Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 02/13/2026 10:09 AM EST
Feb. 2026
DPS Stakeholders Forum Set for March 3 in Wheaton
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will host its annual Stakeholders Forum on Tuesday, March 3, at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) building in Wheaton. The forum will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.) in the M-NCPPC 2nd Floor Auditorium, located at 2425 Reedie Drive.
The event brings together architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, homeowners, land use attorneys, permit expediters, and other industry professionals. Attendees will receive important updates and hear presentations from DPS staff on topics that impact permitting and development in the County.
“This is the third year that we’ve hosted the DPS Stakeholders Forum,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “It’s a great opportunity to connect face-to-face with industry peers, community partners, and key internal and external stakeholders. We’ll share how we are planning for future success, including the latest technology improvements and permitting updates. Most importantly, we want to hear directly from our stakeholders so we can continue to improve our programs and services. Providing excellent customer service is a top priority at DPS.”
Agenda highlights include a presentation on the “State of Permitting,” key data and metrics, an energy code update, fire code compliance news, housing updates, an update from WSSC Water, and a panel discussion on the role of permitting and economic development with a question-and-answer section.
The DPS leadership team, including Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi, and Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski, highlighted the “Recipe for Success” guide and restaurant webpage during the County’s recent Bright Spot Showcase and Accelerator Commencement event. County Executive Marc Elrich attended the event as well as employees from other departments who were part of the showcase for their award-winning programs and innovative projects.
Designed to support local entrepreneurs, “Recipe for Success” provides step-by-step guidance for opening and operating food establishments in Montgomery County. The program connects business owners with a permitting process guide and other resources.
The "Recipe for Success" community outreach program earned a 2025 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award in the Community and Economic Development category.
New Podcast Episode Focuses on FCC Permits and Emergency Safety Plans
This episode features Fire Code Compliance Manager Patsy Warnick in conversation with podcast host Gail Lucas about some key FCC changes, including the importance of emergency safety plans. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.
Bond Requirements Updated for Right-of-Way Permits
Effective this month, Montgomery County has raised bond amounts for public right-of-way permits. This change reflects rising construction costs and aligns bonding requirements with current industry standards.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issued more than 3,000 right-of-way permits, of which about one-third required a bond. Until now, the unit prices used to calculate bond amounts had not been updated in over 30 years. The adjustment ensures adequate funding if a developer fails to complete permitted work.
Key updates include the following:
Bond Calculation: Bond amounts will now equal 150% of total construction costs, based on current unit prices.
Permit Fees: Permit fees remain unchanged and will continue to be calculated as a percentage of total construction costs.
Traffic Signal Bonding: $500,000 bond per traffic signal will be required when 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 permit fees.
Applications received prior to Monday, Feb. 2, are subject to the previous bond requirement at 100% of construction costs.
For questions, contact DPS Manager Atiq Panjshiri at 240-777-6352.
DPS Highlights Site Plan Enforcement and Coordination Efforts
Permitting staff recently briefed the Montgomery Planning Board on how DPS and Montgomery Planning coordinate enforcement of M-NCPPC-certified site plans.
The presentation, led by Zoning and Code Compliance Division Chief Victor Salazar, Section Manager Greg Nichols, and Program Manager Brian Keeler outlined the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that defines enforcement responsibilities. Several DPS inspectors and leaders attended in person.
At the briefing, the Land Development team also shared updates on coordination between DPS, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), and Montgomery Planning. Topics included right-of-way, stormwater management, and well and septic systems. This segment was presented by DPS Manager Mark Etheridge and plan reviewers Sam Farhadi and Jason Flemming.
The Montgomery County Sign Review Board meets virtually on Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11. Board members include Jessica Ledingham, Wayne Miller, Clifford Moy, James Schwartz, and Matthew Walters. Visit the DPS website for more information about the Sign Review Board or email staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Permitting Advisory Committee Update
The Permitting Services Advisory Committee held its first hybrid meeting of the year at DPS and virtually on Microsoft Teams in January. Agenda items included the budget, the Stakeholders Forum, permitting data, and more. Visit the DPS website for more information about the Committee, its membership, and upcoming meetings.
'Built to Last' Sets Tone for 2026 Building Safety Month
Building Safety Month, an international campaign held annually in May, raises awareness of the importance of safe, 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.
Celebrating Black History Month in February
Montgomery County Government is recognizing County employees, including DPS staff, as part of its Black History Month social media campaign during the month of February. Follow along on the County's Facebook and X social media pages.
Plan Ahead: Office Hours and Holiday Closure
DPS offices will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of Presidents Day.
The Customer Service Lobby is located on the 7th floor at 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday–Friday. No appointment is needed. In the event of wintry weather, check the status of inspections and office hours on the front page of the DPS website.
You can apply for permits, schedule inspections, request records, or file property complaints online anytime. For more information, visit the DPS website.
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.
