Oct. 2023

Apply Online Improvements for Decks, Driveways and Dumpsters

The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has revised the Apply Online program to make it easier and faster for customers who are applying for deck, driveway apron, and dumpster permits. 

“Our goal is to streamline the permitting process for customers,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “We are committed to providing excellent customer service and continue to look for ways to improve and innovate our processes as we strive to become a world-class permitting department.”

Instead of first selecting residential or public right-of-way, these new permits are now listed as standalone permit types in the initial dropdown menu, simplifying the online process from the start.  

“This slight change to the online form is intended to make it easier for our customers to apply for a deck, driveway apron or dumpster permit because it reduces the steps in the application process and makes the application more intuitive from the start,” said Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas. “Look for more updates to the apply online processes in the future.”

DPS customers can apply for permits, submit construction plans, request records, and schedule inspections online at any time. Customers who have permitting questions or need more information about the application process, should call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 or stop by DPS offices. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance.

The customer service lobby, located at 2425 Reedie Drive (7^th floor) in Wheaton, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

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

DPS Outreach

Department of Permitting Services (DPS) staff regularly meet with community residents and customers to keep them informed of DPS programs and services. DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, photographed above, helped staff the DPS outreach table at a recent County budget forum in Layhill. 

In September, Director Sabbakhan, Customer Support and Outreach (CSO) Division Chief Gail Lucas, and Residential Construction Division Chief George Muste attended the Professional Remodeling Organization’s (PRO) quarterly meeting virtually to discuss technology updates and the permitting process timeline.  

On Oct. 30, DPS staff are scheduled to participate in a permitting webinar for businesses with the Maryland Women's Business Center.  In addition to providing an overview of the permitting process, DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi and CSO Chief Lucas will share what business owners need to know about use and occupancy certificates before signing a lease or buying a property. 

Visit the DPS website for more information about upcoming outreach activities. 

Fire Prevention

DPS Fire and Code Compliance (FCC) Manager Patsy Warnick, pictured above, recently met with the Commission on Common Ownership Communities to discuss the County’s upcoming adoption of the 2021 National Fire Prevention Association Fire and Life Safety Codes, and the impact on high-rise buildings without sprinkler systems. 

“All these buildings are required to be sprinkled by Jan. 1, 2033,” said FCC Manager Warnick. “The most common question we get is when and how people can comment on the upcoming adoption. DPS will post a banner on its website when the 30-day comment period opens, along with a contact and method for providing comments.” 

 For more information about the existing high-rise sprinkler program, visit the DPS website.

Firepit Safety

Gathering around a firepit is a fun fall activity but it is important to be careful. The DPS Fire Code Compliance (FCC) team has put together some safety guidance:

• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Keep fire pits, fire bowls, chimineas and similar devices at least 10 feet away from your home.
• Keep a clear area of at least 3 feet in diameter around the appliance,
• Keep it at least 3 feet away from mulch.
• Do not use these devices on a balcony or deck.
• Burn only aged-dried wood.
• Do not use any flammable or combustible liquid at any time.
• Have a garden hose or water source near the area.
• Be mindful of the wind speed before starting a fire. Smoke should not cross property lines.
• Dispose of all ashes in a safe manner. After 24 hours, all hot ashes must be thoroughly dampened, cooled and stored in a metal can that is used solely for ash storage. Ashes that are two or three days old may appear to be safe but can still retain enough heat to cause an unwanted fire. Do not discard hot ashes in a compost pile, paper bag cardboard box or anything that is combustible.
• Be careful in handling partially burned wood. The wood may still be smoldering and cause a serious burn.

If you have additional questions, contact the DPS Fire Code Compliance office at MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Career Fair and Hiring Expo

Consider a rewarding career as a building code official! The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting technicians, and more.

Interested job seekers 18‐and‐over are encouraged to attend the Montgomery County Career Fair and Hiring Expo from 3-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 3, at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, located at 1 Veterans Place in downtown Silver Spring.   

Meet with representatives from DPS at the Career Fair. Learn more about this opportunity on the County’s website.

Permitting Services Podcast

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

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.

The podcast is hosted by Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas.

Previous podcasts have covered building safety, deck permits, deck maintenance, commercial building trends, fire safety tips, what to know about your septic system, use and occupancy certificates, urban farming, paving, zoning and right-of-way permits.

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

Upcoming Board and Committee Meeting Dates

The Sign Review Board meets virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11. 

The Department of Permitting Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. 

Visit the DPS website for more information about the Sign Review Board and DPS Advisory Committee. 

Have You Heard about the Peer Review Program?

The Department of Permitting Services now 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. For more information about this new program, including an application to become a certified peer reviewer, visit the program’s webpage. The current list of certified peer reviewers is also posted online.

Customer Service Week

The week of Oct. 2-6 is also known as Customer Service Week, and the Department of Permitting Services is committed to providing excellent customer service in the field and in the office every day.

“We are very proud of our DPS employees who assist customers with the permitting and inspections process throughout the year,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Providing excellent service from start to finish - enabling homeowners to see their vision of home improvement or business owners building out their office or retail space come to fruition - is what drives our department. Our mission is to help customers complete their commercial and residential projects safely and successfully. Customer Service Week is an opportunity to celebrate and recognize our staff’s dedication and teamwork.”

DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7^th floor, in Wheaton. Customers do not need an appointment to get assistance in-person. Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time. Visit the DPS website for more information about the permitting process at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.

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

Take the Survey

The Customer Satisfaction Survey is posted on the DPS website in English and Spanish. Take the survey and let us know about your experience with DPS. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the survey, and your feedback is important as DPS continuously strives to improve its programs and services!

Hispanic Heritage Month

Montgomery County is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from now thru Oct. 15. Follow the County’s social media campaign recognizing County employees, including several DPS staffers, on the County’s Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) pages.  

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 X 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 and engaged with DPS.