Duncan Signs Legislation Creating New Permitting Services Department





dv/signper.pr  96-254               Contact: David Weaver, 301-217-6530

DUNCAN SIGNS LEGISLATION CREATING
NEW PERMITTING SERVICES DEPARTMENT       For Immediate Release: July 9, 1996


     Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today signed into law a
bill creating the Department of Permitting Services, which he says will help
eliminate the "red tape and costly delays" faced by individuals and businesses
applying for building and operating permits.
     The legislation consolidates permitting functions previously carried out
by four County departments--Environmental Protection, Public Works and
Transportation, Fire and Rescue Services, and Health and Human Services--into
a new, "one-stop" shop.
     The new department will issue construction permits and ensure compliance
with building codes and zoning laws.  It will also inspect well, septic and
fire protection systems.  In addition, the department will review water
quality issues to ensure that builders have planned for sediment control and
stormwater management, restrict construction on flood plains and monitor
special protection areas where stricter building codes apply.
     "This consolidation represents the last major piece of the overall
reorganization plan I initiated when I came into office more than a year-and-
a-half ago," said Duncan.  "As was the case in our efforts to restructure
other departments--including Health and Human Services and Public Works and
Transportation--the primary goal here is to improve service delivery."
     The County Council approved the plan last week, by a vote of 8-1, 
                                  -more-

DUNCAN SIGNS .PERMITTING SERVICES DEPARTMENT                         2-2-2-2

following negotiations with the County Executive.  Under the Executive's plan,
water quality review programs will be moved from the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) to the new department.  Negotiations between
the County Executive and the County Council resulted in a provision that gives
the DEP director five working days to suspend, revoke or modify an approved
water quality permit if it does not adequately protect the county's water
resources.
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