| 1. |
How do I check the status of a permit? |
- Go to Montgomery County Government, Department of Permitting Services website
- Under option 1, select the application type from the drop-down menu, and enter the application number. Click Go.
- You may also search by address if you don’t have the application number. Select “Search for permits for a property address” under option 2 and follow the instructions.
- To determine the status of each review, click on “Reviews” tab at the top of the page. This will list each review to be conducted and their respective status.
- Once you are in the system, you may schedule or cancel an inspection.
|
| 2. |
Where can I find the Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance online? |
| |
Montgomery County Zoning Ordinance.
|
| 3. |
Does Montgomery County issue permits in all cities and towns within the county or are separate permits required from some jurisdictions? |
| |
If your property is within the incorporated city limits of Gaithersburg or Rockville, then you will get your
building permits, plan reviews, and inspections from that city government, not from Montgomery County.
|
| 4. |
How do I find out if my property is in the City of Rockville or Gaithersburg City? |
| |
Visit this website to see if your property is located in the City of Rockville. This website takes you to
Permits Online, then you click on Locate Parcel/Property Information--which would take you to the fill in the address fields. You can also call City of Rockville, Zoning
Information at 240-314-8220.
To find out if your property is located in the City of Gaithersburg, call the Gaithersburg Planning and Code Administration at 301-258-6330.
|
| 5. |
If I live inside an incorporated Town, do I get a building permit from the Town government or from the County government? |
| |
If your property is located in one of the following incorporated Towns: Poolesville, Washington Grove, Laytonsville, Barnesville, Brookeville,
then you must receive zoning approval from the town government and then come to DPS for a county building
permit. All permits, plan reviews (other than zoning), and inspections will be conducted by the County government.
|
| 6. |
The community I live in has a homeowners association; do you require their approval before I can obtain a building permit? |
| |
If you live in Montgomery Village in Gaithersburg or Churchill/Waters Landing Town Sector in Germantown, then the homeowners’
association (HOA) approval is required when you apply for a building permit. You must bring the HOA’s written approval with you
when applying for the permit. If your neighborhood has a HOA, it is suggested that you receive their approval and bring it with
you when applying for the County Building permit.
|
| 7. |
Where can I find the zoning classification of my property? |
| |
The zoning of your property can be found on the official zoning maps located in the DPS office or in the information office
of Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission. You can also call 240-777-6240 and speak with a DPS zoning specialist to
find the zoning of your property. You may need to leave a message. The specialist will research your property and contact
you with the information.
|
| 8. |
I applied for a building permit. How do I find out the status of my permit? |
| |
Go to Department of Permitting Services. If you know the permit number, enter it in
the space provided along with the type of permit you applied for. If you do not have he permit number use
option 2 and enter the address of the property.
|
| 9. |
Can I get a copy of my plat for my house? |
| |
A copy of the plat may be on file in our office. You will need to complete an information request form so that
we can research the requested information. For a copy of the form, click here.
|
| 10. |
I own property in Montgomery County. Can I subdivide the property? |
| |
You must contact Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission for information on subdivision of property. You can reach them at 301-495-4595.
|
| 11. |
Do I need a permit for a fence, a deck, a shed? |
| |
Yes, a permit is required for all of the above. For information on building permit fees, click here.
For information on requirements for the type of plans need and what the plans should contain, click here.
To download a copy of a residential permit application, click here.
|
| 12. |
Can I put a fence in a conservation easement? |
| |
Contact Maryland National Park and Planning Commission at 301-495-4610 for written approval or relocate the fence outside the easement.
|
| 13. |
Do I need my neighbor’s approval to erect a fence on my property line? |
| |
Yes, you need your neighbor’s approval and the fence permit application provides a space for your neighbor’s agreement to the proposed construction.
|
| 14. |
When does a retaining wall require a building permit? |
| |
If the height of the wall is over 30” in height from grade on the low side of the wall, then a permit is required. See the link: here.
|
| 15. |
Where can I find out more information about fences? |
| |
Go to the link for additional information
|
| 16. |
I want to put up a deck or a shed. How close to the property lines can it be? |
| |
The setbacks for your property depend on the zoning in which your property is located. Please call our
office at 240-777-6240 to speak with a Zoning Specialist who can help you. If the specialist is busy, please
leave your name, phone number and property address so that when the specialist returns your call he/she will
have the property information for you.
|
| 17. |
My neighbor built a building I think is too close to my property and he didn’t get a permit. What can I do about it? |
| |
DPS investigates all questions about building without permits, building too close to property lines,
building that exceeds the height limits for the zone, and not building in accordance with approved plans.
You can call 240-777-6259 24 hours a day and leave a complaint about the property. Please make sure you
leave the address of the property, the issue you are complaining about and your name and telephone number
if you wish us to contact you about the results of the investigation. You may request that your name be
held confidential. You can also call and leave complaint information and not give your name however, we
will be unable to contact you with the results of the investigation. Follow this link if
you wish to submit a written complaint either by mail or fax. You can also check to see if your neighbor
has a permit through the following link on our website.
|
| 18. |
My neighbor is building a house (or addition, shed, porch etc.). Where can I go to see the plans? |
| |
You may request to see a copy of the plans from our office. You must complete a request for information
form and mail, fax or bring the form into our office. Requests for information are answered as quickly as
possible.
|
| 19. |
When my neighbor gets a permit, how long do I have to appeal the permit? |
| |
You have 30 days from the date the permit it issued to apply for an appeal through the County Board of Appeals.
The telephone number is 240-777-6600.
|
| 20. |
How long is a permit valid? |
| |
A permit lasts one year from the date of issuance unless an extension has been requested.
|
| 21. |
Where can I find information about operating a business from my home? |
| |
Go to www.amlegal.com and go to Sec. 59-A-6.1. You can also view DPS-Zoning website.
|
| 22. |
Can I keep horses on my property? |
| |
If you do not live in an agricultural zone, you need a special exception from the County Board of Appeals.
If you live in an agricultural zone, you need 2 acres for 2 horses and ½ acre for each additional horse.
|
| 23. |
It looks like my neighbor has too many people living in his house. How many people can live in a house? |
| |
Any number of persons related by blood or marriage, or up to five unrelated persons living as a single housekeeping unit can live together in a home.
|
| 24. |
I need written confirmation of a zoning classification for a certain property or I need verification that a specific use is permitted in a zone. Will DPS provide this type of written statement? |
| |
Yes, DPS staff will provide a zoning confirmation letter for residential or commercial uses and
properties. Click on the following link for information and fees.
|
