Jan. 2024

Happy New Year: A Message from DPS Director Sabbakhan

As we look ahead to the new year and the exciting programs and services we are preparing to unveil, we are also looking back at all that was accomplished in 2023.

It was almost one year ago, that I joined DPS as the new director and it’s been a pleasure meeting and establishing relationships with staff and DPS customers.

There were many community outreach events and meetings that DPS participated in throughout the year including the Energy Summit, Civil Engineers Workshop, the Development Review Process Workgroup, and the recent DPS Stakeholders Forum to name just a few. Our goal is to connect, engage and make it easier for our customers to navigate the permitting process. Building safety is paramount and we are committed to permitting safe and sustainable structures.

During the last year, we updated the DPS mission statement, launched a new vision statement, published DPS core values, and introduced the DPS Customer Bill of Rights. Providing excellent customer service is a top priority. That’s where it starts. I am proud to note that DPS was recognized for its work on deck details and special events with two National Association of Counties recognition awards this past year.

In addition, DPS launched a new Permitting Services Podcast, unveiled the Peer Review Program, began piloting the eSolar program, made technology improvements to make it easier for customers to download their use and occupancy certificates and fire code compliance permits, streamlined Apply Online, implemented Simplifile, helped update the demolition law, made it easier for those who want to add high tunnels to their property, reenergized the Residential Fast Track program and more. DPS also recognized Building Safety Month with 300 free residential deck maintenance inspections, and DPS partnered with the MCPS Construction Trades Foundation as we are dedicated to mentoring the future workforce. DPS also helped promote Septic Smart Week to keep property owners informed about the importance of maintaining their septic systems. This fall, we also partnered with the Maryland Women’s Business Center to provide permitting information and tips to those considering opening a business in Montgomery County. One of the programs we want to make sure you know about is the virtual design consultation which connects you with local code officials to help you prepare before you apply for a permit. Throughout the year, DPS has promoted the Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program at local events and meetings. The DPS Permitting Services Advisory Committee met nine times in 2023. These meetings are open to the public and we invite you to attend a future meeting. The DPS Customer Satisfaction Survey was returned by more than 900 customers giving the department an average 4.0 out of 5 rating.

By the numbers, DPS issues approximately 40,000 permits a year; performs more than 100,000 inspections and responds to almost 54,000 services requests a year. Turnaround times for permits vary based on the type of permit and its complexity. Look for Data Dashboards to be added to the DPS website in the new year so that information is readily available to you. We also plan to add interactive GIS maps so that you can track permitting activity around the County.

Our goal is to make DPS a world class permitting department. We’re starting out the year with adopting new codes, implementing more new game changing initiatives, setting the stage for new technology and laying out plans for a three-year strategic plan - all aimed at making DPS even better. With your help, we want to make 2024 our best year yet!

Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Rabbiah Sabbakhan
DPS Director

Stakeholders Forum Recap

More than 150 people attended the DPS Stakeholders Forum in Wheaton on Dec. 6. The meeting was designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and more.

During the meeting, the DPS leadership team provided updates about new programs and services and talked about pending code updates and technology improvements. 

In addition, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan introduced the DPS Customer Bill of Rights, and staff answered permitting questions from stakeholders.

Look for more DPS community outreach meetings in the new year!

Streamlining Engineered Right-of-Way Plans

DPS is now solely responsible for reviewing streetlights, signs and markings and maintenance of traffic plans. Previously, an applicant sent these types of engineered public Right-of-Way (ROW) plans to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation.

The change follows a recommendation for improvement from the Development Review Process Workgroup to consolidate plan reviews for ROW projects.

DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski said the change will eliminate conflicting plan review comments and ultimately lead to fewer review cycles. A single DPS reviewer will handle the review for the entire plan set. 

Effective now, and as appropriate, engineers should include these three plan types (streetlights, signs and markings, and maintenance of traffic) when submitting storm drain, paving and other ROW engineered plans for their project.

Email ROW Plan Review Manager Atiq Panjshiri at Atiq.Panjshiri@montgomerycountymd.gov for more information.

New DPS Service for Land Records

DPS has launched a new service to advance the County’s green initiatives that will also lead to faster permit issuance. The new service provides the ability to electronically sign and submit legal documents for recordation at the Land Records Division of the Circuit Court. These documents are typically required prior to issuance of Public Right-of-Way, Sediment Control and Septic permits.

Once the documents are approved, a fee is added to the permit record to cover the cost of recordation and a nominal transaction fee is assessed by the software vendor, Simplifile.

After the applicant has paid the fee, DPS will submit the documents for recordation on the applicant’s behalf. This eliminates the need for wet signatures, travel to and from DPS (and the courthouse) and reduces greenhouse gases.

DPS customers will save time and be able to start their projects earlier.

Eleven Episodes and Counting

Listen up! The 11^th episode of the Department of Permitting Services Podcast features a look ahead at the new year, and the 10th episode includes information and tips about the Residential Fast Track program.

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast and encourages listeners to suggest ideas and questions for future episodes by email at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Since its launch last 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 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. Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on your favorite podcast provider’s platform. The DPS podcast is also available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.

Sign Review Board Meets Jan. 17

The Sign Review Board is scheduled to meet virtually via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. If you have questions about the agenda, email Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.

DPS Advisory Committee Meets Jan. 18

The Department of Permitting Services Advisory Committee will hold its first meeting of the new year virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18. These meetings are open to the public.

For more information about the DPS Advisory Committee, visit the DPS website or contact Leah Ortiz at leah.ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Septic System Webinar

Maintaining your septic system will be the focus of the University of Maryland Extension Office's Wednesday Water Webinar at noon Wednesday, Jan. 17. 

This webinar, Basic Tips to Maintain a Septic System, will provide answers to your questions about your septic system and highlight the importance of maintenance to effectively process and treat wastewater in order to help save you money. Register for the webinar online.

Visit the DPS website for permitting information about septic systems.

DPS Updates Council's Economic Development Committee

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and staff provided permitting information about the Restaurant Sector and provided an update about the permitting department’s programs and services at the County Council’s Dec. 4th Economic Development Committee meeting.

Watch the meeting on YouTube.

DPS at Calverton

DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Division Chief Victor Salazar attended the Calverton Citizen's Association meeting in December.

Division Chief Salazar updated homeowners about new DPS programs and services such as booking appointments for free design consultations and how to listen to the DPS podcast. During the meeting, Salazar provided information and answered questions about quality-of-life issues including construction, home businesses, property complaints and overcrowding. He also reminded homeowners that property complaints can be filed anonymously on the DPS website.

If you would like to request DPS outreach at an upcoming meeting or event, contact DPS at MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Work at DPS

The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting specialists and more! Consider a rewarding career as a building code official. Check out the County’s website for information about new DPS employment opportunities.

Take the Survey

The DPS Customer Satisfaction Survey is posted on the website in English and Spanish. Take the survey and let DPS staff know about your permitting experiences. 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!

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!