“It’s going to be a banner year at DPS,” said Director Sabbakhan, who will celebrate his first year at DPS this month. “We have accomplished a lot this last year, and the focus has been on streamlining our permitting process. We are looking forward to carrying that momentum and doing some really great things for the County in 2024.”
Director Sabbakhan touts the DPS Customer Bill of Rights, a new guidance document posted on the DPS website, as one of the ways DPS is memorializing its commitment to providing excellent customer service.
“The DPS Customer Bill of Rights is important as it enables our customers to see expectations for customers and it brings an accountability factor to DPS,” Director Sabbakhan said. “We want customers to know what to expect—from the right to a second opinion to responsiveness to code citations—in the spirit of great customer service and transparency.”
For customers planning to embark on new projects this new year, Division Chief Lucas notes the importance of booking a DPS predesign consultation to meet virtually with code officials to get your questions answered before you apply for permits.
“You can book this appointment online and it is free,” said Ms. Lucas. “It is also helpful to book this virtual meeting and get this guidance if you are planning to open a new business.”
For homeowners, Division Chief Lucas noted the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit program. To find out if your project qualifies, she encourages homeowners to visit the Design for Life website at montgomerycountymd.gov/design.
Looking ahead, Sabbakhan said he is excited about several new programs and services that are coming in 2024, including the rollout of a pilot program to expedite solar permits; public data dashboards to increase transparency about permitting time frames; a graphically informative new online GIS feature providing robust property and neighborhood permitting data; and, more clearer permitting guidance for new restaurants opening in the County, as well as other prevalent permit and occupancy types.
“I want to see progress and continuous improvement throughout the year and through all facets of our operation,” Director Sabbakhan said. “My goal for DPS is to provide exceptional customer service consistently and staff is doing that.”
The Department of Permitting Services podcast is now available on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/. Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform.
Previous podcast episodes have covered building safety, accessory dwelling units, deck permits, commercial building trends, use and occupancy certificates, fences, fire code compliance, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming and zoning. Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Department of Permitting Services is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.