Feb. 2025

New Date for Stakeholders Forum: Wednesday, March 5

Save the new date! The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Stakeholders Forum is now scheduled for Wednesday, March 5 at 2425 Reedie Drive (second floor auditorium) in Wheaton. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the forum will take place from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Stakeholders Forum, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12, was rescheduled to March 5 because of wintry weather on the original date.

The upcoming event will include seven breakout sessions, permitting updates, and key opportunities for stakeholders to ask questions and provide feedback. It’s important to RSVP for the Stakeholders Forum as seating is limited. There also will be a virtual option for those who can not attend in person. Attendees planning to attend in person or online are requested to RSVP by 5 p.m. Monday, March 3. 

If you have any questions about the event, contact organizer Leah Ortiz at leah.ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov.

DPS to Host Five Webinars about the 2021 Code Adoption

DPS will host five webinars on Microsoft Teams in February and March to help customers navigate code changes with the 2021 code adoption. Registration is underway now.

The training sessions will be held on the following dates (click on the session of choice to register):

• Residential Building Code, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 9 a.m. – noon
• Residential Building Code, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. – noon
• Commercial Building Code, Tuesday, March 4, 9 a.m. – noon
• Fire Code, Tuesday, March 11, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Energy Code and IgCC Code, Tuesday, March 18, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

The Montgomery County Council approved Executive Regulation 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 Executive Regulation 14-24 Fire Safety Code (adoption of the 2021 NFPA 1 Fire Code, 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and other NFPA standards) on Dec. 10 of last year.

DPS is providing a grace period from now through Sunday, March 30 to use previously adopted codes. On Monday, March 31, the newly adopted 2021 codes become mandatory.

If you have any questions about the upcoming training sessions, reach out to DPS. The DPS Staff Directory is posted online. You can also reach staff by contacting MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

New Guidance Documents for Opening a Restaurant

Are you thinking of opening or expanding a restaurant in Montgomery County? The DPS “Recipe for Success”  (Receta Para El Éxito) guidance document was created to help you plan and prepare for the permitting process. These outreach materials supplement the Restaurant Interior Alteration webpage, which includes more details about the permitting and inspections process and features a frequently asked questions and answers section.

The new guidance document outlines seven steps to opening a restaurant in Montgomery County and includes a link to the Montgomery County Business Center. The first step focuses on the importance of researching the property before signing a lease or buying a property to ensure the zone allows a restaurant use. Other steps cover hiring an expert, booking a free design consultation, applying for permits, getting a food license, scheduling inspections and more.

Both the brochure and webpage are intended to complement each other, and they are designed for customers who want to renovate an existing commercial space for a restaurant (food service establishment) use. Visit DPS offices to pick up a copy of the new brochure or view it on the DPS website.

Special Events and Permitting

Are you planning a special event this spring or summer that will be open to the public in Montgomery County? If so, it is important to contact DPS at least 30 days in advance to ensure you have adequate time to get a Special Event Permit.

Examples of a special event include carnivals, fairs, festivals, fireworks displays, athletic tournaments, and more.

For more information about the permitting process for these events, visit the Special Event webpage on the DPS website or call MC 311 (240-777-0311).

Outreach Opportunities

DPS Residential Inspections Manager David Burch and Plan Review Manager Bob Kelly attended the Jan. 16 MidCounty Citizens Advisory Board meeting to discuss residential permitting and to answer questions.

On March 6, look for DPS outreach staff at the Maryland Women's Business Center's EmpowHer: Women-Owned Small Business Resource Fair at the Universities at Shady Grove.

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 and be sure and include the topics you want DPS to cover. For more information, call 240.777.6272.

Sign Review Board Meets March 12

The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 12 on Microsoft Teams. 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 Podcast Episode Focuses on 'Water Runoff'

The newest DPS Podcast episode, “Water Runoff,” provides permitting guidance and tips for those planning to change the topography of their property by adding an accessory structure or embarking on a landscaping project.

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Water Resources Plan Review Manager Mark Etheridge for a conversation about water runoff and the drainage code.

“What we do in DPS water resources, primarily, is look at environmental mitigation,” said DPS Manager Etheridge. “When you do work on a piece of property and you change the way water flows on that property, we want to protect and reduce the amount of degradation of the environment to the receiving stream system. We look at controls to reduce some of that runoff to remove pollutants and to get water back in the ground for groundwater recharge so that the streams maintain their health. Our real purpose is to protect the receiving stream system.”

Some of the issues discussed during the 15-minute podcast include lot-to-lot runoff, conveyance issues and who may be ultimately responsible under State law if the flow of water impedes on another property. In addition to the drainage code, this episode also covers mitigation tactics for water runoff such as a dry well and a raingarden as well as resources to help with the permitting process.

The “Water Runoff” episode of the Permitting Services Podcast is available now on the DPS website and on your favorite podcast platform. You can also watch it on the County’s YouTube page.

Wednesday Water Webinar Set for Feb. 19

The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its Wednesday Water Webinar, “Common Drinking Water Contaminants and How to Treat Them,” at noon Wednesday, Feb. 19.  Register for the webinar online.

The discussion will cover common drinking water contaminants including bacteria, metals, nutrients; where they come from; how to know if they are present; and how to treat them. The webinar also will highlight key steps to ensure good drinking water quality.

For information about the permitting process for wells, visit the DPS website.

DPS Advisory Committee Meetings

The next DPS Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 on Microsoft Teams. These meetings are open to the public. Visit the Committee’s webpage to view the meeting agenda and learn more about the Committee’s work. The 2025 meeting schedule also is posted on the webpage.

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 more information about current DPS job opportunities.

Holiday Closing Reminder: Monday, Feb. 17

DPS offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 17 in recognition of Presidents Day. Regular 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. For more information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps or contact MC 311 (240-777-0311).

Take the Survey

Did you know the DPS Customer Satisfaction Survey is posted on the website in English and Spanish? Take the survey and let us know about your experience with the permitting department. 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 Connected with DPS

Subscribe to Constructive Comments to receive this online newsletter in your inbox each month. In between issues, follow Montgomery County’s Facebook, Instagram and X social media pages for the latest news and information from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services. Stay connected and engaged with DPS by listening to the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast on your favorite podcast platform, and watch recent episodes on the County’s YouTube page. Got an idea for a podcast episode? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.