Nov. 2023

DPS Stakeholders Forum Set for Dec. 6

Save the date! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is holding a Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to noon (doors open at 8:30 a.m. for a meet and greet) at the second-floor auditorium at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan encourages architects, builders, contractors, designers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other professionals to attend. Space is limited to 200 seats. Reserve your spot online today!

Topics to be discussed at the Stakeholders Forum include: public dashboards with turnaround times; pending code changes, recommendations from the Development Review Process Workgroup; new DPS vision and customer service initiatives; impact taxes, fee study; Fast Track Program; outreach and community engagement activities; Peer Review Program; community engagement activities (including the new DPS Podcast); and a questions and answers session to obtain stakeholder feedback for improvement.

If you have questions about the Stakeholders Forum, email leah.ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6364.

Streamlining the Permitting Process

Have you heard? DPS has reenergized the Residential Fast Track program online for eligible projects and added some popular permits to the drop-down menu at the start of the Apply Online application portal.

These improvements will help streamline the permitting process for customers to make it easier and faster to get a permit. Read the news release for more details.  

New Requirements for EV Charging

A new State law requires the construction of new housing units, that include a separate garage, carport or driveway, to include electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). The law mandates either an EVSE parking space installed from the electric panel to the parking space capable of providing at least Level 2 charging (minimum of 208 volts) or an EV ready parking space that has electric panel capacity and full circuit installation of a minimum 40-ampere, 208/240-volt circuit, raceway wiring, a NEMA 14-50R receptacle and circuit overcurrent protection devices.  

Construction documentation must include the location of the parking space when applying for the building permit. New housing units include single-family detached houses, duplexes, and townhouses subject to the International Residential Code.

The associated electrical permit must include details of the electric vehicle charging.

If you have questions about this new requirement, contact staff at 240-777-0311 or stop by DPS offices at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7^th Floor, Wheaton.

Do You Need a Building Permit?

Before you start improving your home or property, it is important to know if you need a permit.

Typically, if you are constructing, demolishing, adding, installing, or altering a structure you will need a permit. Some examples include an accessory structure, a deck, electrical work, a fence, land disturbance (greater than 5,000 square feet or 100 cubic yards or more of earth movement), a retaining wall, a septic system, a shed, a swimming pool, a well, etc.

A permit is not required for painting, wallpapering, replacing a faucet, installing countertops, installing hardwood floors, tiles and carpeting if no structural changes are made.

If you live in a municipality or are part of a homeowner’s association, it is important to check the rules and regulations that may apply there.

For questions about if you need a permit, contact DPS at MC 311 (240-777-0311) or stop by the customer service lobby.

DPS Is Hiring

DPS staff met with job seekers at the Montgomery County Career Fair and Hiring Expo last month in Silver Spring.

If you missed the event, be sure and check out the County’s website for the latest information about job opportunities. DPS is hiring permit technicians, inspectors and more! Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Do not delay, apply today! 

New Podcast Episodes

The 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.

Since its debut earlier this year, the podcast has covered a variety of topics including accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, commercial building trends, fire code compliance permits, fire prevention and safety tips, what to know about your septic system, use and occupancy certificates, the public right-of-way, urban farming and more.

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.

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

Outstanding Permit Technician

Congratulations to Permit Technician Marjorie Yoe who is being recognized this month for her exceptional customer service at DPS! Marjorie has worked at DPS for 29 years and handles information requests and electrical and mechanical permits. 

Upcoming Board and Committee Meetings

The Sign Review Board meets virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14. If you have questions about the upcoming meeting, email Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The Department of Permitting Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. For more information about the DPS Advisory Committee, contact Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems

The DPS brochure, “A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems,” is now available on the DPS website in Spanish, “Guía Para El Mantenimiento De Los Sistemas Sépticos De Viviendas Particulares.” 

Office Hours and Holiday Closings

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.

The office will be closed on Friday, Nov. 10 in recognition of Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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.

Customer Satisfaction Survey

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

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 (formerly known as 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 and engaged with DPS code officials!