Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 01/09/2026 01:58 PM EST
January 2026
Looking Ahead to the New Year at DPS
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi provide DPS updates in a new video.
Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is looking ahead to 2026. In a new video posted on the County's YouTube channel, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan shares his vision for the year ahead, while Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi reflects on the accomplishments of 2025. Together, they emphasize the department's commitment to building safety, delivering excellent customer service, and promoting sustainability. Watch the video now!
ADU Updates: Size and Setback Rules in Focus
DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi said the department is currently reviewing its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations to ensure they comply with Maryland’s new Accessory Dwelling Units Act, which requires all counties to authorize ADUs on single-family residential lots by October 1, 2026.
ADUs are smaller independent dwelling units located on the same lot as a single-family home. They are often referred to as basement or garage apartments, granny flats, and backyard cottages.
Under the new state law, ADUs cannot exceed 75% of the size of the main home. The legislation also limits local governments from imposing setback requirements beyond those already in place for accessory structures, meaning ADUs will generally follow the same side and rear yard setbacks as garages or sheds.
“Montgomery County was one of the first jurisdictions in Maryland to adopt regulations allowing ADUs,” said DPS Deputy Director Motazedi. “Under current rules in Montgomery County, an ADU cannot exceed 50% of the size of the primary home. DPS is now reviewing whether this limit should be updated to align with the new state law, which allows ADUs up to 75% of the main dwelling’s size. We are also evaluating setback requirements to determine if changes to the zoning text amendment are needed. If updates are proposed, they will be presented to the County Council for review and consideration."
It's been more than six years since Montgomery County adopted its ADU rules in 2019 through Zoning Text Amendment 19-01, which removed barriers such as minimum lot size requirements and allowed detached ADUs on smaller lots. A potential update would align County regulations with the new state framework while continuing to prioritize building safety, zoning compliance, and community standards.
DPS will share more details and opportunities for public input as the process moves forward. Learn more about current ADU requirements on the DPS website.
Planning the 2026 Stakeholders Forum
DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi recognizes the DPS leadership team at the 2025 Stakeholders Forum.
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan has announced that planning is underway for the 2026 Stakeholders Forum. This annual event is designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters, and other industry professionals. The forum provides an opportunity to learn about new programs and services at DPS, network with staff, and share feedback on the permitting process. Look for more details to be posted on the DPS website and in the February issue of this newsletter. Stay tuned!
DPS Director Joins MCFRS News Conference Honoring Melanie Diaz's Legacy
Local leaders attended a MCFRS news conference last month recognizing the legacy of Melanie Diaz.
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan joined local leaders, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), and the family of Melanie Diaz at a MCFRS news conference honoring Diaz’s legacy last month. Melanie tragically lost her life in a high-rise fire in 2023, and her family has since become strong advocates for fire safety. The Diaz family’s recent donation will help purchase smoke evacuation hoods—critical equipment that protects fire victims during rescue operations.
The MCFRS news conference highlighted how Melanie’s legacy continues to inspire change through new legislation and life-saving equipment that will make a difference for residents across the County. During his remarks, DPS Director Sabbakhan emphasized the department’s dedication to building safety and enforcing fire safety codes.
Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick, who manages the DPS Fire Code Compliance team, also attended the news conference. According to Warnick, more than 70 high-rise residential buildings in Montgomery County lack full fire sprinkler coverage.
DPS Plan Reviewer Mark Stup was named Director-At-Large (Codes and Standards) at the Maryland Building Officials Association (MBOA) meeting last month.
In his new leadership role, he will chair a standing committee appointed by the MBOA president and oversee efforts to track, research, and report on legislative items impacting building officials statewide.
The committee’s responsibilities include reviewing proposed code changes from local jurisdictions, evaluating state-sponsored legislation, and recommending the association’s position to advance public safety, uniformity, and ensure consistency in code compliance.
Winterize Sprinkler System Pipes
County Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick said the DPS Fire Code Compliance team often responds to reports of fire sprinkler pipes bursting in the winter.
To avoid this, she recommends that homeowners and business owners contact a licensed sprinkler contractor in Montgomery County to perform winter maintenance on these systems. Regular inspections are crucial.
You can find more information about hiring a licensed contractor on the DPS website.
Sign Review Board Meets Wednesday, Jan. 14
The Montgomery County Sign Review Board (SRB) meets virtually on Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14. SRB members include Jessica Ledingham, Wayne Miller, Clifford Moy, James Schwartz, and Matthew Walters. Training for new members took place on Jan. 8 at DPS. Visit the DPS website for more information about the Sign Review Board or email staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Save the date! The Permitting Services Advisory Committee meets virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15. Visit the DPS website for more information about the Committee and its membership.
DPS to Present Cross-Agency Coordination Efforts to Planning Board on Jan. 22
On Thursday, Jan. 22, DPS staff will present to the Planning Board on initiatives that strengthen cross-agency coordination. The discussion will cover key topics such as site plan enforcement—including a Memorandum of Understanding—and land development issues related to right-of-way, stormwater management, and well and septic systems. The presentation will outline plans, permitting processes, and the roles and responsibilities of each participating organization.
Sewage Sludge Licenses Expire on Feb. 1
DPS Well and Septic Manager Heidi Benham reminds scavenger truck owners and operators that current sewage sludge utilization licenses will expire on Sunday, Feb. 1.
A valid license is required for any individual or company engaged in cleaning and emptying septic tanks or other sewage disposal facilities. This licensing process helps protect public health and groundwater by ensuring that all septage haulers properly handle and dispose of septic waste.
'Built to Last' Sets the Tone for 2026 Building Safety Month
DPS provides a limited number of free residential deck maintenance inspections during Building Safety Month.
Building Safety Month, an international campaign held annually in May, raises awareness about the importance of safe and resilient structures. The 2026 campaign theme, “Built to Last,” emphasizes durability, preparedness, and community strength. This year’s weekly themes include Safe Homes, Strong Communities (May 1–10); Voices of the Built Environment (May 11–17); Prepared to Protect (May 18–24); and Communities Without Limits (May 25–31).
Stay tuned for details on local events and activities throughout May including the popular DPS residential deck maintenance inspection program. Visit the DPS website for updates as the campaign approaches.
Office Hours, Holiday Schedule
The DPS Customer Service Lobby is open from 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. weekdays.
The 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.
DPS offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19, in recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
Customers can apply for permits, schedule inspections, request records, and file a property complaint online at any time.
The DPS outreach team is dedicated to 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.
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.
Job Openings
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.
