Dessert Junkie Opens in Bowie!
 The Business Development Section (BDS) recently helped Bowie’s newest addition, the Dessert Junkie, with the permitting process. The Dessert Junkie serves an assortment of creative gourmet treats and milkshakes. Owner Alexis Streets brings her talents to Bowie from her initial company, Basket Treats by Alexis Streets, in Laurel. Starting as a mobile truck venture, The Dessert Junkie is now a store at Free State Shopping Center. Streets and her team of dessert artists take an avant-garde art approach to milkshakes and desserts. From the moment the doors open, Streets’ customers are treated to a touch of art deco along with their dessert. One of her more creative concoctions is the Insane Milkshake, which features a variety of flavors, toppings, and dessert ingredients. For more information, visit the Dessert Junkie website.
 Building Plan Review
The Building Plan Review Division (BPRD) is DPIE’s technical resource for the interpretation of County and State building codes. The staff coordinates with project engineers and architects to determine if the proposed construction complies with applicable codes. The team confers with builders, subcontractors and members of the public on code-related matters.
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. DPIE also works on the review process in conjunction with other agencies co-located within DPIE headquarters, including 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.
Applicants are required to 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. Electronic submittals typically have faster turnaround times, allow for simplified revisions, and have improved tracking. In addition, DPIE offers applicants optional peer review and third-party plan review programs to accelerate the review process. For more information on the Building Plan Review process, visit the DPIE website.
 
Permit Extensions
Once a permit application has been filed, it must be issued within two years of the application date or it becomes null and void. Once the permit is issued, work must begin within six months. Construction inspections are required a minimum of every six months to keep the permit valid. The only exceptions are grading permits, which have up to a 5-year lifespan. Extensions must be submitted within 30 days of expiration and can be granted for two 6-month extension periods.
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 Business Development Section
 ICYMI
Over the last year, the BDS has conducted several webinars and prepared PowerPoint presentations for the business community on a variety of DPIE processes. These include Building and Use and Occupancy Permits, Inspections, Special Events and Business Licensing, and more. Customers may access the BDS presentations here.
Funding Opportunities
 BGE Energizing Small Business Grant
BGE, in partnership with Hello Alice and Global Entrepreneurship Network, has pledged $15 million for Maryland small businesses to assist with COVID-19 relief and recovery. Eligible businesses must be in BGE’s service area in order to apply for the $20,000 grant. For more information, visit bgehelloalice.
Maryland Financial Incentives for Businesses
A variety of financial programs are available from the State, including grants, loans and other funds for job creation, agriculture, small businesses and veteran-owned businesses. For more information, visit the Maryland Financial Incentives for Business website.
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Economic Development Incentive (EDI) Fund
The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) sponsors an Economic Development Incentive (EDI) Fund for expansion of the County’s commercial tax base, job retention and attraction, support for small and local businesses, promotion of development and redevelopment opportunities, as well as transit-oriented development. For more information, visit the Economic Development Corporation website.
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PFC Black Chamber Open Door Fund
The People for Change Coalition (PFC) Black Chamber has announced the COVID-19 Open-Door Fund, which provides grants to small businesses in Prince George’s County. The fund provides between $1,000 to $3,000 on a rolling basis to businesses that have been established since 2019. Click the Open Door Fund link for details.
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Rural and Underserved Business Recovery from Impact of COVID-19 (RUBRIC)
The RUBRIC program provides economic relief to rural and economically-disadvantaged businesses. The program focuses on recently-opened tech companies that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click State Emergency Funding Administered by TEDCO.
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