the importance of getting your well water tested; and more. The EPA website features tips in English and Spanish as well as educational videos.

According to DPS Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham, there are between 20,000 and 25,000 septic systems in Montgomery County.

“As a property owner, maintaining and caring for your septic system is one of the most important things you can do,” said Benham. “Homeowners should educate themselves about their septic system to protect not only their property but the environment. DPS is here to answer questions and provide educational materials including septic permit records for your property if you should need them."

Benham is also reminding homeowners that a new Percolation Testing Expiration Policy goes into effect in Montgomery County on Sept. 1. The new policy impacts data for percolation testing conducted in Montgomery County prior to Feb. 28, 1979. Percolation tests measure the absorption rate of soil and are needed to design a septic system.

Visit the DPS website for more information about taking care, and extending the life, of your septic system.

Wednesday Water Webinar Set for Sept. 21

Mark your calendar for noon on Wednesday, Sept. 21.

That’s when the University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar. The September topic is contaminants and drinking water.

Register online.

Sign Review Board Meets Sept. 14

The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14.

The agenda for the meeting is posted on the DPS website. 

If you have questions or need more information, contact DPS staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Labor Day Holiday

Reminder! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5 in observance of Labor Day. The customer service lobby, located on the 7^th floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton, will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time. Visit the DPS website for more information about eServices.

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