Oct. 2024
The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has launched a new webpage for food establishment and restaurant owners who are planning interior alterations or who need a change of use for a commercial building space.
A commercial building permit is required for all work occurring inside an existing building including those intended for restaurant use. These interior renovations are also known as “tenant fit-outs.” The new DPS webpage details the permitting process for these applications and includes a frequently asked questions and answers section.
This year, DPS has received more than 90 building permit applications related to restaurants in Montgomery County and the majority of those permits issued are for commercial alterations.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas said applicants often come to DPS after they have signed a lease or bought a property only to learn that the use is not allowed at the location they have selected.
“It’s important for those considering buying or leasing a commercial space to research the property and check with DPS before they sign a contract,” said Division Chief Lucas.
That information is highlighted in step one of the Process Guide on the new webpage. Other steps in the guide include: hiring a professional, scheduling a design consultation, applying and paying for permit fees, submitting plans and plan review, paying outstanding fees, scheduling inspections, getting Department of Health and Human Services approvals, applying for alcohol sales licenses, and applying for outside seating in the public right-of-way permits.
Look for an updated “Recipe for Success” brochure to be released later this year that details these steps and provides additional guidance and resources for food establishment and restaurant owners.
As part of Fire Prevention Month, DPS and the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS) are reminding residents to check their smoke alarms to make sure they are operating.
“It’s important for residents to install smoke alarms and to test them regularly to make sure they are working,” said DPS Fire Code Compliance Manager Patsy Warnick. “They should be located on every level of a home and in and outside sleeping areas. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. A working smoke alarm protects lives.”
In addition, MCFRS is asking residents to “take ten on Oct. 10” to test smoke alarms, practice a home fire drill and update the Family Emergency Kit. A few minutes of planning can make all the difference.
For more fire prevention tips, visit the MCFRS website or call MC 311.
Effective this month, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) is responsible for administering the Bed & Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental Program, which was previously managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. DHCA is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcing Montgomery County Code, Chapter 54, Article III, Bed and Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental, which requires that the operation of a bed and breakfast and a short-term residential rental be licensed.
The Bed & Breakfast and Short-Term Residential Rental Program allows residential property owners who meet certain requirements to rent habitable living space for less than 30 consecutive days for a fee.
For zoning information about Bed and Breakfast and short-term rentals, visit the DPS website. If you have questions, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
DPS has completed updating its ePlans software for Commercial, Residential, Fence, Public Right-of Way, Sediment Control, Sign, Stormwater Concept, and all Trade permit applications. For the first time ever, Well and Septic permit applications are now online. Providing excellent customer service is a top DPS priority, and these updates were designed to help make the permitting process more efficient for customers.
To help customers utilize the upgraded ePlans software, DPS has produced five training videos These videos are posted on the County’s YouTube channel and the DPS website and include: Navigating Basic Functions, Uploading Files, Reviewing and Responding to Comments, How to Access and Use Reports, and Downloading Approved Plans.
If you need more ePlans information or training, call MC 311 or email dps.eservices@montgomerycountymd.gov.
During the month of September, DPS staff provided information and resources about the department’s programs, resources and services at locations in Bethesda, Germantown, Wheaton and White Oak. Some of the specific topics covered included property complaints, ADUs, the eSolar program, deck inspections, the Design for Life Property Tax Credit program, and GIS maps. DPS managers also met virtually with reps from the Professional Remodeling Organization’s (PRO) MidAtlantic representatives in September to discuss the updated ePlans software and the status of updating the codes.
This month, DPS staff will be at the Wheaton Community Center from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 along with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service staff.
Stay in the know about upcoming outreach events by reviewing the calendar on the front page of the DPS website. If you would like to schedule outreach at your organization’s next meeting or event, email DPS Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
The Sign Review Board meets virtually at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. For information about the upcoming meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings, visit the Board’s webpage or email staff liaison Roger Waterstreet at roger.waterstreet@montgomerycountymd.gov. For information about current vacancies on the Board, visit the County’s website.
The Permitting Services Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet virtually on Microsoft Teams at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 10. Visit the Committee’s webpage for meeting agendas and minutes.
The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar, “Alternative and Innovative Septic Systems” at noon Wednesday, Oct. 16.
This webinar will address options for home sites that present challenges to the design and operation of a septic system, such as high-water table, poor soils and small lots.
Register for the webinar online.
For information about permits for septic systems, visit the DPS website.
Follow Montgomery County Government on Facebook and X as the County recognizes its employees, including some DPS staffers, during Hispanic Heritage Month from now thru Oct. 15.
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring inspectors, permitting specialists and more! Consider a rewarding career as a building code official.
Check out the County’s website for information about current DPS job opportunities and don’t miss the Montgomery County Government Career Fair and Hiring Expo from 3-6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
The week of Oct. 7-11 is also known as Customer Service Week, and at DPS providing excellent customer service is a top priority.
As recognized in the DPS Customer Bill of Rights and by the department’s Core Values, DPS staff are dedicated to assisting customers in the office and in the field.
“We are proud of our DPS team who are committed to living up to our Customer Bill of Rights and providing excellent customer service to our permitting customers every day,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “From answering questions to resolving issues, our staff is responsive and solution oriented. It’s always a great day when our staff are recognized for providing stellar service because we know how dedicated they are when it comes to making the permitting process easier for customers.”
DPS appreciates customer feedback and encourages customers to share information about their experience with the permitting department by completing the online Customer Satisfaction Survey.
The DPS customer service lobby is located on the Seventh Floor at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. For added convenience, the DPS Staff Directory is available online.
Subscribe to Constructive Comments to receive this online newsletter in your inbox each month. In between issues, follow #MoCoDPS on Montgomery County’s Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) pages for the latest news and information from the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services. Plus, follow the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts and stay connected and engaged with DPS code officials!