Introducing DPS's ‘Fast Lane’ for Select Commercial and Residential Permits
Beginning the first week of November, the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is launching the Fast Lane program. This in-office appointment system is designed to provide same-day permits for qualifying commercial and residential projects.
Commercial fast‑lane appointments will be available beginning Tuesday, Nov. 3, and residential fast‑lane appointments will begin on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
For commercial properties, the Fast Track permit process is available for small-scale interior alterations to existing commercial buildings. This includes business and mercantile occupancies, as well as fire-damage repairs, up to 25 percent of the structure's value. It is important to review the commercial fast-track eligibility list to determine whether your project qualifies, as there are other notable exceptions.
The Fast Lane is available for Residential Fast Track projects that meet specific criteria, including single-level decks; finishing basements or existing attics (without structural changes and not exceeding 400 square feet); sheds; gazebos; detached non-habitable structures under 200 square feet; alterations not exceeding 400 square feet and not involving a load-bearing wall; remodeling kitchens or bathrooms; minor nonstructural fire damage repairs; and adding an accessible ramp. If a well or a septic system serves your property, it may not be eligible for the Fast Lane program. Be sure to review the Residential Fast Track guidelines to confirm eligibility before booking your appointment.
Appointments will be held in person at the DPS office, located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, in Wheaton. Appointments for commercial projects will be available on Tuesdays at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., while residential projects can be scheduled at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., and 10 a.m. on Wednesdays.
If you have any questions about this new program, contact DPS at 240-777-6395.
What to Know About the Updated ADU Guidance in Montgomery County
Earlier this month, DPS updated the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) guidance on its website after the requirements were amended by a zoning text amendment.
Here's what to know: only one ADU is permitted per lot; an ADU may not be greater than 75% of the size of the primary single-family detached dwelling; an ADU must comply with the setback, height, and building lot coverage standards applicable to an accessory structure in the underlying zone; an ADU may not be located on a lot where a Short-Term Residential Rental exists or is licensed; attached ADUs must comply with the applicable entrance-location requirements; and, certain detached structures legally constructed before May 31, 2012 may qualify for an exception from setback and floor-area requirements if the structure is not increased in size or height and no new windows are installed on the wall nearest an abutting property.
Homeowners with questions about ADU licensing requirements should contact the Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
If you have questions or need more information about building permits, visit the DPS website or call 240-777-0311.
New Podcast Episode Highlights ‘Permitting Dashboards’ Driving Greater Data Transparency
DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi (center), Data and Performance Manager Juliana de Souza (left), and DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas (right) discuss the importance of the permitting dashboards on the latest episode of the DPS Podcast.
DPS has released a new podcast episode, “Permitting Dashboards,” highlighting how permitting dashboards increase transparency and provide greater public access to data.
The Permitting Dashboard tracks turnaround times for plan review and permit issuance, including each stage of the review process. The information is updated daily and shows review times for DPS, applicants, and other agencies.
The 15-minute episode is hosted by DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas and features DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi and DPS Data and Performance Manager Juliana de Souza. They discuss the dashboards and the data they provide to help customers better understand the permitting process.
“The Permitting Dashboard was created to bring accountability, transparency, and predictability to the permitting process at DPS,” said Deputy Director Motazedi. “The dashboard helps our customers plan and prepare so they know how much time it takes to get a building permit.”
The Permitting Dashboard includes eight tabs and a flowchart outlining the permitting process. It provides residential and commercial customers with information to help them plan and prepare, while also helping DPS staff track trends and monitor performance. The dashboard shows the number of permits issued and the average time to issue that permit type.
Earlier this year, the National Association of Counties (NACo) recognized the DPS Permitting Dashboard with an Achievement Award in the civic education and public information category.
New Record Plat Approvals Guidance Effective Jan. 1
Effective Jan. 1, DPS will no longer accept or sign mylars for plats that contain missing information or blank spaces. This includes, but is not limited to, recordation references. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and DPS signature blocks are, of course, exceptions.
The DPS approval signature signifies that the plat has been fully reviewed and accepted by Montgomery County. Accordingly, all required information must be complete, accurate, properly entered, and reviewed prior to submission for DPS approval and signature.
This new practice is intended to prevent the recordation of incomplete or incorrect information, which can make it difficult to retrieve information when searching Land Records.
Fire Code Compliance Permits Must Be Renewed Annually
October is also known as Fire Prevention Month and in Montgomery County, all commercial buildings and tenant spaces are required by law to have an FCC permit from DPS to ensure they meet established safety standards.
Commercial building owners and business operators are responsible for renewing their FCC permits online each year. This includes all businesses, childcare centers, group homes, health care facilities, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, retail shops, schools, and all other commercial buildings in Montgomery County.
It is important that commercial buildings comply with fire codes and standards to ensure the safety of employees, residents, and visitors. Conditions of FCC permit approval include annual testing, inspection, and maintenance of all fire protection systems.
If you have questions about FCC permits, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
DPS Surveys Customers About Their Permitting Experience
DPS is asking customers who have received at least one permit between July and September of this year to take a few minutes to complete the Customer Satisfaction Survey about their experiences with the permitting process. The quarterly survey was emailed to 2,700 customers in early October. DPS values customer feedback and is always looking for ways to improve its programs and services.
Sign Review Board Scheduled to Meet Next Month
The Sign Review Board is scheduled to hold its next virtual meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18. The board regularly reviews sign variance applications for signage throughout Montgomery County. The agenda will be posted on the DPS website prior to the session.
Learn More About DPS Programs at Outreach Events
DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas provides information about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program at the Active Aging event in North Potomac earlier this month.
Community outreach at DPS is designed to connect the public with information about permitting programs, resources, and services.
On Oct. 5, DPS staff participated in the Active Aging event at the Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Center, where DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas shared information and answered questions about the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program. Staff also engaged with residents about general permitting guidance, the DPS Podcast, and how to access resources online.
Upcoming outreach events include Wednesdays on Nov. 4, and Dec. 9 at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
See the calendar on the front page of the DPS website for more information about upcoming events and meetings. If you would like to invite DPS to provide outreach at an upcoming event, contact Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Career Opportunities at DPS
Have you considered a career as a building safety official? DPS is looking to hire an electrical inspector for its Commercial Building Construction Division.
