Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 10/10/2025 03:19 PM EDT
Oct. 2025
Agritourism in Montgomery County: Start Smart with a Free Consultation
Montgomery County’s agritourism sector is growing! For those planning to launch or expand an agritourism business in Montgomery County, it's important to know that several agencies and departments may be involved in reviewing and approving your project. The agritourism sector includes farm-based breweries, cideries, distilleries, farm markets, special event venues, wineries and other farm-related activities.
To help you navigate the process, Montgomery County now offers free Agritourism Pre-Development Consultations. These virtual sessions bring together subject matter experts from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS), the Soil Conservation District, and the Office of Agriculture. One-hour consultations are available by appointment at 2 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. For added convenience, customers can schedule a meeting on the DPS website by clicking on the front-page link for design consultations and selecting a date on the drop-down calendar for Agritourism Pre-Development Consultations.
During the consultation, customers will receive tailored guidance about the requirements for each phase of their project, helping them plan more efficiently, avoid delays, and move forward with confidence and predictability. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311 and ask to speak with a DPS staff member.
DPS Launches Data Governance to Strengthen Data Integrity
To enhance the accuracy and reliability of its data, DPS has launched the development of a comprehensive Data Governance framework, with full implementation targeted for fall 2026.
“This work is essential to ensure the data that DPS maintains and shares is accurate,” said DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi. “Residents and developers depend on DPS to provide reliable information, from property history to zoning determinations. The integrity of our data has a direct impact on decision-making, risk management, and public confidence in the permitting process.”
The new Data Governance framework will establish clear standards and protocols in key areas: data quality assurance and control, data retention and storage, data availability and access management, and data security.
This initiative reflects DPS’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and service excellence through improved data stewardship.
Take the Customer Satisfaction Survey
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is committed to delivering excellent customer service, and your feedback plays a key role as DPS continuously strives to enhance and improve its programs and services.
In early October, DPS emailed a Customer Satisfaction Survey to hundreds of customers who applied for at least one permit during the past three months. If you have received the survey, DPS encourages you to take a few minutes to complete it. Your input helps DPS build up resources and streamline services to better meet customers’ needs.
The survey is quick, easy, and available online in English and Spanish. Take the survey today!
Fire Prevention Month
October is also recognized as Fire Prevention Month, and the DPS Fire Code Compliance (FCC) team is reminding commercial building owners and commercial tenants in Montgomery County to check the expiration dates of their FCC permits. These permits ensure that buildings meet established fire safety standards.
Business owners and property managers—including those operating childcare centers, group homes, healthcare facilities, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, retail stores, and schools—are responsible for renewing their FCC permits on an annual basis.
DPS recently launched a new online portal for applying for and renewing Fire Code Compliance (FCC) permits, streamlining the process to be faster, more efficient, and entirely paperless.
Business owners can check the status of their FCC permit using the data search tool (search by building address) in the Apply Online section of the DPS website.
According to DPS Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham, there are approximately 20,000 septic systems in Montgomery County, and proper maintenance is crucial. Manager Benham said it is important to have your septic system inspected and pumped out by a licensed contractor every two to five years, depending on usage.
Homeowners can get information about the permitting process for septic systems by visiting the DPS website.
Septic System Webinar Set for Oct. 15
Save the date! The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to discuss what you should know to protect your septic system. Join this webinar to learn about the basic types of septic systems and the recommended maintenance practices to follow.
DPS Podcast Episode: ‘Pros and Cons of Being Your Own General Contractor’
Tune in to the newest Permitting Services Podcast episode, “Pros and Cons of Being Your Own General Contractor,”and learn about the potential risks and rewards of supervising your home renovations or residential building project.
Residential Inspections Manager David Burch and Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas discuss what homeowners should know before managing and planning a project. Their conversation emphasizes the importance of hiring licensed contractors, the difference between a general contractor and subcontractor, who should apply for the permits, and how DPS staff can help. The Permitting Services Podcast is available on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.
Previous Podcast episodes have covered a variety of permitting topics, including accessory dwelling units, building safety, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, and vendor licenses.
Do you have a question or idea for a future Podcast episode? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Invite DPS to Your Next Event
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Community Outreach Coordinator Marlany Gomez provided information about permits and inspections at the budget forum in White Oak.
The DPS outreach team is ready to connect with communities across Montgomery County to share helpful information about permitting programs, resources, and services that make it easier for residents and businesses to navigate the permitting process.
Visit the DPS calendar on the DPS website's homepage to stay connected with our latest outreach activities and events.
If you would like DPS to attend an upcoming event, send an email to Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
In the News
In case you missed it, DPS staff have been featured in the media, sharing key information on the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program, fire code compliance (FCC), septic system permits, and zoning regulations. Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas was quoted about aging in place in Montgomery Magazine; Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick recently appeared on DC News Now and Montgomery Al Día (the County’s Spanish-language radio show) to discuss FCC permitting; and Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham shared septic system tips on DC News Now and Montgomery Al Dia. Also, Zoning and Code Compliance Division Chief Victor Salazar was quoted in a Bethesda Today article about the agriculture reserve.
Emergency Electrical Repairs
If your home has sustained electrical damage due to a fire or storm, DPS is here to help. The Residential Inspections Team will expedite permits and inspections for emergency electrical repairs to help homeowners restore power safely and quickly.
If you need assistance or have questions, please contact MC 311 or call 240-777-0311 and ask to speak with a member of the DPS Residential Inspections team.
Office Hours and Location
The DPS Customer Service Lobby is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th floor, in Wheaton. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. weekdays; no appointment is necessary. Customers may apply for permits, schedule inspections, request records, and upload construction plans online at any time.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Montgomery County Government is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 – Oct. 15, by spotlighting County employees on social media. Several DPS employees were recently featured in the campaign, including DPS Code Compliance Inspector Oscar Hidalgo.
Work at DPS
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring! Consider a rewarding job at the permitting department where safety, sustainability, and providing excellent customer service are top priorities.
Check out the County’s website for information about recent job openings at DPS and learn about additional career opportunities at Montgomery County Government.
