Department of Permitting Services to Provide Customer Training for Navigating Updated Version of ‘ePlans’ Software

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will launch an updated version of its "ePlans" software on Monday, July 29. The new version of ePlans will make the permitting process easier for customers who submit residential building applications electronically. Customers utilize ePlans to apply for permits and submit construction plans online.

To help customers navigate the improved permitting system, DPS staff will provide virtual customer training sessions on Monday, Aug. 5, and Tuesday, Aug. 6. Registration is not required. Customers who want to attend a training session should visit the DPS website on the day of their choice, and click on the Microsoft Teams link to join the live, virtual training session.

In addition to providing training sessions for customers, DPS has produced five training videos to help customers utilize the updated ePlans software. 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
• Downloading Approved Plans

“These software updates are designed to streamline the permitting process for our customers to make it easier and faster to get a permit,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “DPS issues thousands of permits a year and customer satisfaction is a top priority. I hope our customers will attend the free training sessions and watch the new training videos to become familiar with how to apply for permits and upload plans in the new system.”

The training videos and links to the upcoming online training sessions are posted in the banner at the top of the DPS website.

“As project partners, we want DPS customers to know we are accessible and readily available to answer questions and to assist them throughout the permitting process, particularly at the front end with ePlans,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “Earlier this year, DPS unveiled updates to the ePlans software for fence, public right-of way, sediment control, sign, stormwater concept and all trade permit applications. These changes also included bringing well and septic permit applications online for the first time ever. Later this summer, the update will be expanded to include all commercial building permits. Indeed, we are very excited about these enhancements as the aspiration has long been 100 percent paperless permitting.”

For more information about ePlans, visit the DPS website at MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/dps or stop by the department’s customer service lobby at 2425 Reedie Drive, seventh floor, in Wheaton. DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday and appointments are not needed. Customers may also email dps.eservices@montgomerycountymd.gov or contact MC 311 at 240-777- 0311.