The BDS team recently assisted Spizzy Smoothies and Teas in Brandywine with the issuance of permits. The site is the second location in Prince George’s County. Spizzy also has a shop in Camp Springs in the Allentown Plaza at 5830 Allentown Way.

Spizzy owner Victorious Hall, a native Prince George’s County resident who was raised in Forestville, said he takes pride in being locally owned and operated. Hall has always had an interest in serving healthy food options to County residents.  He started his career as an educator in Prince George's County Public Schools and is passionate about helping the community. “Our smoothies are unique because they are made with fresh ingredients and prepared daily with no additional additives,” Hall said.

Spizzy smoothies are named for communities in Prince George’s County, such as the pineapple and mango “Temple Hills” and the “Bowie” — a blueberry, blackberry, strawberry and banana smoothie. The menu also includes “District Heights Banana Toast” comprised of toasted bread, almond butter, sliced bananas, maple syrup and cacao nibs and the “Accokeek Vegan Turkey and Cheese Panini.” Spizzy Smoothies and Teas is open daily in Brandywine at 15902 “D” Crain Highway.

Applications must be submitted through DPIE’s online application system. Applicants must also complete a hard copy of the Sign Permit Application. Once the application has been approved by plan screening, the applicant will be invited to upload documents into the ePlan system to be reviewed by staff from DPIE and the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M–NCPPC). Be sure to apply for an electrical permit for illuminated signage. After the sign permit has been issued and construction has been completed, applicants must schedule an inspection. See additional sign permit requirements on DPIE’s Sign Permit web page. Applicants should also check the municipal requirements to determine if there are additional stipulations for sign permits. For additional information on municipal jurisdiction requirements, review the Municipalities Responsibilities in Prince George's County chart.

ePlan Monthly Virtual Training

New building and residential project applications must be submitted through the DPIE electronic application and plan submittal process, or ePlan. For customers new to the ePlan system, DPIE offers free monthly virtual training sessions. The training includes instruction in completing online applications and uploading plans for review. The sessions are held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on the third Thursday of each month on Zoom.

The next training is scheduled for Thursday, September 15, 2022. Enrollment is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in attending must register by the second Thursday of the month via the ePlan Virtual Customer Training link. The training manual, "ePlan Applicant User Guide," should be reviewed, printed and brought to the virtual class. Applicants who are unable to attend the session may review an informational video, "DPIE ePlan System Applicant Training," which explains the ePlan process step by step. Additional information about ePlan trainings may be found by clicking on the "Trainings & Webinars" icon on the main page of DPIE's website.

Register to Attend!

Please join the BDS team at 12:00 noon on Thursday,
September 22, 2022, for a virtual discussion about "How to Obtain a Special Permit.” To sign up for this free webinar, please register at https://event.webinarjam.com/register/104/yyvxoiwk.

ICYMI

The BDS has offered several webinars and PowerPoint presentations for the business community covering a wide range of topics in the last year, including Building and Use and Occupancy Permits, Inspections, Special Events, Business Licensing, and more. Customers may access the BDS presentations here.