Commercial Interior And Exterior Alterations

When is a Building Permit Required?

A building permit is required for commercial interior/exterior alterations in Montgomery County and municipalities, with the exceptions of the City of Rockville and the City of Gaithersburg.

What is the Permit Process?

For all commercial interior/exterior alterations:

• Submission of a completed Commercial/Residential Building application

• Two complete sets of construction drawings (engineer/architect signed/sealed with certification and title block)

• Two completed Energy Worksheets (IECC 2009)

• Four site plans (five site plans if the lot has a well and/or septic system)

What is the "Fast Track" Permit Process?

Hints and Tips for Commercial Fast Track

What is the "Intermediate Track" Permit Process?

The "Intermediate Track" process is a review and approval for minor commercial building projects that are not qualified to be processed through our fast track process.  Commercial intermediate plans for minor interior alterations/renovations may be eligible.  Minor exterior projects may also be eligible.  The following types of projects may be eligible:

• Interior tenant alteration (including first time tenant) on a single floor.
• Industrialized buildings or modular buildings.
• Exterior work such as canopies, antennas, or awnings.
• Retaining Walls.

The following types of projects are not eligible:

• New buildings or additions. Buiding where hazardous materials are used or stored in significant quantity - Lavboratory uses or chemicals other than  limited amounts of cleaning solutions.
• A pending Special Exception.
• Complexity of design and/or structural modification requiring an extensive or specialized review.
• Any site change affecting building set-backs or number of parking spaces.
• A change in IBC/Life Safety use classification or type of construction.
• Any major revision to the base "construction" of a new building or structure.
• Any project involving more than one floor level.

Other Agencies Involved

Approvals may be required from the following agencies:

• SHA (State Highway Administration)
• Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission
• WSSC (Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission)
• Department of Health and Human Services
• Townships

Inspection Information

Inspection requirements are attached to the approved set of plans. Inspection requests received before 12:00 noon are scheduled for the next business day (Monday – Friday). Inspection requests received after 12:00 noon are scheduled within two business days (Monday – Friday).

What will the Permit Cost?

Permit fees are assessed in accordance with Executive Regulation 5-11AMIII, Schedule of Fees for Permits, Licenses, and Certifications -Method 2, Department of Permitting Services. A 10% Automation Enhancement Fee will be added to the above cost.

Permit Duration

The permit is valid for one (1) year from the date of issue. An extension may be applied for prior to permit expiration. For further information, contact (240) 777-6370.

Notice to Sprinkler and Building Contractors:

Be advised, all fuel-fired equipment located in attics/concealed spaces of all residential occupancies in buildings up to four stories in height and one-and-two-family dwellings starting with building permit numbers (COMBUILD) #660755, (COMFAST) #600668, (BUILDING RESIDENTIAL) #600659 or greater must be protected with sprinklers. This requirement is in accordance with NFPA 13R, 2007 Sec. 6.9.6 and NFPA 13D, 2007 Sec. 8.6.5.