Nov. 2022

Take the Survey

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a new Customer Satisfaction Survey!

The survey is posted on the front page of the DPS website in English and Spanish for customers to rate the overall quality of the services they received; how quickly requests and applications were processed; and asks for feedback on whether customers were satisfied with the services they received and how DPS could improve.

Providing excellent customer service is a top priority of DPS, and customer feedback is key. Do not delay, take the survey today.

For more information, read the news release.

EV Charging in the Right-of-Way

Did you know you can apply for permits to install an electric vehicle charging station in the right-of-way if you do not have a driveway and there is no space on your property to create a parking pad?

Several Montgomery County residents have already taken advantage of this program.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Applicants will purchase and install charging stations at their own expense, either on their property or at the curb, depending on the site.
• The installation of a curbside charging station will only be considered when on-site opportunities (driveway or parking pad) do not exist and cannot be easily constructed.
• An EV charging station installed through this guideline will not create any privilege or priority for use of the adjacent curbside parking. Street parking will remain available to anyone. Any parking restrictions on your street, such as Residential Preferential Parking, will remain in effect.
• This program is available to those who reside in single family dwellings or duplexes in Montgomery County and the permit will only be issued to the property owner.
• Prior to submitting an application, email DPS Manager Atiq Panjshiri at Atiq.Panjshiri@montgomerycountymd.gov for a free consultation to determine eligibility.
• A Declaration of Covenants for Maintenance and Liability is required.
• If DPS determines your property qualifies for installation in the right-of-way, a public right-of-way permit and electrical permit are required. The electrical permit must be obtained by a licensed electrician.
• DPS will determine the exact location of the proposed EV charging station.
• The EV charging station will be connected to your home electrical service, as if the charging station was located on your private property. Conduit will be run from your electrical panel to the EV charging station, located in the planting strip adjacent to the curb. The conduit must be underground in the public right-of-way, including under any existing sidewalk, and it is likely that trenching will also be required on your private property. Property owners are required to work with a licensed electrical contractor to understand all options.

For more information about residential EV charging in the right-of-way, visit the DPS website and review the guidelines.  

Fire Pit Safety

Fall weather has arrived, and that means many residents are gathering outdoors around their fire pits.

The Department of Permitting Services website features a fact sheet to provide important safety information for those who are using fire pits, fire bowls and chimineas. It is important to use these devices in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance, and to make sure at least one adult is supervising the use.

Fire pits and similar devices should be located at least 10 feet away from your home, and it is important to keep a clear area of 3 feet in diameter around the fire pit. Mulch can catch fire quickly, so be sure and keep the fire pit at least 3 feet away from any nearby mulch.

DPS’ fire code compliance team strongly recommends that you do not use these devices on balconies or decks. Burn only aged, dried wood and do not use any type of flammable or combustible liquid. Have a garden house or water source nearby and be mindful of the wind speed before starting a fire. Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours has passed, all hot ashes must be thoroughly dampened, cooled, and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Do not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag, cardboard box or anything that is combustible.

If you have questions or want more information about the use of fire pits, contact the Office of Fire Code Compliance at 311 or 240-777-0311.

Turkey Fryer Tips

Are you planning to deep fry a turkey on Thanksgiving Day? Before you set up your fryer, Fire Marshal Rick Merck has provided some fire prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season:

• Make sure the turkey fryer is at least 10 feet away from your home and not under the edges of the roof. Use the turkey fryer on a sturdy, level surface and do not move it once it is in use. 
• Determine the correct amount of oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed before frying it.
• Check the temperature often with a cooking thermometer so the oil won't overheat. 
• An adult should watch the fryer as it cooks. Always use protective oven mitts, and do not let children and pets come near it.   

 For more fire safety resources and tips, visit the usfa.fema.gov website.

Wednesday Water Webinar: Nov. 16

Mark your calendar for noon on Wednesday, Nov. 16. That’s when the University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar.

This month’s topic is about what causes stains, spots and smell in drinking water. The webinar will cover the causes of these issues and discuss possible remedies.

Register online.

Sign Review Board Meets Nov. 23

The Sign Review Board meets virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23.

Prior to the meeting, the agenda will be posted on the DPS website.

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

DPS Advisory Committee Meets Nov. 30

Save the date!

The DPS Advisory Committee will meet virtually at 4 p.m. via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, Nov. 30. The meeting agenda will be posted on the DPS website before the meeting.

If you have questions, email DPS Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

Holiday Schedule

DPS offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day, and on Thursday, Nov. 24 for Thanksgiving Day. DPS offices will be open the day after Thanksgiving (Friday, Nov. 25).  

Regular office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Friday.   

Apply for permits and submit construction plans online, at any time, by visiting the DPS website.

Join Our DPS Team

Are you looking for a new job? DPS is hiring building inspectors, permitting specialists, and more. Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Apply today!

Stay in the Know

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