By: Jason C. Tomasulo

Montgomery County, Maryland, recently simplified its construction permitting and inspection processes to better accommodate businesses and developers. Montgomery County consolidated the inspection of fire protection systems for new building and renovation construction in the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Previously, both DPS and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services each conducted inspections of the fire protection systems, which resulted in scheduling issues and additional costs.

Montgomery County also eliminated the requirement that inspections associated with an approved forest conservation plan be obtained prior to issuance of a building permit. The inspection is still required and implementation of the approved plan will be addressed in the field as with other approved plans.

The County is having a series of public forums to further discuss streamlining development. The first forum is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Executive Office Building, Lobby Level Auditorium, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD. The second forum will be on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the same location. In addition, the County also created a dedicated website to receive comments and information on streamlining the development approval process. Please refer to the "Streamlining Development" section on the website.

Jason Tomasulo is Senior Counsel at Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC. He focuses his practice on construction law and represents owners, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and sureties.