April 2023

Earth Month

Montgomery County is celebrating Earth Month in April!

“Invest in Our Planet” is the 2023 theme, and it focuses on engaging all of us to do our part and take action against the climate crisis.

At the Department of Permitting Services, you will find a variety of sustainability programs, including electronic permitting to save paper, time and money.

These online services, also known as e-Services, include applying and paying for permits, uploading ePlans, scheduling inspections, checking the status of a permit, searching for data, booking design consultations, requesting records, and filing property complaints.

The DPS website features information about permits for installing solar panels; and what you need to know about the permitting process for charging stations for electric vehicles. There’s also information in the commercial building section of the website about local green building and energy codes.

DPS stormwater and sediment control permits are designed to keep local streams clean. DPS also participates in tree conservation programs in coordination with other County Programs.

Visit the DPS website to learn more.

Read this news release for details about upcoming Earth Month activities and events in Montgomery County.

DPS Staff Provide Outreach at 10th Annual Energy Summit

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Sustainability Manager Bryan Bomer participated at the 10^th annual Montgomery County Energy Summit, hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) last month at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

Other County speakers included Chief Administrative Officer Rich Madaleno, Council President Evan Glass, and DEP leaders. Additional DPS staff provided outreach and attended the event.

The Energy Summit focused on preparing the commercial building community for compliance with energy benchmarking, building energy performance standards, and emerging building codes and it showcased the County’s collaborative efforts with the private sector on climate and green building issues.  Energy efficient buildings are a proven way to reduce energy, save money and reach ambitious climate goals.

At the summit, Division Chief Lucas provided an overview of the permitting process for commercial building and fielded questions from customers on a variety of topics, including electric vehicle charging stations.

Director Sabbakhan was part of a panel on the local landscape and building energy and climate policies. Montgomery County is one of the national leaders when it comes to establishing energy and green building policies.

Manager Bomer participated on a summit panel about navigating the green code.

Visit the DPS website (commercial building section) for more info and resources about local energy and green building codes.

View more photos from the event on the County’s website.

DPS to Host Workshop for Civil Engineers on April 26

The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Land Development Division is hosting an educational workshop for civil engineers from 8 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, April 26.

Topics to be discussed include sediment control, storm water management concepts and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s (M-NCPPC) development review process. The DPS workshop agenda is posted online.

“This interactive workshop will provide design professionals best practices when preparing civil drawings and hopefully reduce the timeline for permit issuance,” said DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski. “We are excited that our partners at M-NCPPC will be joining us to explain the various agency roles throughout the development review process.”

Attendance is limited to 150 people.  

To register, email Division Chief Kobylski at linda.kobylski@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Deck Inspection Program to Begin in May During Building Safety Month

Looking ahead, the Department of Permitting Services will celebrate Building Safety Month in May.

As part of the celebration, DPS will provide free, residential deck maintenance inspections during the month of May. The inspections take about 15 minutes once the inspector is on site.

Inspectors will be checking the support structure of the deck, the ledger attachment, and the condition of the guardrail.

DPS customers may schedule their deck inspections beginning on Monday, May 1. The program is limited to the first 300 requests.  

During the month of May, call 311 or 240-777-0311 to request a deck inspection.

You may also visit the DPS website and fill out a property complaint form to request a deck inspection in May.

All of these inspections will be scheduled in the order they are received.

For more information about the permitting process for decks, visit the DPS website.

Driveway Permits

Are you planning to add a driveway to your property and wondering if you need a permit?

A driveway permit is required to construct a new residential or commercial driveway apron; to install a temporary construction entrance; or to restore and repair an existing driveway apron. The apron is the driveway entrance and is located from the edge of the roadway to the property line. Construction must conform to Montgomery County design standards.

According to DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Division Chief Victor Salazar, the Zoning Ordinance outlines restrictions on the amount of surface parking a homeowner can create in R-40, R-60, R-90, and R-200 zones between the lot line and the front building line. Salazar said in the R-200 and R-90 zones, that’s 30 percent or 320 square feet, whichever is greater. In the R-60 and R-40 zones, it’s 35 percent or 320 square feet, whichever is greater, he said.

For more information including a frequently asked questions and answers section, and how to apply for a permit online, visit the DPS website.

2023 Wet Season Suspended

Montgomery County regulations require that water table tests be performed at the time of year when the highest water table can be expected at the on-site sewage disposal area.

That testing is usually happening now but it was suspended in March because of decreasing water table levels in Montgomery County. These dates are calculated each year based on water table levels (monitoring well data) and how much it has rained or snowed (precipitation amounts).

According to Well and Septic Section Manager Heidi Benham, you must test the soil before you can install a septic system.

For the latest information about the 2023 Wet Season, visit the Soils Testing webpage.

Wednesday Water Webinar

Save the date! The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold a Wednesday Water Webinar at noon Wednesday, April 19.  

This month’s topic is about ensuring safe well water. Register for the webinar online.

For more information about the permitting process and septic systems, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps/.

Upcoming Meetings in April

The Sign Review Board and the DPS Advisory Committee are scheduled to meet in April.

The Sign Review Board will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 12. If you have questions about the Sign Review Board, email DPS Plan Reviewer Roger Waterstreet, who is the Board’s staff liaison, at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The DPS Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 20. For more information about the DPS Advisory Committee, contact Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program

Live longer in the Montgomery County home you love and qualify for property tax credits. Get the facts about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program. This program is for all ages and stages of life.

Looking for a Job?

The Department of Permitting Services is hiring building inspectors, permitting specialists, and more. Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Don’t delay; apply today!

DPS Staff is Ready to Assist You

Come on by! The DPS customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2425 Reedie Drive (7^th floor) in Wheaton. You do not need an appointment!  

Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time by visiting the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps. The DPS Staff Directory is also posted online.

Got questions? Please contact MC311 or call 240-777-0311.

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