June 2023

DPS Wins Two NACo Awards

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has earned two  National Association of Counties (NACo) 2023 achievement awards for its Residential Deck Details Guide and Special Event Permit.

In the category of Civic Education and Public Information, DPS won an achievement award for its Special Event Permit, which streamlines the permitting process for event planners coordinating with various DPS divisions and partner agencies. A special event is defined as an activity in Montgomery County that is open to the public and invites public participation or spectators and has an impact on the public streets, sidewalks and adjacent private properties. This permit is for events such as festivals and sporting events and helps further promote Montgomery County as a welcoming destination for special events by organizing the process and steps. It helps event planners consider and prepare for the safe installation of tents, electrical/mechanical equipment, stages, traffic management, adequate public facilities, alcohol licenses, food licenses and more. DPS, along with other designated County departments, helps ensure overall event health and safety.

In the category of Community and Economic Development, DPS received an award for its Residential Deck Details Guide, which simplifies the permitting process for rectangular one-level decks. DPS issues hundreds of deck permits each year, and applicants are often homeowners who may not be familiar with preparing and submitting construction plans. The Residential Deck Details Guide allows homeowners to submit only a site location plan to obtain permits for rectangular one-level decks. Once that permit is issued, the homeowner follows the detailed deck guidelines for construction.

“Providing exemplary customer service is a top priority at the Department of Permitting of Services as we are striving to be a world-class permitting department,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “These NACo achievement awards highlight our commitment to efficiency and outreach with our focus centered on streamlining the customer experience. I am proud of staff for receiving these awards and for their continued dedication to ensuring we provide the best programs and services for our DPS customers.”

Learn more about the special event permit and deck details guide by visiting the DPS website. Read the Montgomery County news release to learn more about other County programs and services that were recognized with NACo awards.

Check Out the New DPS Podcast

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a new podcast to connect customers with local experts about permitting processes for commercial and residential projects. The first three episodes are now available.

The DPS Podcast is posted on the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcast, including platforms such as Amazon, Apple and Spotify. Subscribe to the podcast by selecting the follow or plus button.

The new, monthly podcast is hosted by Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and guests have included DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, DPS Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp and Commercial Building Division Chief and Fire Marshal Rick Merck. Topics range from the purpose of building permits to deck inspections to fire safety and commercial building trends. The next episode will focus on commercial use and occupancy certificates.  

Email your ideas and questions for future podcasts to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Building Safety Month in Review

More than 300 homeowners requested free residential deck maintenance inspections during Building Safety Month last month. This popular DPS program is offered by DPS to raise awareness about the importance of deck safety, and the program, which was capped at 300 this year, was full by the second week of May. 

In order to help homeowners who were not able to schedule an appointment, a Deck Maintenance Checklist is posted on the DPS website with guidance about maintenance and upkeep.

Earlier in May, DPS leaders joined County officials at a proclamation ceremony to formally recognize Building Safety Month. Watch the proclamation ceremony, browse the photos and check out the What’s Happening MoCo podcast for more coverage of Building Safety Month in Montgomery County. There’s also a 2023 Building Safety Month webpage on the DPS website with links to even more coverage.

DPS Partners with MCPS' Construction Trades Foundation

DPS staff are sharing their expertise with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) students who are interested in the construction field.

Residential Plans Manager Bob Kelly recently addressed students at the MCPS' Construction Trades Foundation program in Gaithersburg.

In addition, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Residential Inspections Manager Jim Sackett and inspectors Devon Harris and Lindsey Thompson toured a house that MCPS students built in the Silver Spring area and shared information about their profession and career opportunities.

Watch this video to learn more about the MCPS program and the 43^rd Young American House that local students designed and built. Find more coverage of the DPS house visit on the MyMCMedia website.

Swimming Pool Permits Info

Just a reminder that if you are planning to install a new swimming pool in your backyard this summer that permits are required. A building permit is required for construction, alteration, repair, and enlargement of any residential swimming pool. An electrical permit is also required if you are installing a swimming pool. 

If you have questions, you can schedule a free virtual design consultation with your contractors and DPS code officials.

For more information about the permitting process, visit the DPS website or call 240-777-0311.

DPS Outreach at Leisure World

Staff from the DPS Customer Support and Outreach division provided information about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program as well as other permitting programs and services on Thursday, June 1 at the Senior Health and Wellness Expo at Leisure World in Silver Spring. There were hundreds of people in attendance.  The Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program is for all ages and stages of life.

Learn more about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program by visiting the DPS website online at montgomerycountymd.gov/design.

DPS Jobs

The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting specialists, a green building program manager and more. Consider a rewarding career as a building safety professional. Don’t delay; apply today! Visit the Montgomery County Government website at work4mcg.com.

Upcoming Meetings

The Sign Review Board and the DPS Advisory Committee are scheduled to meet in June, and these virtual meetings are open to the public.

The Sign Review Board will meet virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 14. If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, email 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, June 15. For more information about the DPS Advisory Committee, contact Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information, visit the DPS website.

Celebrating Two Years in Wheaton

This month, DPS will celebrate its second anniversary serving walk-in customers at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7^th floor, in Wheaton. DPS offices opened in Wheaton on June 14, 2021. DPS offices were previously located in Rockville.

Office Hours and Holiday Closings

DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and you do not need an appointment to get assistance in-person. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

DPS will be closed on Monday, June 19 in recognition of Juneteenth and on Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time. Visit the DPS website for more information at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.

Stay in the Know

Subscribe to Constructive Comments to receive this online newsletter in your inbox each month. In between issues, follow #MoCoDPS on Montgomery County’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for the latest news and information from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services.  Plus, follow the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and stay connected with DPS building and code officials!