Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 10/08/2024 02:52 PM EDT
Oct. 2024
New Interior Alterations Webpage for Restaurants
The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a new webpage for food establishment and restaurant owners who are planning interior alterations or who need a change of use for a commercial building space.
A commercial building permit is required for all work occurring inside an existing building including those intended for restaurant use. These interior renovations are also known as “tenant fit-outs.” The new DPS webpage details the permitting process for these applications and includes a frequently asked questions and answers section.
This year, DPS has received more than 90 building permit applications related to restaurants in Montgomery County and the majority of those permits issued are for commercial alterations.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas said applicants often come to DPS after they have signed a lease or bought a property only to learn that the use is not allowed at the location they have selected.
“It’s important for those considering buying or leasing a commercial space to research the property and check with DPS before they sign a contract,” said Division Chief Lucas.
That information is highlighted in step one of the Process Guide on the new webpage. Other steps in the guide include: hiring a professional, scheduling a design consultation, applying and paying for permit fees, submitting plans and plan review, paying outstanding fees, scheduling inspections, getting Department of Health and Human Services approvals, applying for alcohol sales licenses, and applying for outside seating in the public right-of-way permits.
Look for an updated “Recipe for Success” brochure to be released later this year that details these steps and provides additional guidance and resources for food establishment and restaurant owners.
Fire Prevention Month
As part of Fire Prevention Month, DPS and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) are reminding residents to check their smoke alarms to make sure they are operating.
“It’s important for residents to install smoke alarms and to test them regularly to make sure they are working,” said DPS Fire Code Compliance Manager Patsy Warnick. “They should be located on every level of a home and in and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. A working smoke alarm protects lives.”
In addition, MCFRS is asking residents to “take ten on Oct. 10” to test smoke alarms, practice a home fire drill and update the Family Emergency Kit. A few minutes of planning can make all the difference.
The Bed & Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental Program allows residential property owners who meet certain requirements to rent habitable living space for less than 30 consecutive days for a fee.
For zoning information about Bed and Breakfast and short-term rentals, visit the DPS website. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
ePlans Software Update
DPS has completed updating its ePlans software for Commercial, Residential, Fence, Public Right-of Way, Sediment Control, Sign, Stormwater Concept, and all Trade permit applications. For the first time ever, Well and Septic permit applications are now online. Providing excellent customer service is a top DPS priority, and these updates were designed to help make the permitting process more efficient for customers.
During the month of September, DPS staff provided information and resources about the department’s programs, resources and services at locations in Bethesda, Germantown, Wheaton and White Oak. Some of the specific topics covered included property complaints, ADUs, the eSolar program, deck inspections, the Design for Life Property Tax Credit program, and GIS maps. DPS managers also met virtually with reps from the Professional Remodeling Organization’s (PRO) MidAtlantic representatives in September to discuss the updated ePlans software and the status of updating the codes.
This month, DPS staff will be at the Wheaton Community Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 along with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service staff.
Stay in the know about upcoming outreach events by reviewing the calendar on the front page of the DPS website. If you would like to schedule outreach at your organization’s next meeting or event, email DPS Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
Sign Review Board Meeting Set for Oct. 9
The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. For information about the upcoming meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings, visit the Board’s webpage or email staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov. For information about current vacancies on the Board, visit the County’s website.
DPS Advisory Committee Meets Oct. 10
The Permitting Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10. Visit the Committee’s webpage for meeting agendas and minutes.
Webinar to Provide Info about Innovative Septic Systems
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar, “Alternative and Innovative Septic Systems” at noon Wednesday, Oct. 16.
This webinar will address options for home sites that present challenges to the design and operation of a septic system, such as high-water table, poor soils and small lots.
For information about permits for septic systems, visit the DPS website.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Follow Montgomery County Government on Facebook and X as the County recognizes its employees, including some DPS staffers, during Hispanic Heritage Month from now thru Oct. 15.
Looking for a New Job?
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting specialists and more! Consider a rewarding career as a building code official.
The week of Oct. 7-11 is also known as Customer Service Week, and at DPS providing excellent customer service is a top priority.
As recognized in the DPS Customer Bill of Rights and by the department’s Core Values, DPS staff are dedicated to assisting customers in the office and in the field.
“We are proud of our DPS team who are committed to living up to our Customer Bill of Rights and providing excellent customer service to our permitting customers every day,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “From answering questions to resolving issues, our staff is responsive and solution oriented. It’s always a great day when our staff are recognized for providing stellar service because we know how dedicated they are when it comes to making the permitting process easier for customers.”
DPS appreciates customer feedback and encourages customers to share information about their experience with the permitting department by completing the online Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The DPS customer service lobby is located on the Seventh Floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. For added convenience, the DPS Staff Directory is available online.
