Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 06/30/2025 04:01 PM EDT
July 2025
Montgomery County Earns SolSmart Platinum Designation
Montgomery County is the first local government in Maryland to be recognized with a SolSmart Platinum designation, the highest level awarded, for encouraging the growth of affordable solar energy options at the local level. In 2020, Montgomery County was awarded a SolSmart Gold designation.
To achieve the recent SolSmart Platinum designation, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) trained staff on best practices for permitting solar energy and solar-plus storage systems, created an online permitting checklist, launched the new eSolar program for residential rooftops and unveiled a new solar dashboard to report the number of residential solar installations and average permitting and inspection turnaround times.
“We’ve worked hard to remove the barriers that slow down solar adoption, and this recognition shows that the work is paying off,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Predictability in permitting is important, and the DPS eSolar program provides that by issuing permits the same day, making it easier for residents to go solar. I appreciate the work our Permitting Services team has done to streamline the process, and I hope this designation encourages even more people to make the switch to clean energy.”
‘Curbside Seating Cafes’ Pilot Program Launches July 1
Montgomery County will pilot an innovative new program, “Curbside Seating Cafes,” in the Wheaton Urban District beginning on July 1. The program allows curbside parking spaces to be converted into accessible dining areas that will serve as extensions of restaurants participating in the pilot program.
The outdoor curbside seating cafes will include the installation of accessible seating, tables and plantings placed at street level or on raised platforms. A description of the program and a checklist for restaurant owners interested in participating in the pilot program are posted on the DPS website.
“DPS staff will perform timely plan review and issue compliance verified right-of-way permits for any Wheaton curbside seating cafe installation,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “The seating installation must be in front of the applicant’s frontage. Use of the space throughout the year may be permitted, but the applicant must submit a separate plan clearly demonstrating how the space will be used during the winter months.”
Expedited Permits for Emergency Electrical Repairs
The DPS residential inspections team will expedite residential permits and inspections for emergency electrical connections following building damage from fire or storms. Homeowners who have questions or need more information, should contact the DPS residential inspections team or call MC 311 (240-777-0311).
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. The DPS website also includes a list of upcoming fireworks shows.
DPS Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick reminds residents that all other fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County, including sparklers. For information about applying for permits for professional displays, visit the DPS website.
Listen to the New DPS Podcast Episode, 'Offsite Construction'
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by Chris Allen, who is the assistant to the DPS director, and Joseph Phelan, who is the director of operations at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.
Their conversation notes the advantages of offsite construction, the variety of modular construction projects around the County, and the role of DPS when it comes to codes and permitting as well as the importance of predesign consultations for those considering offsite construction. They discuss the difference between modular construction and mobile homes and provide tips for listeners who may be exploring this construction option for a future project.
DPS continues to roll out improvements to save customers time when using the online platform ProjectDox for uploading plans. The latest update impacts printing “approved drawings.”
Once drawings are approved and batch stamped, they will be combined into a multipage pdf to allow customers to print the entire set with one action. The file name for the consolidated plan set will be titled “Approved Info.pdf.”
In addition to the drawings, customers must continue to download and print all other files in the “approved” folder.
The DPS Well and Septic staff are now accepting applications for the 2026 Wet Season as the 2025 abbreviated and delayed season closed in mid-June.
If you have questions, visit the DPS website or call MC 311.
Wednesday Water Webinar Set for July 16
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon Wednesday, July 16, to discuss the latest information on PFAS. The webinar will discuss the impact of “forever chemicals” on human health, the environment, and how to reduce your risk. Register for the webinar online.
The DPS Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 17. Visit the DPS website for more information.
DPS Welcomes Summer RISE Students
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi, and Administrative Services Coordinator Dana Burke welcome four Summer RISE students from Rockville, Sherwood and Wheaton high schools. The MCPS students will be shadowing DPS staff in the office and in the field this summer.
Office Hours and Holiday Schedule Change
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 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! Check out the County’s website for information about current openings and learn more about other career opportunities at Montgomery County Government.
