Building Safety Month: Mission Possible
Throughout the month of May, the Department of Permitting Services will participate in the 44th annual Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council (its members and partners) to promote building safety. This year’s campaign theme, “Mission Possible,” encourages people to get involved in all aspects of building safety. The campaign highlights the connection between building codes and our individual personal safety, as well as the important work done by building safety professionals in our communities.
As part of the annual Building Safety Month campaign, DPS offers free, residential deck maintenance safety inspections during the month of May. To make an appointment, contact MC 311 or 240-777-0311. The program is limited to the first 250 appointments.
Homeowners can find more information about the permitting and inspections process for residential decks on the DPS website, including a deck maintenance checklist. Remember, DPS is Your Project Partner!
For more info about Building Safety Month and local resources, see the links below:
- Deck Inspections News Release (En Espanol)
- Building Safety Month Proclamation Photos
- Building Safety Month Proclamation Video
- Fire Code Compliance Video
- Check Your Deck Video
- Deck Maintenance Inspection Guidelines
- Lineamientos Para la Inspección de Mantenimiento de Terrazas o Entarimados
- DPS Featured on Montgomery Al Dia Video
- Fire Pit Guidance for Single Family Homes and Townhomes
- Fire Pit Guidance for Multi-Family Housing
Building Safety Week 1 (May 1-5) - Understanding the Mission
Building Safety Month Week 2 (May 6-12) - Preparing a Building Safety Plan
Building Safety Month Week 3 (May 13-19) - Learning from the Pros
Building Safety Month Week 4 (May 20-26) - Engaging Your Community
Building Safety Month Week 5 (May 27-31) - Celebrating Success in Building Safety
Frequently Asked Questions
DPS offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Monday – Friday) at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, Wheaton. You do not need an appointment to visit the office.
A design consultation is a voluntary design conference with plan review staff (typically architectural/life safety examiners, unless other disciplines are requested) to discuss preliminary/schematic design drawings for commercial and residential projects prior to preparation of final construction documents (working drawings, specifications, etc.). Design consultations are held virtually, and will connect you directly with local code officials. Remember, this service is free. Visit the DPS queue of online services to schedule your appointment.
The Department of Permitting Services offers several resources for homeowners to assist in understanding the permitting processes, scheduling inspections, making your home environmentally friendly, safer, and accessible for all ages and stages of life. See this webpage for more information: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/homeowners/index.html. Remember, building safety starts at home.
Consider a rewarding career as a code official. Visit the Office of Human Resources webpage for the latest information about job openings with Montgomery County.
Please call MC 311 (240-777-0311) for assistance. The DPS Staff Directory is also posted online to connect you directly with staff.