New Codes Become Mandatory on Monday, March 31

DPS staff discuss the 2021 code adoption on the Permitting Services Podcast episode "New Codes," which is available now on your favorite podcast platform.

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) staff are reminding customers that the 2021 Code Adoption becomes mandatory on Monday, March 31. Until then, a grace period is in effect through Sunday, March 30, where customers can use the previously adopted codes when submitting permit applications for their building projects. 

Over the last few weeks, DPS has hosted five webinars (commercial, energy/green, fire, and two residential training sessions) on Microsoft Teams to help customers navigate code changes with the 2021 code adoption. To further help customers, the presentations from each webinar are posted on the website for customers to reference. 

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 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.

For those looking for more information, the newest DPS Podcast episode, “New Codes,” features a 20-minute discussion with DPS Commercial Manager Crystal Maddox, DPS Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical Manager Bryan Bomer and DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. Their conversation focuses on the new 2021 codes and amendments and how significant these changes are for DPS commercial building customers as well as the background of the code cycle, and why the new codes are important for safety and sustainability of new and existing buildings and spaces in Montgomery County.

Listen to the “New Codes” episode of the Permitting Services Podcast on the DPS website and on your favorite podcast platform. You also can view it on the County’s YouTube channel. Learn more about this episode by reading the news release.

If you have any questions or need more information about the new codes, do not hesitate to reach out. The DPS Staff Directory is posted online and you can also reach staff by contacting MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

Stakeholders Forum Highlights DPS Accomplishments, Improved Customer Service, New Programs, Innovation and Technology

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan is focused on building a “world-class permitting department” and he reported “steady progress” as he looked to the future at the Stakeholders Forum in Wheaton on Wednesday, March 5.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich helped open the forum welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of having a permitting process that is consistent, transparent and timely.

During his “State of Permitting” address, Director Sabbakhan discussed how new technology, and artificial intelligence will help streamline permitting processes in the future as he described DPS as a “learning organization.” He announced that a new permitting system is coming to DPS, and predicted that it would be “a game changer” for customers and staff. He candidly mentioned some challenges the department has overcome, including outages caused by upgrading the ProjectDox system, and he also highlighted key accomplishments including the permitting dashboards that increase transparency by providing customers with turnaround times for the most popular permits. He said DPS staff are focused on providing exceptional customer service in the office and in the field.      

More than 150 stakeholders attended the Stakeholders Forum in person and online. DPS staff also provided operational updates at the forum about permitting numbers, GIS maps, new restaurant guidance, the latest on the 2021 code adoption, small business initiatives, and special events. Staff also hosted breakout sessions for participants on key permitting topics. Several other departments and agencies also participated at this year’s forum, which included a questions and answers session for participants.

“We are grateful for everyone who participated at this year’s event in-person and virtually,” said DPS Director Sabbakhan. “We want to communicate regularly and keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders engaged and informed and receiving feedback about their permitting experiences is key.”

If you missed the forum, it is not too late to share your feedback. The Customer Satisfaction Survey is posted on the front page of the DPS website and customers are encouraged to complete the survey and share their input about their permitting experiences at any time.

“We are a department whose goal is constantly seeking to improve and provide outstanding customer service, and we are always here to assist,” said DPS Director Sabbakhan. “Remember, DPS is your Project Partner.”

New Process for Restaurant Food Services License

In order to streamline the approval process, DPS is partnering with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on a new food services license process. The DHHS licensing review is now part of the commercial building permit process at DPS. Customers can pay DPS fees and DHHS fees at the same time using the DPS ePay program.

This change also impacts food service establishments in the cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg as they must submit directly to DPS for their health department review and approval.

For more information about this process, contact DPS.

Restaurant Regulations Town Hall

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi attended a Restaurant Regulations Town Hall, along with staff from the Department of Health and Human Services, on Feb. 24 in Wheaton. The meeting was hosted by County Councilmember Natali Fani-González.

During the Town Hall, they shared permitting information and resources about opening or expanding a restaurant in Montgomery County. They also shared copies of the updated “Recipe for Success”  (Receta Para El Éxito) guidance document, which was created to help restaurant owners plan and prepare for the permitting process. The brochure supplements the Restaurant Interior Alteration webpage, which details the permitting and inspections process and features a frequently asked questions and answers section. Other topics covered included the importance of researching the zone of a property before signing a lease or contract, 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 were 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.

New Residential Solar Dashboard Provides Turnaround Times on DPS Website

DPS has posted a new permitting dashboard on its website that features information about turnaround times for residential eSolar and residential rooftop permits and the number of inspections completed. 

The permitting dashboard is updated daily on a rolling six month basis and features side by side comparisons for eSolar and residential rooftop solar permits. 

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 display, 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).

DPS Outreach at Small Business and Contractor Events

Earlier this month, DPS staff attended several local events including a small business fair, contractor college expo, and a contractor summit to provide information and resources about the department’s programs and services. 

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 include the topics you would like DPS to cover. For more information, call 240.777.6272.

Water Table Testing Deadline

The Department of Permitting Services Well and Septic division is accepting percolation applications (online only) for the upcoming water table testing season, which was delayed due to low groundwater levels. The tentative submission deadline is Monday, March 31. Properties that are ineligible for public sewer service 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. Visit the DPS website for updates.

Wednesday Water Webinar on March 19

The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its Wednesday Water Webinar, “Flooding and Sea Level Rise Impacts to Wells and Septic Systems,” at noon Wednesday, March 19.  Register for the webinar online. This webinar will discuss flooding issues and will cover strategies to reduce risks.

DPS Advisory Committee Meets Virtually on March 20

The DPS Advisory Committee meets virtually at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20 on Microsoft Teams. Committee 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.

DPS to Participate at Energy Summit in April

Look for DPS staff at the Energy Summit, hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Registration is now underway.

DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and DPS Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical Manager Bryan Bomer are scheduled speakers and additional DPS staff will also be providing outreach and subject matter expertise on green building programs and plan review.  

This annual event brings together leaders from across the commercial building sector, including building owners, property managers, developers, energy contractors, and sustainability professionals to share knowledge, practical solutions, and innovative strategies to advance building performance and achieve ambitious climate goals.

Women's History Month

Montgomery County Government celebrates Women’s History Month! Follow the County’s Facebook and X accounts on social media to meet County employees, including DPS staff, who are being recognized during the month of March. 

Office Hours and March 19 Schedule Change

The DPS Customer Service Lobby is located on the 7th Floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton and no appointment is necessary. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays. The Customer Service Lobby will be closing early, at noon, on Wednesday, March 19. Apply for permits and upload construction plans online at any time.  For more information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps or contact MC 311 (240-777-0311).

Stay in the Know

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.