Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 06/04/2025 04:23 PM EDT
June 2025
Permitting Fees to Stay the Same in 2026
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) fiscal year 2026 budget begins on July 1, and does not include any fee changes for DPS customers.
The $48.4+ million DPS budget funds 254 full time employees, including two new positions in the commercial building division. The new positions include a senior permitting services specialist for electrical plan review and a new program manager to assist with administrative and technical work in the commercial division.
Customers will find more information about DPS fees (commercial, electrical, fire code compliance, fire protection, mechanical, residential, right-of-way, sediment control, stormwater management, well/septic and zoning) in the “fees” queue of the blue bar on the front page of the DPS website.
DPS Customer Bill of Rights Models Innovation and Excellent Service
Providing excellent customer service is a top priority at DPS. Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan recently met with officials from Toronto, Canada who were interested in learning more about the DPS Customer Bill of Rights. The innovative initiative was launched to enhance and foster a collaborative and respectful relationship between DPS customers and staff.
DPS Advisory Committee Vacancies: Apply by June 20
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the DPS Advisory Committee. According to the vacancy announcement, a civic organization member, two environmental organization members, and one land development member are eligible to apply for reappointment.
The Committee is composed of 17 members, including one member from each of the five regional service center advisory boards, two active members of civic organizations in the County; two active members of environmental organizations in the County; and two members active in land development or related professions, and six non-voting representatives from the departments of Environmental Protection, Housing and Community Affairs, Transportation, and representatives of the Fire Chief, the Planning Board, and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
The new DPS Podcast episode, “Building Safety: Fire Department Access” introduces listeners to DPS Plan Reviewer Marie LaBaw who reviews plans to ensure fire department access at buildings around the County. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast.
Dr. LaBaw, who is also a structures specialist, discusses her career from the fire department to DPS and explains why ensuring fire department access in the built environment is important for emergency responders. She also shares information about her unique role a structures specialist for Maryland’s Urban Search and Rescue team and discusses some of her assignments on that team around the country. Listen to this DPS podcast episode on your favorite podcast platform, or watch it on Montgomery County’s YouTube channel.
Residential Deck Inspections
More than 270 Montgomery County homeowners requested residential deck maintenance inspections in May as part of DPS’ Building Safety Month campaign. If you missed out, the DPS website features guidance for homeowners about maintaining your deck.
Careers in Building Safety and Construction
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan met with students at Thomas Edison High School of Technology in May to discuss careers and employment opportunities in building safety and construction. Students and teachers enjoyed the presentation, and said they were grateful for the partnership DPS has with Montgomery County Public Schools.
Water Table Testing Season Opens Briefly
DPS Well and Septic Section Manager Heidi Benham has announced that the 2025 wet season for water table tests and restricted soils testing is now open through Friday, June 13. The wet season was delayed earlier this year because of drought conditions.
“As we take advantage of recent precipitation events, our expectation is to complete testing for most, if not all, current applications during this short window,” said Well and Septic Manager Benham.
Wednesday Water Webinar to Focus on Septic System Upgrades
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar about the “Advantages of Upgrading Your Septic System” on Wednesday, June 18. Join the webinar to learn how advanced treatment units (ATU) can provide benefits to the environment and public health. Also, learn about the Maryland Bay Restoration Fund grant program to help replace septic systems with ATUs or best available technology. These systems can reduce the risks to groundwater and extend the lifespan of a drain field. Register for the webinar online.
Fireworks Permits
In Montgomery County, professional fireworks shows are required to have permits from DPS to ensure the displays follow all applicable codes and standards and to protect the public’s safety.
Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick reminds residents that all other fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Montgomery County.
For information about applying for permits for professional displays, visit the DPS website.
DPS Outreach in the Community
DPS staff are committed to providing information and resources about the department’s programs and services at events and meetings around the County. DPS staff will be in-person at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center on the morning of Thursday, June 12, alongside the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service.
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.
DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, seventh floor, in Wheaton. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays, no appointment necessary. The office will be closed on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth and on Friday, July 4, for Independence Day. Apply for permits and submit construction plans online at any time.
Career Opportunities
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring an electrical inspector to join its commercial building division!
Check out the County’s website for details about this position and learn more about other career opportunities at DPS and Montgomery County Government.
And the Survey Says...
Providing excellent customer service is a top priority for DPS. Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey and share information 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 enhance and improve its programs and services!
