Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 12/05/2025 02:25 PM EST
Dec. 2025
Montgomery County Updates Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has introduced enhancements to the Design for Life (DFL) Property Tax Credit Program, streamlining the process for residents to create homes that are accessible, inclusive, and designed to support individuals at every stage of life.
The updated program now includes six additional accessible design features, bringing the total to 15 eligible improvements, and introduces a streamlined application process — eliminating the need for a separate supplemental application.
Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a growing family, an active adult, or someone living with a temporary or permanent disability, the DFL program helps ensure your home meets your needs and those of your guests now and in the future.
The expanded list of 15 accessible features includes some new features including lever door handles, chair lift device, chair height toilet, relocation of switches, doorbells, thermostats, and breaker boxes (no more than 48” above the floor), relocation of electrical receptacles (no more than 15” above the floor), and closet renovations for accessibility (including closet rods that adjust from 3’ to 5’6”).
Property owners may receive up to $2,500 for 50% of the costs of any of the 15 features if they spend more than $500 purchasing and installing the features, and they live in the home as their primary residence. They may receive up to $3,000 for 100% of the costs of making their single-family home Visitable (Level I accessibility) and up to $10,000 for 100% of the costs of making their single-family home Liveable (Level II accessibility).
These credits apply to primary residences and are available for both new construction and renovations. Builders may also qualify for impact tax credits when constructing accessible homes.
The application process is now easier than ever. Apply online and ensure your project is certified by DPS after completion.
For questions or assistance, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
Holiday Tree Lots Require Permits and Compliance with Zoning Standards
As the holidays are fast approaching, seasonal evergreen tree lots are once again appearing in parking lots and roadside stands throughout Montgomery County.
To operate legally, these temporary tree sale sites must obtain a Use and Occupancy certificate from DPS. Operators are required to reapply for this certificate each year. Additionally, if the site includes hardwired lighting or connections to an existing electrical circuit, an electrical permit may also be necessary.
All properties hosting seasonal tree sales must comply with the zoning ordinance’s limited use standards for outdoor seasonal sales. These standards ensure safe and efficient vehicular circulation, parking, and queuing, and help prevent obstructions that could impair visibility at intersections or driveways. Additional requirements may apply depending on the site's zoning classification.
Seasonal evergreen tree sales are permitted through Dec. 24.
For more information, visit the DPS website. If you have questions, contact MC 311 (240-777-0311) and request to speak with a DPS zoning plan reviewer for guidance on seasonal outdoor sales.
Public Right-of-Way Bond to Increase in 2026
Starting in 2026, Montgomery County will increase the required bond amounts for public right-of-way permits. This update reflects the rising cost of construction materials and brings bonding requirements in line with current industry standards.
In Fiscal Year 2025, DPS issued more than 3,000 right-of-way permits. Approximately one-third of those required a bond. However, the unit prices used to calculate bond amounts have not been updated in over 30 years. This adjustment ensures that bond coverage is adequate in the event a developer fails to complete permitted work.
Key Changes:
Bond Calculation: Bond amounts will now be calculated at 150% of the total construction cost, based on existing unit prices.
Permit Fees: Permit fees remain unchanged and will continue to be calculated as a percentage of total construction costs.
Traffic Signal Bonding: At the request of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, an additional $500,000 bond per traffic signal will be required when a signal installation is mandated as a condition of subdivision approval by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. This amount will be added to the total bond but will not affect the permit fee.
For more information, contact DPS Right-of-Way Manager Atiq Panjshiri at 240-777-6352.
DPS Podcast Episode Highlights New Drone and Modernizing Inspections
The new episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast focuses on the department’s new drone, which is modernizing the permitting process by increasing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability during inspections and training.
The “DPS Drone Modernizes Inspections” episode is hosted by Gail Lucas, chief of the Customer Support and Outreach division. Lucas is joined by Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski and Field Supervisor Johnny Campos, who is one of the department’s newly certified drone pilots.
“This drone is a game-changer,” said Division Chief Kobylski. “It allows us to inspect large or hard-to-reach areas more safely and efficiently, while also serving as a powerful training tool for our team.”
Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the drone can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour and operate at altitudes of up to 400 feet, all while remaining remarkably quiet. Field Supervisor Campos explained that each flight is preceded by a rigorous pre-check process to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and safety standards.
“We’ve used the drone to inspect stormwater management systems, sediment basins, and large grading sites,” Campos said. “What used to take hours on foot now takes minutes — and the visuals are incredibly detailed.”
The drone is not being used to fly over private residential properties, only on active permitted sites. “Privacy and transparency are top priorities,” Kobylski said.
DPS is utilizing the drone to document compliance, monitor construction progress, and enhance training, all without the need for ladders or navigating difficult terrain.
To hear more about how this technology is transforming permitting in Montgomery County, tune in to the podcast episode. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the podcast on YouTube.
Outreach Events
The DPS outreach team is connecting with communities and organizations across Montgomery County to share resources to help simplify the permitting process for residents and businesses.
Visit the DPS calendar on the DPS website's homepage to stay connected with upcoming outreach activities and events.
If you would like DPS staff to attend an upcoming event, send an email to Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
Wednesday Water Webinar
The University of Maryland Extension Office will host its next Water Webinar at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to discuss the salinization of surface water and groundwater, as well as its impacts on aquatic ecosystems and infrastructure. The discussion will also include ways to reduce these impacts and protect drinking water quality.
Montgomery Planning has launched the free Countywide Community Planning Academy, providing residents with the opportunity to learn about zoning, master plans, transportation, schools, the environment, and the development process through interactive online learning. Check it out to learn more about local planning and how you can have your voice heard and contribute to the decision-making process. Learn more and sign up today on the Montgomery Planning website.
Team Expedites Residential Permits for Emergency Electrical Repairs
If your home has sustained electrical damage due to a fire or storm, the DPS 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.
Schedule Update and Holiday Office Hours
Please note the following changes to the DPS schedule:
Friday, Dec. 12 – All DPS offices will close early at 11:30 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25 – Offices will be closed in observance of Christmas Day.
Thursday, Jan. 1 – Offices will be closed for New Year’s Day.
The DPS Customer Service Lobby is located on the 7th floor at 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton. Regular weekday hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and no appointment is necessary.
Customers can also access services online anytime, including:
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring! Consider a rewarding career at the permitting department, where safety, sustainability, and delivering excellent customer service are top priorities.
Check out the County’s website for the latest information about job openings at DPS and Montgomery County Government.
