July/Aug. 2023

DPS Launches Peer Review Program

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a “Peer Review Program” for developers and property owners who want to retain the services of a DPS-certified peer reviewer for sediment control, stormwater management and right-of-way projects that require permits from the DPS land development division. DPS is now accepting applications from those who request to be certified as peer reviewers.

Peer reviewers are professional engineers, land surveyors, landscape architects and others who have experience with the DPS plan review process. Peer reviewers could be hired by an applicant or developer to examine their plans as quality assurance before the plans are formally submitted to DPS. The peer reviewer may find inconsistencies, omissions or supporting documents that are missing. The peer reviewer then would provide comments to the design professional, who can update the plans before formally submitting them to DPS. This advisory service, which is optional, potentially speeds up the plan review timeline.

“The Peer Review Program is an optional tool for applicants to help ensure quality control prior to formal submission,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “DPS is still responsible for reviewing and approving all plans, including those reviewed by a peer reviewer. DPS will issue final approvals prior to permit issuance. These projects will be identified at intake and tracked. The desired outcome is that peer review will contribute favorably toward the overarching County objective of streamlining our permitting process.”

Information about this program is available on the DPS website. As peer review candidates are certified, their names and contact information will be added. Peer reviewers are certified in engineered sediment control/ stormwater management, grading, paving and storm drain plans. The charge for this service is determined by the peer reviewer.

“The goal of the Peer Review Program is to accelerate turnaround times for plan review in the land development division,” said DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski. “The peer reviewers will be certified by DPS, and reviewing engineered plans for sediment control, stormwater management and right-of-way projects.”

The DPS Peer Review Program manual is posted on the DPS website for those who want to learn more about the program and become a certified peer reviewer.  

Development Review Process Workgroup Seeks Input

The Montgomery County State Delegation, in coordination with the Montgomery County Executive's Office and Montgomery County Planning Department, have formed a Development Review Process Workgroup to examine the County’s process for reviewing and approving development projects with a special focus on ensuring the County remains economically competitive. Department of Permitting Services Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi is a member of the new workgroup.

On June 22, members of the public provided their input on Montgomery County’s development review process during the first of three public listening sessions. This meeting was held at the Montgomery County Council Office Building in Rockville. 

The workgroup's next listening session will be held at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) headquarters in Wheaton (2425 Reedie Drive, 2nd Floor) on Tuesday, July 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. with in-person and virtual testimony options. Sign up to provide testimony. Another listening session will be held virtually from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

In addition, community members are invited to submit written comments to the Development Review Process Workgroup. Email development@montgomeryplanning.org and Meredith Wellington at meredith.wellington@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information, visit the Montgomery Planning website. 

DPS Fees Remain Unchanged

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services fees will remain unchanged in fiscal year 2024 that runs from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2024.

These fees are collected for certificates, licenses and permits for commercial, electrical, fire code compliance, fire protection, mechanical, residential, right-of-way, sediment control, stormwater management, well and septic, and zoning work  .

DPS operates as an enterprise fund with revenues from customer fees covering its expenses. The Department is also responsible for collecting fees for other County agencies based on codes that require certain regulations be followed for plan approval or permit issuance.

Fee schedules are posted on the DPS website.

Planning a Special Event?

From arts and music festivals to fireworks shows and athletic tournaments, Montgomery County is a destination for special events. The Department of Permitting Services, recently recognized with an award by the National Association of Counties for the creation of the special event permit, is committed to ensuring the permitting process for these events is easier than ever.

Read this news release for five things to know about permits before planning a special event that is open to the public in Montgomery County.

Deck Safety Video

Watch this two-minute video for important information about deck safety.

DPS Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp reminds homeowners that a building permit is required for all decks regardless of the height above grade to ensure the structure is safe and secure. He details what a deck inspection includes and how maintaining and sealing your deck can extend the life of your deck.

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

DPS Podcast Focuses on Use and Occupancy Certificates

The fourth episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast, “Use and Occupancy Certificates,” features key information for business owners who may be considering buying or leasing a commercial space.

“We get a lot of questions from DPS customers about use and occupancy certificates and sometimes those questions come too late to do the business good,” said DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. “What I mean by that is that the business owner may have already signed a lease for a retail or office space before researching the use and occupancy certificate for the permitted use to ensure it covers the use of their new business.

DPS Commercial Field Supervisor Chris Allen joins Division Chief Lucas for the podcast and provides information about the purpose of the use and occupancy certificate, how to get a copy of it, when they expire and what inspectors are looking for when they check a commercial space. 

“DPS staff can provide information to customers about if an intended use is allowable in the commercial space or if improvements must be made before you can occupy the space,” said Field Supervisor Allen. “It is important to have that information before signing a lease because renovations may be costly.”

The new episode is now available on the DPS website and on podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/. Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform.

Previous episodes have covered topics about the importance of deck maintenance, building safety, fire prevention tips and what is trending in commercial building. 

Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov. The DPS website features more information about use and occupancy certificates, including a frequently asked questions and answers section.

Outstanding Permit Technician

DPS Permit Technician John Diaz was recognized for his exceptional customer service and named Outstanding Permit Technician at a Customer Support and Outreach (CSO) division meeting earlier this summer.

As part of the CSO team, he is assigned to process residential building additions, alterations, and accessory projects. Diaz has worked at Montgomery County Government for 34 years.

Wet Season Officially Closed

The 2023 Wet Season has closed, and water table testing will resume in the 2024 Wet Season.

According to Well and Septic Section Manager Heidi Benham, applications that were submitted and approved for testing this year will still be valid in 2024, and no additional fees will apply.

The Wet Season was suspended earlier this year because of drought conditions. That’s significant because the soil must be tested before you can install a septic system. Montgomery County regulations require that water table tests be performed at the time of the year when highest water table can be expected at an on-site sewage disposal area. These dates are calculated each year based on water table levels (monitoring well data) and how much it has rained or snowed (precipitation amounts).

For more information, visit the Soils Testing webpage on the DPS website.

Upcoming DPS Meetings

The Sign Review Board and the DPS Advisory Committee are scheduled to meet in July, 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, July 12. If you have questions about the Sign Review Board, email Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The DPS Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 20. If you have questions about the DPS Advisory Committee, contact Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

For more information about upcoming events and meetings, check out the calendar on the DPS website.

Office Hours and Holiday Closings

Come on by! DPS offices are 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 to get assistance in-person. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

DPS will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

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

Looking for a New Career?

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

TGIF Summer Concert Series

The Wheaton Arts & Entertainment District has teamed up with the iconic Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for this year’s TGIF Summer Concert Series, offering after-work celebrations on Friday evenings. 

The concerts are taking place at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, across the street from the Department of Permitting Services offices, and adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station.

For more information, visit the WheatonMD.org website.

Stay Connected with DPS

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. Follow or subscribe to the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and stay connected with DPS code officials!