Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council issued a proclamation recognizing the month of May as “Building Safety Month.” The theme for this year’s national public awareness campaign is “Prevent, Prepare, Protect. Building Codes Save Lives.”
“The County recognizes the role the Department of Permitting Services plays in keeping our buildings safe,” said County Executive Elrich. “Over the past year, it has continued to process more than 50,000 permits, licenses and approvals. The County’s code officials continue to work to ensure the buildings our residents and businesses use are safe. I am very pleased that the newly adopted green codes are another step towards making our buildings more sustainable.”
As part of its Building Safety Month activities, the DPS is offering free inspections of residential decks. Residents can schedule a free deck inspection by calling 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311).
“This month, Montgomery County participates in the annual worldwide campaign to raise awareness for safe and sustainable buildings and the crucial role building codes play in the process,” said Council President Tom Hucker. “The County’s code officials in Permitting Services, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs provide vital services that make our communities safer places to live and work.”
DPS Director Mitra Pedoeem said Building Safety Month is an opportunity to remember that effective building and fire codes are needed.
“Proper construction is the first line of defense against tragedy from fire, collapse, electrical or other hazards,” she said. “DPS has launched a new educational series that highlights our processes to help our residents and businesses move through the permitting process with greater ease and success. DPS will be launching a new system to help streamline our online services. These changes will allow projects to move faster through our system.”
DPS is launching at new program that is part of its “Training the Next Generation” series. The series will begin at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, with “DPS Career Pathways Sessions.” More information on the series can be found on the DPS Calendar or at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Resources/Files/Recruitment/Brochures/Discover_Your_Career_Path_at_DPS.pdf.
