Sept. 2023

Stay Septic Smart

Septic Smart Week (Sept. 18 -22) is an annual event, organized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to bring attention to the importance of taking care and maintaining a septic system.

DPS Well and Septic Section Manager Heidi Benham said nearly 20,000 properties are connected to septic systems in Montgomery County, and DPS issues permits for these systems.

“Homeowners can reach out to DPS to request their septic permit record and it will be provided if we have it,” said Manager Benham. “Our permit records go back to the 1950s. We can also help customers understand where the components of the system are located and how they work.”

The DPS brochure titled, A Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems, has more details about properly maintaining a septic system.

In addition, there are useful tips and videos on the EPA website. These online resources are shareable and available in English and Spanish.

Some tips to note: have your system pumped, when necessary, about every three to five years; avoid pouring harsh products (oils, grease, medications, chemicals) down the drain; discard non-degradable products (disposable wipes, floss, cat litter) in the trash; keep cars, heavy vehicles, and equipment parked away from the drain field and tank; repair leaks and use water efficient fixtures to avoid overloading the system; maintain plants and vegetation near the system to avoid root intrusion into the drain field; use biodegradable detergents that are low suds and low or phosphate free; and pay attention to changes or odors near or around your system.

Got questions? Call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 to be connected to a DPS staff member.

Demolition Permits

An amendment to Montgomery County Code Chapter 8-27 regarding the demolition or removal of buildings is now in effect to ensure that when a residential building is demolished or substantially demolished, a demolition permit will be required. These changes require any new home rebuilt on that site to have a new home building permit. DPS issues these permits.

The amended legislation redefines the term demolition to include removal of two-thirds (67 percent) of first story exterior walls of a single-family or two-family dwelling (duplex or townhouse) or if less than one-third of existing first-floor exterior walls (enclosing a habitable space of a house) are left in place above the basement or foundation.

For more information, read the news release.

Residential Fast Track

DPS is reenergizing its online Residential Fast Track program, and that means staff is dedicated to move these projects from application to issuance in one to two days.

Residential fast track permit applications must be applied for electronically and are limited to projects such as single-level decks, sheds and gazebos as well as some interior alterations (not exceeding 400 square feet and not involving a load-bearing wall). Additions, garages, screened porches and carports are not eligible for Fast Track.

If your residential project qualifies for fast track, apply online using the DPS Apply Online program.  For assistance applying for your permit, stop by DPS offices at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7^th floor, in Wheaton.  No appointment is necessary. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Technology Updates

DPS recently upgraded one of its technology systems to provide better service for customers.

“We're thrilled to announce a major leap forward in our technology landscape as ProjectDox/ePlans takes flight into the cloud,” said DPS Information Technology Manager Henry Mobayeni. “This strategic move is an integral part of our comprehensive Technology Modernization program.”

Mobayeni said the primary objectives are enhancing the DPS customer service journey, elevating application performance, fortifying system reliability, and ensuring enterprise-grade security.

“With ProjectDox/ePlans in the cloud, get ready for a seamless and faster experience that puts our customer at the center,” said Mobayeni. “We're committed to delivering top-notch service, and this modernization is a significant step towards achieving that.”

More technology updates are planned as DPS continues to innovate and elevate its services.

Peer Review Program

The Department of Permitting Services offers a certified Peer Review Program in its Land Development division to accelerate plan review turnaround times. This service is available for reviewing sediment control, stormwater management and public right-of-way projects.

A list of certified peer reviewers is posted online for customers to consider as well. 

For more information about this new program, including an application to become a certified peer reviewer, visit the program’s webpage.

Subscribe to the DPS Podcast

The Department of Permitting Services Podcast takes listeners behind the scenes at DPS and connects them with subject matter experts about the permitting process for commercial and residential projects.

The fifth episode of the DPS Podcast, “Urban Farming, Fences, Paving and Zoning,” features useful information for residents who are looking for details about urban farming, putting up a fence, and/or paving part of their front yard.

This episode is hosted by DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas who welcomes DPS Code Compliance Section Manager Greg Nichols for the zoning discussion. Both Lucas and Nichols have worked at DPS for more than 20 years.

Previous podcasts have covered building safety, deck permits and deck maintenance, commercial building trends, fire safety tips, and what you need to know about use and occupancy certificates. 

Podcast episodes are available on the DPS website and on podcast platforms, such as Amazon, Apple and Spotify. The DPS podcast is also available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/. Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on your favorite podcast provider’s platform.

Got a question or idea for a future episode? Email dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Recognizing Excellent Customer Service

Congratulations to Permit Technician Brandon Nesta who was recently recognized for his excellent customer service in the DPS Customer Support and Outreach division.

Permit Technician Nesta works on the commercial/residential intake team and handles fire protection, fire alarm and fire code compliance projects. He has worked at DPS for two years.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

This summer, DPS staff emailed the department’s Customer Satisfaction Survey to about 4,300 customers who received permits from DPS during the previous six months.

The survey is also posted on the DPS website in English and Spanish.

Please take the survey if you have not already done so. It only takes a few minutes. Your feedback is important as DPS continuously strives to improve its programs and services!

Board and Committee Meetings

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

The Sign Review Board will meet online via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13. If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, email 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, Sept. 21. For more information 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.

Development Review Process Workgroup

The Montgomery County Development Review Process Workgroup has scheduled more public work sessions in September at the Wheaton headquarters of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) at 2425 Reedie Drive. These meetings are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and, if necessary, Sept. 27.

The public is invited to watch the meetings live or on-demand on the website of the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The Maryland General Assembly’s Montgomery County Delegation created the workgroup that is led by State Delegate Lesley Lopez (D-District 39) in coordination with the Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the M-NCPPC, and the County Executive’s Office. DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi is a member of the workgroup.

The workgroup is examining the County’s development review process, with a special focus on finding opportunities to improve the County’s economic competitiveness.

Community members may submit written comments about their experiences and ideas related to development review to the Development Review Process Workgroup by Sept. 1. To send feedback, email development@montgomeryplanning.org and Meredith Wellington at meredith.wellington@montgomerycountymd.gov. The workgroup has also created a questionnaire about the county’s development review process that the public is encouraged to complete and submit online. Written comments and questionnaire responses will help guide the workgroup’s recommendations as part of a report that must be delivered to the Montgomery County Delegation of the Maryland General Assembly by Oct. 15.

Office Hours and Labor Day Holiday

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

The customer service lobby will reopen at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5. DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2425 Reedie Drive (7^th floor) in Wheaton.

No appointment is necessary to get assistance in-person. 

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

If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Employment Opportunities at DPS

The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting specialists and more.

Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Don’t delay; apply today!

Visit the Montgomery County Government website at work4mcg.com.

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