April 2025

Raising Awareness about Building Safety: ‘Game On’

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will promote Building Safety Month during the month of May to raise awareness about the importance of building safety and the role of modern building codes. This annual campaign reinforces the need for the adoption of modern updated building codes, and engages individuals, families and businesses to understanding what it takes to create safe and sustainable structures.

County leaders are scheduled to recognize Building Safety Month with a proclamation at the Montgomery County Council meeting on Tuesday, April 29, and DPS staff will be in attendance.

Visit the DPS website for details about 2025 Building Safety Month campaign, “Game On,” including information about the annual residential deck maintenance safety inspection.

Beginning Thursday, May 1, residents can call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 to schedule a residential deck inspection with DPS. The program is limited to the first 300 appointments this year, and properties inspected last year as part of this program are not eligible.

The DPS Building Safety Month webpage also includes links to videos and DPS podcast episodes about the importance of deck maintenance, hiring a licensed contractor, what a fire code compliance check entails, and when homeowners need permits for improvements. More resources will be added throughout the month of May, and additional outreach materials will be available in the DPS Customer Service Lobby at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7^th Floor, in Wheaton.

DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, no appointment is necessary.

Apply for the Community Planning Academy by May 9

Have you wanted to learn more about how the planning process for your neighborhood works in Montgomery County?  Now is your chance to get involved. The Montgomery County Planning Department is launching a Community Planning Academy to make the planning process more accessible to all residents. The application deadline is Friday, May 9.

The first cohort, which will include up to 50 residents, will run from June to August. Residents with limited experience with the planning process are encouraged to participate.

Throughout the course, participants will explore the planning and development review process and key topics such as zoning, historic preservation, permitting, etc. The curriculum will consist of eight modules, each lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Participants will learn how to effectively engage in the process and help guide the development of their neighborhoods. By the end of the Community Planning Academy, participants are expected to have a better understanding of how local planning decisions shape their communities and be more empowered to make their voices heard.  

The Community Planning Academy is being developed by Montgomery Planning in partnership with DPS, Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice. For more information, visit the Montgomery Planning website.

Listen to the 'Special Events' Podcast Episode

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Special Assistant to the Director Chris Allen discuss the permitting process for special events during a recent podcast episode taping.

The new episode of the DPS Podcast, “Special Events,” focuses on the permitting process for carnivals, concerts, fairs, festivals, fireworks shows, golf tournaments and other events open to the public in Montgomery County. It is now available for listening on your favorite podcast platform and for viewing on YouTube.

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast, and Special Assistant to the Director Chris Allen joins her for this episode. Their 15-minute conversation covers how the permitting process works, from applications to inspections, the role of zoning, and why it is important to apply for a special event permit well in advance of the date. Listeners will also learn what other permits may be needed for a special event and when you do not need a permit.

For more information, visit the Special Event webpage on the DPS website or call MC 311 (240-777-0311).

DPS Staff to Participate at Energy Summit

Several DPS staffers, including DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, are participating in the Energy Summit hosted by the Department of Environmental Protection on Tuesday, April 8, and Wednesday, April 9, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

Director Sabbakhan will provide remarks on opening day of the summit, and DPS Sustainability, Energy, and Mechanical team members Alyssa Mrvos and Bryan Bomer will be part of a discussion, “Advancing Montgomery County’s Energy Code,” the following day.

Throughout the event, additional DPS staff will be providing outreach and subject matter expertise on green building programs and plan review. 

The Energy Summit is an annual event that attracts leaders from 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.

Water Table Testing Season

Dry weather conditions have pushed back the water table testing season in Montgomery County. DPS Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham said updates will be posted on the DPS website when available.

Wednesday Water Webinar

The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon on Wednesday, April 16. The webinar will focus on frequently asked questions about ensuring good drinking water quality. You can ask questions during the registration process or during the webinar.  Register for the webinar online.

Learn about DPS Programs and Services

DPS Permit Technician Marjorie Yoe recently provided outreach about DPS programs and services at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center.

DPS staff are committed to providing information and resources about the department’s programs and services at community meetings and events around the County.  

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. Be sure to include the topics you would like DPS to cover. For more information, call 240-777-6272.

Sign Review Board Meets April 23

The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, via Microsoft Teams. For information about meeting agendas and minutes from previous meetings, visit the Board’s webpage.

Visit DPS Online

April is Earth Month! Visit DPS online to apply for permits, submit construction plans, schedule inspections, book a predesign consultation, request records, file a property complaint, and more.

Check out the eServices webpage for more information and resources.

Take the Survey

Did you know the DPS Customer Satisfaction Survey is posted in English and Spanish on the DPS website? Please take the survey and let us know about your experience with the permitting department. It only takes a few minutes to fill out, and your feedback is important as DPS continuously strives to improve its programs and services!

Career Opportunities at DPS

The Department of Permitting Services is hiring! Consider a rewarding career at DPS. Current openings include a permitting services specialist, program manager and residential inspector.  

Check out the County’s website for more information about these job postings.

Stay in the Know

Subscribe to Constructive Comments to receive this monthly online newsletter in your inbox. 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.