The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has unveiled a new Permitting Dashboard for customers to track select permits and plan review turnaround times. The information on the dashboard is updated daily on a rolling basis (30 days and 12 months) and will improve tracking of projects under review.
The dashboard information is posted on the front page of the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
The Permitting Dashboard focuses on plan review and permit issuance turnaround times for the following permits: commercial new construction, commercial altercation, residential new construction, residential alteration and new construction, public right-of-way, sediment control and stormwater management. At the top of the dashboard, the permit types are displayed in green tabs for navigation and the data for each permit type is displayed for the past 30 days and the previous 12 months.
“One of the most common complaints we hear about our permitting process is not knowing how long the process will take,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Whether our customers are residents or businesses – ‘time is money’ and everyone has a right to a reasonable expectation on when they will know about their permit application. I commend DPS for launching this new tool to provide increased accountability and transparency. This data will help customers better understand the permitting process while also allowing DPS to continue to improve and expedite the amount of time it takes to approve a permit.”
The dashboard includes a flow chart to explain the time it takes to issue a permit. The permitting process begins when the application is uploaded online on the DPS website. The application is screened and reviewed by DPS staff. If the application is incomplete, the applicant will be asked to provide corrections to the plan. Some permit applications also require zoning review and reviews by other County departments and outside agencies. When the application and review process is complete, the permit is issued.
“The new dashboard provides DPS leadership with a robust management tool which enables better, more proactive tracking of projects under review and ensures delivery of DPS performance measures through consistent delivery on target review timeframes,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “In addition, the dashboard is a prime example of open and transparent government with up-to-date review timeframes and data for new construction, alterations, as well as zoning and land development reviews all part of DPS’ permitting streamlining effort.”
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 (seventh floor) in Wheaton, is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Follow the Permitting Services Podcast to stay connected with local code officials on a variety of permitting topics, and subscribe to Constructive Comments, the monthly DPS newsletter, for the latest news and information from the permitting department.
For more information about the permitting process, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
