Duncan Appoints Hubbard To Head New Department Of Permitting Services

st/hubbard.pr 97-65 Contact: David Weaver, (301) 217-6530

DUNCAN APPOINTS HUBBARD
TO HEAD NEW DEPARTMENT
OF PERMITTING SERVICES For Immediate Release (March 6, 1997)

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today appointed Robert C.
Hubbard as director of the new Department of Permitting Services.
Hubbard, 42, has served as acting director of the department since its organization in
October 1996. He started his career with the County in 1977 as a building inspector in the
Department of Environmental Protection. Before being named as acting director, Hubbard
was Chief of the Division of Development Services and Regulation.
"With 20 years of experience in the Department of Environmental Protection, Robert
is uniquely qualified for this position," said Duncan. "His extensive background in the field
of land use and permitting services makes him a superb choice."
The Department of Permitting Services was created as part of a reorganization plan
initiated by the County Executive in an effort to streamline permitting-related functions
previously located in four different departments. Through the reorganization, County officials
hope to create an agency that allows for more efficiency in issuing construction related
permits and thereby eliminate the "red tape and costly delays" faced by residents and
businesses. The department has an $11.5 million operating budget for fiscal year 1997 and a
staff of 180.
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DUNCAN APPOINTS HUBBARD 2-2-2

As a result of the reorganization, the county recently announced that the time required
for engineers to review plans for fire-safety systems has been significantly reduced -- from 40
business days to 10. Additionally, a four-month backlog was eliminated through staff
overtime and reassignments. "Robert has already begun to turn things around in terms of
being more responsive to our customers. His commitment to one-stop-permitting is just what
we need," said Duncan.
Hubbard graduated from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in urban studies. His
professional background includes extensive experience in the technical and managerial
aspects of building, electrical, sediment control, well, septic, historic preservation and zoning
code administration.
Hubbard's appointment is subject to confirmation by the County Council.
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