Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/05/2024 03:05 PM EDT
April 2024
Changes Are Coming to ePlans, Well and Septic System Permits to Go Online
Mark your calendars! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will soon launch an updated version of its ePlans software that customers and staff use to submit applications and plans electronically. The launch date is set for Monday, May 20.
The changes and improvements to this program will occur in phases over the next few months. The initial phase will impact applications for Fence, Public Right-of-way, Sediment Control, Sign, Stormwater Concept, and all Trade permits.
“The first phase will also include applications for Well and Septic System permits, which is long overdue,” said DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi. “This is a major advancement to move our entire permitting system online. Our goal is to make the permitting process easier to access and faster to navigate for all of our customers. The second phase of the ePlans update will include changes to Residential and Commercial permits and those changes will launch later this summer.”
Prior to the Phase 1 launch, customer training will be offered on Wednesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 16. Additional training, post-launch, will be offered on Tuesday, May 21, Wednesday, May 22 and Friday, May 24. Look for these training sessions (dates and times) to be posted at the top of the DPS home page at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps in the coming weeks. Registration is not required. If you would like to attend a session, visit the DPS website on the day of your choice, and simply click on the Microsoft Teams link to join the training session.
In addition, DPS will release five customer-oriented training videos to help you better navigate the improved system. Topics will include:
Basic Features
Uploading Files
Reviewing and Responding to Comments
Downloading Approved Plans and Documents
Accessing Reports
Customers are encouraged to take advantage of all the training opportunities available to ease the transition from the current to the revised ePlans program.
If you have any questions, email dps.eservices@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact MC 311 at 240-777- 0311.
New Permitting Dashboard Tracks Turnaround Times
A new Permitting Dashboard is now posted on the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) website for customers and stakeholders to track select permits and plan review turnaround times. The information on the dashboard is updated daily on a rolling basis and will improve tracking of projects under review.
The Permitting Dashboard focuses on plan review and permit issuance turnaround times for the following permits: commercial new construction, commercial altercation, residential new construction, residential alteration and new construction, public right-of-way, sediment control and stormwater management.
At the top of the dashboard, the permit types are displayed in green tabs for navigation, and the data for each permit type is displayed for the past 30 days and the previous 12 months.
Podcast host Gail Lucas and Field Supervisor Dave Burch discuss the permitting process for home projects on a recent episode.
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast celebrates its first anniversary this month on April 11. The first season of the podcast series features 14 audio podcasts and three videos covering a range of permitting topics from accessory dwelling units to use and occupancy certificates to urban farming.
The newest episode, “Home Improvements and Permits,” is now available on video to watch on-demand and to listen to on your favorite podcast platform. The new episode features DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, in conversation with DPS Field Supervisor Dave Burch about when homeowners need and don’t need a permit for home projects.
The Department of Permitting Services collects tree fees for public right-of-way and sediment control permit applications when applicable. Earlier this year, the County Council adopted Bill 40-23 to increase the fee in lieu for both roadside tree and tree canopy law requirements. These fee changes take effect on April 30. This change is to ensure fees collected are commensurate with costs.
Read the press release for information about the importance of tree conservation and its role in meeting the County’s environmental goals, including improved air quality, reduction of heat islands and enhanced quality of life. The fees collected are dedicated to plant new trees both in the public right-of-way and throughout Montgomery County.
Public right-of-way or sediment control permit applications subject to the roadside tree or tree canopy law received by April 29 will pay the current rate of $250 per tree. Applications received on or after April 30 will be subject to the new rates of $450 per roadside tree required and $470 per tree required under the tree canopy law.
f you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 to be connected with staff in the DPS land development division.
Earth Month Spotlight: Meet the DPS Green Team
The Department of Permitting Services Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical (SEM) team is responsible for enforcing the International Mechanical Code, the Energy Code, and the Green Code. The energy and green codes are two of the most rapidly changing codes in the world. Montgomery County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) depends heavily on the building codes to implement and enforce sustainability measures.
The team consists of DPS SEM Manager Bryan Bomer; Mechanical Plan Reviewers Vita Bellafiore and Paolo Toschi; Energy and Green Building Plan Reviewers Anne Hawley, Ye Jiang, and Mark Nauman (inset photo); Green Building Program Manager Alyssa Mrvos; and Energy Program Manager Keith Walker.
SEM Manager Bomer said the team’s newest program managers are helping facilitate the ever-changing landscape of these codes by focusing on support tools, data analysis, and other nonplan review elements that are critical for Montgomery County to meet its CAP goals.
“We have probably the two best DPS staff on the mechanical team,” said SEM Manager Bomer. “Lifelong friends, Paul and Vito are responsible for ensuring the proper selection and installation of critical HVAC systems along with ensuring fire safety within the systems. Comfort is critical to the success of a building. Without proper heating, cooling, and ventilation people can’t be productive and focus. Once the HVAC system designs are approved by our mechanical team, the energy folks step in to make sure the system is efficient and most importantly operating as intended. Mark, Ye, and Anne work with large projects to enforce the commissioning process. Commissioning, simply put, is the systematic process of ensuring that a building performs in accordance with the design intent, contract documents, and operational needs. Think of it as asking your dad to test drive your first car purchase!”
And, he said, that is just some of the work of the DPS SEM team. He added that 2024 is going to be a big year for this growing group.
“Some of the significant elements of the 2021 energy code will be the transition to the ASHRAE 90.1 2022 standard,” said SEM Manager Bomer. "This will put Montgomery County on the forefront on energy codes and help move us towards our aggressive CAP goals. Additionally, we anticipate adopting the 2021 Green code and will be amending significant elements of electrification, EV charging infrastructure, and adding back several code elements that were removed in the 2018 version.”
Bomer said by pushing aggressive building codes DPS hopes to contribute to the County’s CAP goals. “We will be developing reporting metrics that will help identify energy savings along with emissions reductions,” he said. “We’ve applied for a federal grant to help us develop these reporting processes and to create training opportunities for the design community along with County staff throughout Montgomery County.”
Look for SEM Manager Bomer and some of his team at the Energy Summit on April 15 and 16 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
“I’ll be presenting on the code adoption process along with discussing some of the more critical proposals we are bringing forward,” he said.
For more information about the DPS SEM team’s work, visit the DPS website which includes a dedicated section of the Commercial Building Construction division’s page where you can find not only code compliance tools and publications, but also a roadmap to future code amendments.
Energy Summit Set for April 15-16 in Silver Spring
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting the 11th 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.
Look for DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas on the first day of the Energy Summit in addition to outreach staff who will be providing information about DPS programs and services at the DPS table at Innovation Alley. DPS Sustainability Manager Bryan Bomer will also be on a panel on April 16 to discuss the latest on energy and green code updates.
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.
Agritourism Tour
Several DPS leaders accompanied the Montgomery County Council's Economic Development Committee on an informative agritourism tour in Loudoun County, Virginia on Wednesday, March 13. The tour included stops at Long Stone Farm in Lovettsville, Hillsboro Old Stone School in Hillsboro, and Hillsborough Vineyards and Brewery in Hillsboro.
DPS Outreach to Small Business Owners
Permit technicians Raul Cortes and Nancy Nguyen provided outreach at the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s (MWBC) EmpowHER small business resource fair at the Universities at Shady Grove in March. Other participating County departments included the Office of Procurement and the Montgomery County Business Center.
Cross-Training with MCDOT
DPS recently hosted a training session for Land Development inspection staff to initiate cross training of the public right-of-way and sediment control inspection teams. Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation Division of Highway Services staff also attended.
This cross training was to develop a better understanding of the basic functions of each group’s work in Land Development and the construction standards and requirements. Topics included construction standards for residential driveway aprons, roadside tree protection, proper materials and installation of super silt fence, temporary construction entrances and construction requirements for a drywell. Land Development Chief Linda Kobylski recognized Ryan Ricketts, Chris Myers, Brandon Bollinger, Johnny Campos, Brian Kim, and Tom Weadon for their expertise, participation, and professionalism.
“This collaboration and information sharing between Land Development and MCDOT strengthens both agencies’ roles when constructing new infrastructure or when performing maintenance,” Chief Kobylski said. “I received so many positive remarks and expressions of thanks from those who attended. I personally believe these exercises make us and the County in general, more effective at performing our jobs and ultimately leads to exceptional service for our customers and residents of the County.”
Save the Date: Wednesday Water Webinar on April 10
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon Wednesday, April 10. The webinar is titled “Microplastics,” and will address risks to people and the environment and what you can do.
DPS will recognize Building Safety Month during the month of May. Local leaders are scheduled to issue a Building Safety Month proclamation on Tuesday, April 30. Look for the latest information about the 2024 campaign, “Mission Possible,” on the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
Office Hours, Location and Outreach
The DPS customer service lobby is located on the 7th Floor of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) building at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. DPS office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
You do not need an appointment to get in-person assistance. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
Also, be sure and check the calendar on the front page of the DPS website to learn about the latest outreach events around the County!
Work at DPS
DPS 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.
