DPIE Biz, January 2022

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JANUARY 2022

In this issue:


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Business Spotlight: Suga & Spice

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Suga & Spice's logo on brick building in Hyattsville

The Business Development Section (BDS) recently assisted the Suga & Spice eatery in Hyattsville with the permitting process. Suga and Spice is a family-owned restaurant specializing in creative Southern cuisine and Caribbean dishes founded by Chef Jeffeary Miskiri, founder and owner of the Miskiri Hospitality Group. “This is my first restaurant in Maryland. Hyattsville was a second home for me every summer with my family, so we decided to bring a store to our roots,” he said. “I am so excited to be serving the residents of Prince George’s County.”

Suga & Spice is located at 5557 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 100, Hyattsville. The restaurant is open for takeout only from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily. For more information, visit the Suga & Spice website.

white spaceSuga & Spice's lively hand-painted wall decor hints at the flavorful eating experience.

Suga & Spice's lively hand-painted wall decor hints at the flavorful eating experience.

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The Inside Scoop: Top Ten Tips for 2022

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Top Ten Tips on a sticky note on bulletin board

  1. Obtain a zoning determination letter prior to signing a lease or purchasing a property.

  2. When buying or leasing a space, inquire about prior permits and research the permit history to ensure that all work done was properly permitted and inspected.

  3. Hire design professionals to submit your applications and licensed contractors with good track records to do the work.

  4. Be familiar with your target dates, financing, lease terms, etc., to limit delays in your project’s plan development and construction.

  5. Try to establish your new business in a similar commercial space to minimize construction costs.

  6. Be descriptive when explaining the scope of work on your application for a building permit and/or Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O).

  7. Consider third-party programs to reduce the review time. Remember, time is money!

  8. Have plans on site when the inspector arrives.

  9. Require your contractor to add you to ePlan to ensure you receive updates regarding review of your plans submitted.

10. Check ePlan for regular updates by logging in or checking your email.

 


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FAQs: How to Apply for a U&O Permit and a Business License

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BDS Fact Sheet on U and O Permits

How do I file for a Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O)?


Use & Occupancy Permit (U&O) applications are completed online by going to Online Permit Applications and entering the information directly into the County’s Permitting System.  Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to upload your documents into the DPIE ePlan system. For more details on the U&O Permit process, review this Use and Occupancy Fact Sheet (PDF). You may also review the ePlan video to become familiar with the system.

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How do I apply for a County business license?


All Prince George's County business licenses are processed in Momentum, the County's online system. For more information on using Momentum and accessing the portal, visit the Momentum Online System page on DPIE's website. There you will find registration information, step-by-step instructions with visuals and videos.

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What's Happening: Events and Information

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Business Development Section

Please join BDS staff member Nicole Reece at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, for a virtual discussion about building permits, U&Os, licensing and inspections. Email dpiebizdev@co.pg.md.us for an invitation. The class is limited to 40 people.

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ICYMI

During the last year, the BDS has conducted several webinars and offered a variety of PowerPoint presentations for the business community about DPIE processes. The presentations included: Building and Use and Occupancy Permits, Inspections, Special Events, Business Licensing and more. Access the presentations BDS presentations here.

On December 9, 2021, BDS Officer Nicole Reece served as a panelist for the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Pathways to Business Expansion and Growth Series. Customers may access the EDC website for the "Permitting — You Don't Have to Do It Alone" presentation.

BDS Officer Nicole Reece also served as a panelist for the EDC Pathways to Expansion and Growth Series on January 12, 2022.  Customers may access the EDC website for the "Lease Agreements and Completing Lease Hold Improvements" presentation.

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Resources: Business Community News

white space barDPIE's Free ePlan Training for September adEconomic Development Corporation ad for how COVID-19 affects small businesses videoMaryland Small Business Development Center banner for informationPrince George's Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings adwhite space bar

contact us

County, Prince George's Proud and DPIE logos, plus DPIE address, phone and email