Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 04/30/2026 01:15 PM EDT
May 2026
Attend the Montgomery County Building Safety Month Residential Permitting Open House on May 20 in Rockville
As part of Building Safety Month, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is hosting a Residential Permitting Open House from 4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, in the auditorium at the Isiah Leggett Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. During the drop-in event, DPS staff will meet with residents and contractors to discuss the permitting and inspection process for their home projects and provide guidance documents and building safety resources.
“We encourage residents and contractors to join us at the May 20th Open House to get permitting questions answered directly by DPS staff,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Bring the kids, we will have building safety information available for them to learn about the importance of building safety as well. We want this message of safety and resilience amplified throughout our community during Building Safety Month.”
Several other County departments and agencies are participating in the Residential Permitting Open House, including the departments of Environmental Protection, Fire and Rescue Service, Housing and Community Affairs, Consumer Protection, as well as WSSC Water, and the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville.
DPS Provides Free Deck Maintenance Inspections in May
DPS reminds residents that routine deck maintenance is essential for preserving structural integrity and preventing safety hazards.
Beginning on Friday, May 1, Montgomery County homeowners can book a free residential deck maintenance inspection by calling MC 311 (240-777-0311) or submitting an online form on the DPS website. It generally takes DPS inspectors less than 30 minutes to check the overall condition of the deck. Inspectors will examine the support system, fasteners, and ledger attachment.
The residential deck inspection program is limited to the first 300 appointments. If you received an inspection last year, you are not eligible this year. When filling out the online form, homeowners should include the property address and contact information. In addition to the free deck maintenance inspection program, DPS provides building safety information and resources on its website, including a deck maintenance checklist and a deck inspection video. A deck permit is required for all decks supported by footings.
DPS’s free deck inspection program does not extend to the city limits of Gaithersburg and Rockville, as these municipalities have their own permitting departments.
For more information about permits and inspections for residential decks, visit the DPS website.
Building Safety Month Proclamation
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, and County Councilmembers proclaimed May as “Building Safety Month” at a ceremony on April 21. Representatives from DPS and the County departments of Housing and Community Affairs, and Transportation also attended. Watch the proclamation ceremony on YouTube and view more photos online.
New Podcast Explores Permits for Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Projects
Residential Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp discusses permitting for outdoor projects and building safety on the new episode of the Dept. of Permitting Services Podcast.
DPS has released a new podcast episode, “Decks, Patios and Outdoor Projects,” offering practical guidance for homeowners on when permits are required, how to schedule a free residential deck inspection in May, and why working with a licensed contractor is important.
The podcast is hosted by Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, and this episode features Residential Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp.
“The warmer months are typically the busy season for homeowners when it comes to outdoor home improvement projects,” said DPS Division Chief Lucas. “In this 15-minute episode, we provide timely tips for homeowners about the permitting process for decks, fences, patios, pergolas, and sheds. We also remind residents to book a free residential deck maintenance inspection in May as part of the County’s Building Safety Month campaign.”
Residents can subscribe to the Permitting Services podcast on major podcast platforms, including Amazon Music, Apple, and Spotify, or watch episodes on the County’s YouTube channel. The program also airs on County Cable Montgomery at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays.
DPS Website Refresh
The DPS website has a new look as part of the County’s Web 2.0 Redesign Project. The new site is designed to provide a modern, community-centered digital experience that helps residents, businesses, and visitors find information faster, complete tasks more easily, and connect with services online. Read the County news release to learn more about the refresh.
Sign Review Board Meeting Set for May 13
The Montgomery County Sign Review Board meets virtually on Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13. Visit the DPS website for more information about the Sign Review Board or email staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Outreach Events
The DPS outreach team remains committed to engaging communities and organizations throughout Montgomery County. Through events and partnerships, the team shares valuable resources to help residents and businesses better navigate and simplify the permitting process. In April, DPS welcomed more than two dozen kids on “Take Your Child to Work Day,” and provided outreach at the Energy Summit in Silver Spring.
To stay informed about upcoming outreach opportunities, visit the DPS calendar on the DPS website’s homepage. Upcoming events include the Active Aging Expo on Thursday, May 7, in Gaithersburg and the Residential Permitting Open House on Wednesday, May 20 in Rockville.
If you would like DPS staff to attend an upcoming event, email Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
'Bring Your Child' to DPS Day
DPS welcomed more than two dozen kids to “Bring Your Child to Work Day” on April 23. DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi introduced the kids to the world of permitting, shared insights into their careers, and answered many thoughtful (and fun) questions. In the afternoon, the kids learned about building permits, drawing plans, and construction. The event was organized by Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas.
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.
