Streamlining The Development Process

Overview of the Streamlining Development Process To Date - Presentation

Draft Streamlining Initiative Results Table - 67 Issues

Streamlining Initiatives Implemented

Description

 In a press release on January 20, 2012 the County Executive, Isiah Leggett announced the start of the cross agency Streamlining Development effort.  This latest initiative will make meaningful changes to the development application process by streamlining reviews and inspections. As an initial streamlining step, the County is consolidating construction inspections currently being done by the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS). The Montgomery County Planning Board (MCPB) is kicking off this effort with a change to the way in which it reviews DPS issued building permits. All three agencies, along with others, have committed to collaborate to make their customer service more business-friendly, and make it easier to navigate the development process and obtain building permits.

                                                                                                                         Photo Courtesy of JBG Development

Action Plan Steps 

• Information gathering – Public forums, website, surveys; comments
• Issues Identification – develop list of issues for work groups
• Work group assignments with stakeholder representation
• Develop, assess, quantify and rank options for streamlining solutions
• Identify areas of agreement among agencies for streamlining; identify options, cost savings and required steps/actions for implementation to present to decision makers
• Prepare report for presentation to County Executive, Council, Montgomery County Planning Board and Boards of participating authorities
• Implementation of:  changes in business practices, approved legislation, new Memorandum of Understanding between departments/agencies. N.B., this is ongoing as agencies are implementing improvements throughout process 

 Participating Agencies 

• Board of Appeals 
• County Council
• Department of  Permitting Services (DPS)
• Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
• Department of Fire and Rescue Services (DFRS)
• Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA)
• Department of Transportation (DOT)
• Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCCPC)
• Office of the County Attorney (OCA)
• Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings (OZAH)
• State Highway Administration (SHA)
• Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) 

Public Forums 2/14/12 and 3/9/12

The purpose of the public forum was to identify areas of the development process that can be simplified or streamlined to reduce time, eliminate bottlenecks, duplication of reviews, inconsistencies and inefficiencies. 

 Public Forum #1   Read The Minutes                 

Public Forum #2  Read The Minutes                  

 Survey - Click Here for Survey Results

The purpose of this survey was to identify areas of the development process that can be simplified or streamlined to reduce time, eliminate bottlenecks, duplication of reviews, inconsistencies and inefficiencies.   The survey data analysis and open ended comment responses will be made available to the public.  The survey data will be used to identify broad areas of concern to be further researched by stakeholder work groups.  Survey responses were accepted up to March 31, 2012.  

 Comments About Your Development Process Experience

In addition to the survey, written comments were received separately. 

Read Comments Posted on Web Site

Read All Other Comments

Roundtable Discussions May 15, 2012

On May 15, 2012 over seventy stakeholders attended the Streamlining Development Roundtable dicussions on the following topics:

1. Environment; Storm Water and Sediment Control Permits
2. Transportation and Utilities
3. Pre-Development Review Committee, Development Review Committee, Pre-Preliminary Plan, Preliminary Plan, Site Plan, Montgomery County Planning Board Resolutions
4. Special Exceptions and Rezonings
5. Record Plats and Right of Way Permits
6. Building Permits
7. Bonds

The discussions generated recommendations for the work groups to analyze. 

Read Roundtable Discussion Notes

Work Groups  - First Meeting May 29, 2012 - Schedule for Work Group Meetings

Work Groups made up of stakeholders of the development process began meeting on May 29, 2012 and continue to meet to review all data gathered including the Roundtable recommendations.  Each work group has been assigned a problem area to discuss the advantages, disadvantages, cost savings and feasibility of implementing.  The product of the work groups will be consolidated into a report to the County Executive and the County Council.

County Council Briefing - 9/25/12

Powerpoint Presentation

Draft Streamlining Initiative Results Table - 67 Issues

Streamlining Initiatives Implemented as of 9/25/12

Streamlining Development Update 11/27/12 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Prioritize Streamlining Issues

 Development Resources and Background Information

Flow Chart of the Development Process (DPS)

Lead Agency Memorandum of Understanding (Multiple Agencies)

Rewrite of the Zoning Ordinance (MNCPPC)

Development Review Manual (MNCPPC)

Development Review Process Participation

Local Map Amendment Rezoning Process

Special Exception Process

MNCBIA Planning Process Issues and Improvements 2012 

From Raw Land To Finished Lots (Rodgers Consulting)

State Highway Administration - Commercial/Industrial/Residentail Subdivision Access Permit

For Further Information Contact 

If you have comments about this web site or questions about the initiative, please call Reginald Jetter on (240) 777-6275 or email Reginald.Jetter@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

Regarding the public forums, survey and web site information:

Sign language interpreter services or oral language interpreter services can be provided upon request with at least 5 days advance notice.  Alternative formats of this document are available upon request as far in advance as possible, but not less than 5 days prior to the event.  If you need other services or accommodations to participate in this activity, please call Alexia Roundtree at (240) 777-6280, Voice or (240) 777-6256, TTY.  Or you may send a request via email to Alexia.Roundtree@montgomerycountymd.gov

Taking these steps will help us have sufficient time to best meet your needs.