Mission Statement

The Department of Permitting Services' (DPS) primary mission is to ensure the health, safety, sustainability and economic vitality of residents, businesses, communities and the built environment in Montgomery County. This is accomplished by accurate, consistent and timely review and issuance of submittal documents and permits and extensive outreach. DPS conducts prompt and thorough inspections for residential, commercial, land development, zoning and code compliance and responds to service requests and emergencies.

Budget Overview

The total recommended FY26 Operating Budget for the Department of Permitting Services is $48,581,133 an increase of $2,921,578 or 6.40 percent from the FY25 Approved Budget of $45,659,555 Personnel Costs comprise 80.52 percent of the budget for 247 full-time position(s) and no part-time position(s), and a total of 255.03 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 19.48 percent of the FY26 budget.

County Priority Outcomes

While this program area supports all eight of the County Result Areas, the following are emphasized:

• A Growing Economy
• A Greener County
• Easier Commutes
• Effective, Sustainable Government

Program Performance Measures

Performance measures for this department are included below (where applicable), with multi-program measures displayed at the front of this section and program-specific measures shown with the relevant program. The FY25 estimates reflect funding based on the FY25 approved budget. The FY26 and FY27 figures are performance targets based on the FY26 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY27.

The department combines department and applicant time components when measuring "total time to issue a permit." These times may be impacted by satisfaction of related preconditions such as sediment control submissions and approvals and outside agency approvals.

Initiatives

• The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has initiated the process of creating a five-year strategic plan with a consultant. The plan will focus on continuous improvement of the department over the next several years in the areas of high performance, technology, data, process streamlining, sustainability, organizational alignment, exceptional customer service, communication, and other key focus areas. The goal is to begin plan implementation in early FY26.
• Three new DPS positions, including a Program Manager II and a Senior Permitting Services Specialist in the Commercial Building Construction Division, and an Administrative Specialist II in the Director's Office for Outreach, will enhance the workflow tasks within the plan review process of various permits and improve the turnaround time on plan reviews for small businesses, and enhance engagement with residents and the business community.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• Well and Septic applications can now be submitted, paid, and reviewed electronically reducing the number of visits and/or mail deliveries to DPS. It is mandatory that any legal document that requires recordation be submitted and paid electronically to DPS via Simplifile. Nearly 200 documents have been recorded since its inception in late 2023 resulting in faster permit issuance and a reduction in trips to/from DPS and the courthouse. Since DPS executes the submission, the department can be confident the documents in Land Records are accurate.
• The third-party e-solar program is designed to alleviate the workload for the commercial electrical review team who assists the residential plan review team. By FY26, the department aims to have 40% of eligible projects utilize e-solar.

Program Descriptions

  Land Development

The Land Development Division is responsible for ensuring the protection of the County's land and water resources, the protection of the environment, and the safety of residents and businesses through its engineering and inspection functions related to storm water management; sediment control; floodplain management; special protection areas; storm drain design...

  Residential Construction & Fire Code Compliance

The Residential Construction staff is responsible for ensuring public safety through the effective application of residential building, structural, electrical, mechanical, and energy conservation codes. This is accomplished through technical plan review and inspection processes.The Fire Code Compliance staff is responsible for ensuring compliance with adopted National Fire Codes and Standards,...

  Commercial Building Construction

The Commercial Construction program is responsible for ensuring public safety through the effective application of commercial building, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire-safety, accessibility, and sustainability construction codes and standards. As the "First Preventers," this is accomplished through plan review and construction site inspections to facilitate compliance with approved plans and...

  Administration

The Administration program provides policy development and leadership for all programs within the Department.The administrative staff is responsible for daily operations and a full range of administrative task and programs including Budget, Fiscal Management, Human Resources, Data Management, Contracts, McTime, and Fleet Management. DPS' Office of Information Technology (DPS-IT) leverages...

  Zoning and Code Compliance

The Zoning and Code Compliance Division protects the quality of life, public health, safety, and welfare of Montgomery County. This is accomplished through the effective application and enforcement of the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance development and use standards; Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission certified site plan requirements; and ensure...

  Customer Support & Outreach

The Customer Support and Outreach Division is responsible for all administration and issuance of building, land development, and zoning-related permits, applications and licenses, information requests, pre-design consultations, and other specialty services. This Division was formed to provide a multi-prong approach to enhance the methods in which our services are delivered...