Good Food Markets
 Good Food Markets (GFM) is about to join several retail businesses expanding into Prince George’s County! The Business Development Section (BDS) recently assisted the grocery store company in attaining its health and trade/retail licenses from the County and the State of Maryland. The food market will be located in the Addison Plaza Shopping Center on Central Avenue in Seat Pleasant. It will take over space formerly occupied by Safeway, which left two years ago. Residents said Safeway’s closing created a food desert since it was the only grocery store in the area. GFM is expected to fill that void by providing shoppers with fresh, healthy produce and other essential grocery items. GFM officials said they were attracted to the Prince George's County location because of the need for its products and the opportunity to co-locate with established retailers already doing business at the shopping center. The company was also impressed with the County's commitment to its residents’ health and providing economic opportunity for businesses.
Cori’s Modern Kitchen + Bar
 The BDS team also recently assisted Cori's Modern Kitchen + Bar with the permitting process. Cori's Modern Kitchen + Bar is located in Camp Springs near the Branch Avenue Metro Station. Cori’s Owner/Executive Chef Ryan Wallen said his goal is to provide an additional dining choice for those who live and work in the area. “I wanted the local business employees to have numerous places to eat while taking a lunch or dinner break,” Wallen said. “Several car dealership employees are excited because they have another restaurant to visit while they are working.” Wallen said his restaurant specializes in infusing Southern flavor into “American dishes.” Some of his specialties include pan-seared rainbow trout, shrimp and grits, macaroni & cheese with white cheddar, Gouda and Gruyère and vanilla bean honey butter cornbread. Cori’s is open from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m. Wallen said he is working on extending the eatery’s hours. Follow Cori’s on social media for updates on operating hours.
 DPIE Process: Building Plan Review
The Building Plan Review Division (BPRD) is an integral part of DPIE. The division ensures that construction plans meet applicable County and State codes. BPRD is responsible for the review of plans for residential and commercial projects, new food facilities and renovation projects, among others. The typical plan review time is four to six weeks. Several sections within the division assist with the review process, including Building/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Fire & Life Safety and Health. The sections also work in conjunction with other agencies co-located within DPIE in the review process. The co-located agencies include the Prince George's Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M–NCPPC) and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC). The Health Department, the Office of the Fire Marshal and the State Highway Administration (SHA) are also involved in the process.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must submit their plans through the electronic plan review system known as ePlan. This system allows applicants to apply for permits and upload plans and documents online, eliminating the need to drop off paper copies. Engineering staffers then review the submitted plans and documents electronically and concurrently with other sections and agencies, which speeds up the process. In addition, DPIE offers applicants optional peer review and third-party plan review programs to expedite the review process. For more information on the Building Plan Review process, visit the DPIE website.
 CURRENT PLANS NECESSARY FOR INSPECTIONS
Make sure to have your current stamped plans at your construction site. If an Inspector arrives for an inspection and the site does not reflect the final and updated approved plans, a correction order may be issued and the inspection may be delayed, postponing your project.
ZONING DETERMINATIONS EXPEDITE SETTING UP WORK SPACES
Before signing a lease or buying a commercial space, make sure the property is
zoned for the intended use by contacting the M–NCPPC Information Services Team at Planning Information Services. Having a zoning determination prior to filing for a permit with DPIE will make the application process move more expeditiously.
OBTAINING INFORMATION IN SPANISH
To share both departmental and County information with our Spanish speaking communities, DPIE is converting some publications and flyers into Spanish. These can be found on the resources tab of the website. Be sure and check back on a regular basis as we continue to convert and add additional DPIE documents, as well as County notices and COVID-19 updates.
IDENTIFYING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR PERMITS
Documentation needed to apply for permits is available in the Permits section of DPIE's website. Click on Permits, in the navigation bar on the left side of the main page. There you will find details for both commercial permit types and residential permit types in the Navigation Bar. For additional information, contact Permits at 301-636-2050 .
Business Development Section Events
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ICYMI
The BDS held a webinar on July 30th on the Building Plan Peer Review Program, an optional program offered to allow permit applicants to hire approved peer reviewers to review their building plans in lieu of having the building plans evaluated by DPIE personnel. The program reduces the review time associated with construction plan approval. To view the presentation, visit DPIE’s PowerPoint Presentations.
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Funding Opportunities
FSC First, a lending institution located in Prince George’s County, has established the Legacy Fund to provide grants of up to $10,000 to assist small businesses. The grants are funded by a $1 million grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation. The FSC grant may be used for operating expenses to keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more details, visit Legacy Fund for Small Business Development.
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Business Development Section
Upcoming Event
The BDS will sponsor a webinar on DPIE Business Licensing from 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24. Watch for registration information and webinar details on the DPIE website and in the BDS Building Blocks newsletter in coming weeks. Mark your calendar!
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Business Community News
   
 
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