Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 12/09/2024 01:51 PM EST
Dec. 2024
Stakeholders Forum Set for Feb. 12
Save the date! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is hosting a Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday, Feb. 12 for architects, builders, contractor, designers, developers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other building professionals.
“When it comes to the permitting department, in order to fulfill our commitment to continuous improvement it is imperative that we get critical feedback and recommendations from our wide array of stakeholders,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Your input is essential. We also will preview the year ahead at DPS with new policies and codes as well as let you know about some exciting innovations and new technologies DPS is looking to launch in 2025.”
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the forum is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to noon in the 2nd Floor auditorium at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. Look for the agenda and an RSVP link to be posted on the DPS website in advance of the meeting.
If you have questions about the upcoming Stakeholders Forum, contact Senior Executive Administrative Aide Leah Ortiz at leah.ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Codes Adoption Update
DPS held a hybrid public hearing on proposed Executive Regulations 13-24 (adoption of the 2021 ICC International Building, Energy Conservation, Green Construction, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Residential, Swimming Pool and Spa, and International Existing Building Codes) and 14-24 (adoption of the 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code, 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and other NFPA standards) on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
The Montgomery County Council’s Economic Development Committee discussed the proposed code changes on Monday, Dec. 2 and the County Council is scheduled to take action on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
This is the first time that DPS has introduced both building and green code updates at the same time. The proposal adopts the 2021 editions of the International Code Council (ICC) codes to come into compliance with Maryland laws. The State adopted new regulations in 2023. DPS currently operates under the 2018 edition of these referenced codes.
Building codes are a set of rules and regulations that specify the minimum standards to which buildings and other structures must conform to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, by ensuring the structural stability, fire safety, sustainability, energy efficiency, and other aspects of buildings and structures. DPS enforces building codes in Montgomery County.
These national model codes are published by the ICC and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and then are adopted by the State. Montgomery County then reviews, sometimes modifies, and then adopts these standards.
If the proposed codes are approved by the County Council, DPS will host several open houses where customers will be able to ask questions and get more information.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS FCC Program Manager Michael Marchesani for a conversation filled with practical advice and tips to know before planning a social gathering around a backyard fire pit.
Fire pits are popular this time of the year when the temperatures are cooler. Dry weather and lack of rain should always be considered when deciding if the conditions are right for lighting up an outdoor fire.
“We want to keep you safe,” said FCC Program Manager Marchesani. “It is important to make sure the fire pit is located at least 10 feet from any structure, such as your home or shed, and keep people back at least three feet from the fire. Also, make sure you have a water source handy in case you need to put out a fire. Remember, embers may fly during the popping and mulch is flammable, so it is important to keep the fire pit at least three feet away from any mulch piles or landscaping.”
The DPS Code Compliance team collected 1,050 signs illegally placed in public rights-of-way throughout the County during a one-day “sign sweep” on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The “sign sweep” took place only along County-maintained roads. Signs were not removed from private property.
Staff transported the collected signs to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station in Derwood for recycling.
Residents may report illegally placed signs online by visiting the DPS website (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.
Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program
Are you planning to add a chairlift device, grab bar, or ramp to your home? If so, you will want to know about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program.
This program is for all ages and stages of life. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, young family, active adult or person living with a temporary or permanent impairment, these additional design elements will enhance your home — and at the same time, meet your needs and your visitors’ needs. These design elements include a no-step entrance, 32” doorways, maneuverable kitchens, accessible bathrooms, properly installed grab bars, and elevators.
It’s that time of the year when evergreen tree lots are popping up in parking lots and roadside stands around Montgomery County just in time for the holiday season.
Operators of these sites are required to have a Use and Occupancy certificate from the Department of Permitting Services, and they must reapply for these temporary certificates every year. An electrical permit may also be needed if the site includes hardwiring lights or tapping into an existing electrical circuit.
The property must meet the limited use standards outlined in the zoning ordinance governing seasonal outdoor sales to ensure there is adequate vehicular circulation, parking, and queuing. It is important that no obstruction adversely affects visibility at an intersection or driveway and other standards may apply depending on the zone where the activity is conducted.
Evergreen tree sales at pop-up sites are a permitted activity from now through Dec. 24.
For more guidance, visit the DPS website. If you have any questions, contact MC 311 and request to talk with a DPS zoning plan reviewer to discuss information related to seasonal outdoor sales.
DPS Outreach in the Community
DPS is partnering with the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service to provide outreach about their programs and services at the Wheaton Community and Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Also in December, DPS staff from the Zoning and Code Compliance team will be interviewed on Montgomery Al Dia, the County’s Spanish language radio show.
Stay in the know about upcoming outreach events by visiting 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.
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar, “Impacts of Deicing Salt on Water Quality ” at noon Wednesday, Dec. 18
This webinar will address impacts of deicing salts on the environment, road infrastructure, cars, home appliances and drinking water. An overview of these impacts with an emphasis on drinking water will be presented along with recommendations.
For information about well permits, visit the DPS website.
Career Opportunities at DPS
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring a commercial building division chief, inspectors, and more! Consider a rewarding career as a building code official.
Check out the County’s website for the latest information about DPS job opportunities.
Holiday Closings
DPS offices will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 for the Christmas holiday, and Wednesday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. Regular office hours are 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The customer service lobby is located on the 7th Floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance. For more information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps or call MC 311 (240-777-0311).
