Department of Permitting Services to Host Stakeholders Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in Wheaton

A Stakeholders Forum, hosted by the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS), will be held from 8:30 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Dec. 6, in the second-floor auditorium of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) building in Wheaton. The forum is designed for architects, builders, contractors, designers, developers, engineers, land use attorneys, permit expediters and other professionals.

The M-NCPPC office building is located at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to reserve their spot for the forum online. Space is limited to 200 seats.

The first 30 minutes of the event will feature a meet and greet session with DPS staff.

Topics to be discussed at the Stakeholders Forum include:

• Public dashboards with turnaround times.
• Updates on proposed changes to fire, building, energy and green building codes.
• Reports and recommendations from the Montgomery County Development Review Process Workgroup.
• New DPS vision, core values and initiatives.
• Commitment to exceptional customer service, including introduction of new Customer Bill of Rights.
• Impact taxes.
• Comprehensive fee study.
• Fast Track Program.
• Technology updates.
• Land Development’s Peer Review Program.
• Community outreach activities, including the new DPS Podcast series.
• Questions and answers session.

“We are excited to demonstrate our partnership with our many stakeholders and provide updates about what’s happening at DPS, and we very much look forward to listening and meeting with our stakeholders about their experiences with the permitting process in Montgomery County to enable the department to continue on the path of continuous improvement,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Our vision is to create a world-class permitting services department.”

Director Sabbakhan said a second forum, with a focus for homeowners, would be held in 2024.

Questions about the Dec. 6 forum can be sent via email to Leah.Ortiz@montgomerycountymd.gov. More information also is available by calling 240-777-6364.

DPS customers can apply and pay for permits, submit construction plans, request records, file property complaints, and schedule inspections online at any time. Customers who have permitting questions or need more information about the application process should contact MC 311 (240-777-0311) or stop by DPS offices. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance. The customer service lobby, located at 2425 Reedie Drive (7th floor) in Wheaton, is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

For more information about the permitting process, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.