Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 11/07/2024 04:17 PM EST
Nov. 2024
DPS Staff to Conduct 'Sign Sweep' to Remove Illegally Placed Signs on Nov. 12
Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will conduct a “sign sweep” on Tuesday, Nov. 12 to remove signs illegally placed in public rights-of-way throughout the County. These signs include campaign signs that may have been posted in the right-of-way leading up to the Nov. 5 general election.
The “sign sweep” will take place on County-maintained roads. DPS will not be removing signs from private property.
DPS Zoning and Code Compliance Section Manager Greg Nichols said DPS inspectors and field supervisors will be forming teams to target assigned areas around the County as they have done in the past. Staff will be wearing brightly colored vests for safety, and inspectors will not be stopping their vehicles in the middle of the road to remove any signs.
“Our staff’s safety is paramount,” said Section Manager Nichols. “We removed about 1,400 signs during our last sign sweep two years ago and not all of these were campaign signs. As we have done in similar clean-ups, we will be removing any illegally placed sign in the public right-of-way, and staff will then transport the signs to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for disposal.”
Residents can report illegal signs at any time online by visiting the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps and clicking on the “property complaint” button. When entering the information online, it is important to provide the address of the property complaint and a description of the issue. Complaints can be submitted anonymously.
If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 outside the County limits.
'A New Direction for Permitting' Podcast
Listen to the newest Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” which features a conversation with County Executive Marc Elrich, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas (who hosts the podcast) about recent improvements to the permitting process, the role of permitting and the County’s Climate Action Plan, how innovation and technology will impact the future, and the department’s focus on providing excellent customer service.
The podcast is posted on the DPS website and it is available on a variety of podcast platforms, including Apple, Amazon and Spotify. This episode also is available to watch on YouTube.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA, Region 3) officials along with the Maryland Department of the Environment have provided an update for the ongoing FEMA Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (MAP) study for Montgomery County. The FEMA appeal period is scheduled to start in December of this year.
A floodplain district is any area that is subject to inundation in a 100-year storm and includes any waterway with a drainage area of 30 acres or more.
“A permit is generally needed if you are planning any land disturbing activities in the floodplain,” said DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski. “A floodplain delineation study is required when there is proposed construction in or near a floodplain area that does not already have an acceptable delineation, or for which proposed activities may have an impact on a previously delineated floodplain. We hope to provide added ease to the permitting process by bringing these processes online for our customers.”
Visit the Department of Permitting Services Floodplain ePlans webpage for ePlans submittal information, and, if you have questions call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
Apply for Well and Septic Permits Online
Customers who need to install new or replace existing septic systems or wells should note that the application process for permits is now available online and must be submitted electronically.
A Soils Testing application is required for properties that are ineligible for public sewer service and must complete satisfactory water table tests and percolation or sand mound testing to establish a sewage disposal area on the property before it can be considered buildable. This step is required prior to issuance of a new septic system permit.
A Septic System permit (also known as Onsite or Individual Sewage Disposal System permit) is required to ensure any septic system installed in Montgomery County meets all current County and State standards relative to minimum setbacks associated with the protection of the health of all residents and the environment. A septic system permit is required to install a septic system for a new home, and to upgrade or replace an existing septic system to accommodate a building addition. Anyone in need of a repair or replacement of existing systems should visit the Septic Repair Permit Process Page .
A Well permit is required to ensure any Well drilled in Montgomery County meets all current County and State standards relative to minimum setbacks associated with the protection of the health of all residents and the environment. A Well permit must be obtained prior to drilling a Well for any purpose, including to provide potable drinking water; water for irrigation or agricultural purposes; monitoring and testing; geothermal systems; and removing water from a construction site.
Visit the eServices webpage for more information about applying for permits and submitting plans online and don't miss the ePlans training resources.
DNR Enacts Statewide Burn Ban
On Nov. 1, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) enacted a statewide ban on open air burning in all Maryland counties.
The ban will remain in effect until the Maryland Forest Service determines the state has received enough precipitation to reduce the threat of wildfires statewide.
If you have questions, call the DPS Fire Code Compliance office at 240-777-0311.
DPS Outreach
Stay engaged with DPS by attending upcoming outreach events. Check the calendar on the front page of the DPS website for upcoming dates. 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.
Save the date! The Permitting Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. Visit the Committee’s webpage for meeting agendas and minutes.
Wednesday Water Webinar to Cover Drinking Water Filters
For information about well permits, visit the DPS website.
Looking for a New Job?
Have you heard? DPS is hiring electrical and field construction inspectors! Consider a rewarding career as a building code official.
Check out the County’s website for more information about current DPS job opportunities and to apply!
Holiday Closings: Nov. 11 and Nov. 28
Reminder! DPS offices will be closed on Monday, Nov. 11 in recognition of Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Weekday office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
DPS is located on the 7th Floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. For more information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps or call MC 311 (240-777-0311).
