Feb. 2024

DPS GIS Maps

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched three new geographic information systems (GIS) maps on its website to keep the public informed about properties in an area’s floodplain, and to highlight permitting activity around the County for commercial use and occupancies and inspections in near real time.

“The information displayed can help developers make informed decisions about building projects based on elevation layers, drainage maps and natural resources within an area,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Plus, we expect the maps will be important for prospective buyers and residents looking for permitting information at or around their homes and properties. This new GIS feature will be a prevalent tool and a great example of how DPS will innovate and leverage technology to improve the permitting process.”

The Floodplain and Storm Drain map provides technical floodplain and other drainage-related information for engineers and others. It has simplified layers for map users to determine if a specific property is in a floodplain or not. The goal of this map is to provide engineers, planners, and property owners with useful information regarding floodplains and drainage. The map collates federal and local floodplain maps in a single resource to enhance public awareness and understanding of flood-prone areas, potential flood risks, and associated hazards within a specific region.

The My Inspector and Property map provides information about upcoming inspections, property details, and contact information for DPS inspectors. The GIS map features a search tool to find recent permit applications near your home or property.

The Use and Occupancy map displays information about use and occupancy (U&O) certificates at the parcel level. Plus, it notes how U&O certificates can be printed using DPS’ online data services.

Explore the maps on the front page of the DPS website.

Water Table Testing Season

The 2024 Water Table Testing season is now open.

“County regulations require that water table tests be performed at the time of the year when the water table is expected to be the highest at the proposed site of a sewage disposal area,” said DPS Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham. “These dates are calculated each year by monitoring water table levels from wells, and factoring in how much it has rained or snowed. Water table test submissions will be accepted until Friday, April 5. The end date is subject to change based on precipitation amounts and field observations during the testing season.”

According to Benham, results from these tests help determine the size and type of septic system that can be installed on a lot or property in Montgomery County. She said wet season testing helps determine whether a septic system will have the required buffer from groundwater.

For more information about the application process for water table testing, visit the Soil Testing webpage on the DPS website.

Business Permitting Webinar

Department of Permitting Services Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi and Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas participated in an online webinar about permitting for businesses, hosted by the Maryland Women’s Business Center on Feb. 5. The webinar provided information about navigating the permitting process and tips for those planning to open or expand a business in Montgomery County.

Specific topics covered included what to know about the use and occupancy certificate before signing a lease or buying a property; how to schedule a free virtual design consultation and why this can help you before formally applying for permits; what to expect during plan review; what to know about home businesses, and more.

Black History Month

During the month of February, Montgomery County Government (MCG) is recognizing County employees, including Permit Technician Ernest Martin (pictured above), on its social media platforms as part of its Black History Month social media campaign. Look for these posts on MCG’s Facebook and X (@MontgomeryCoMD) pages.

Community Outreach

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan met with the East County Citizens Advisory Board in January to provide information and updates from the permitting department. He also recently toured the White Oak area with local officials.  

If you want DPS staff to visit your community or upcoming meeting, email Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov with your contact information, date of the meeting, location, and details about the topics you would like DPS staff to cover.  

Board and Committee Meetings

Keep up with the Sign Review Board and DPS Advisory Committee (DPSAC) meetings by visiting their webpages on the DPS website. You will find meeting agendas, minutes, schedules and more.

The Sign Review Board meets next at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 on Microsoft Teams.

The DPSAC meets every other month. The DPSAC’s next virtual meeting is at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 on Microsoft Teams. These meetings are open to the public. 

Wednesday Water Webinar

The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon Wednesday, Feb. 21. The webinar is titled “You Are What You Drink – The Health Importance of Good Quality Water,” and will address key steps to ensure good drinking water quality.

Register for the webinar online.

Visit the DPS website for permitting information about wells and septic systems.

Energy Summit

Save the dates! The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be hosting its 11^th annual Energy Summit on April 15-16 at the Silver Spring Civic Building and DPS staff will be at the event to answer questions and provide the latest permitting information to attendees.

The summit is an opportunity for the commercial building community to prepare for compliance with energy benchmarking, building energy performance standards and emerging building codes. Event registration will open in mid-February. Read the news release for more details.

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 us 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!