WHAT IS A PRELIMINARY DESIGN CONSULTATION?

This is a voluntary design conference with Building Construction staff to discuss preliminary/schematic design drawings for commercial projects prior to preparation of final construction documents (working drawings, specifications, etc.). It is intended primarily for discussing architectural designs and related site development; however, preliminary consultations may be arranged for engineering systems designs.

Residential (single family dwelling) construction projects are not handled through the preliminary design consultation process.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF DESIGN CONSULTATION?

Preliminary design consultation affords the designer(s) a venue to discuss with code officials the elements of a construction project before the project design reaches the final construction documents.

Developers of projects that are comparatively large or complex in scope, that involve a special use or occupancy, or that constitute an enlargement of, or change of use in, an existing building are likely to benefit the most from the preliminary design consultation.

WHO MAY REQUEST A DESIGN CONSULTATION?

Anyone contemplating a commercial building construction project may request a preliminary design consultation. However, meetings involving the project architect/engineers tend to be the most productive, thus, it is highly recommended that the design professional(s) attend the meetings.

It is not mandatory to have a preliminary design consultation.

WHAT IS THE CONSULTATION PROCESS?

Consultations must be scheduled by calling a Permit Technician at (240) 777-6370. In order to provide the best service, you will be asked to complete a Design Consultation Request Form. Please complete the form with as much detail as possible and return to the Permit Technician.

Since there are a limited number of available slots on the weekly consultation calendar, early scheduling of appointments is recommended.

Normally, you will be discussing your architectural design with a building code official and a fire code official. If you want engineering consultation on a systems design, you must specify which type of system, and a specialist will be available.

IS THERE A CONSULTATION SERVICE FEE?

No. This service is offered as a courtesy to encourage early contact by the project developer with code officials to discuss the buildings proposed design relative to the County's applicable building and fire safety construction standards.

ARE THERE ANY LIMITATIONS OR CONDITIONS?

The preliminary design consultation is not a formal part of the permit review process; as such, the results of the discussions are not official or binding.

Each scheduled consultation appointment is allocated one hour from 9 am to 10 am, Monday through Thursday. Your one-hour appointment is your time. In order to gain the maximum benefit from this process, it is important that you are prompt for your appointment.

Typically, these discussions do not require the whole hour and one meeting is sufficient. Depending on the degree of design development or the project's complexity, additional consultations may be requested.