Press Releases
New Montgomery County Permitting Services Podcast Episode Highlights ‘ePlans’ System Improvements
For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 15, 2024
The newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Plans Submission Made Easier,” highlights how the department is upgrading its “ePlans” software system in phases to make the permitting workflows more efficient for customers and staff.
DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Senior Permitting Services Specialist Aaron Smith for a discussion about how the improvements have been received by customers and staff.
“The electronic plan review system, also known as ePlans, is utilized by customers when applying for permits,” said Division Chief Lucas. “Our goal is to make sure any permit the customer applies for is available online. For instance, we recently brought well and septic permits online for the first time ever. DPS is committed to streamlining the permitting process to make it more efficient for all of our customers.”
To date, the ePlans software has been updated for fence, public right-of-way, residential building, sediment control, sign, stormwater concept and all trade permit applications.
On Monday, Aug. 26, the commercial building workflow will be upgraded.
As each system is updated, DPS is providing virtual customer training. Upcoming virtual training classes are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 20, Friday, Aug. 23 and Wednesday, Aug. 28 on Microsoft Teams. No registration is necessary. Information and links to attend these free training classes are posted on the front page of the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
In addition, five ePlans training videos have been posted on the DPS website to provide additional guidance for customers.
Smith said customers who have questions about ePlans should email [email protected] or contact MC 311 at 240-777- 0311.
The “Plans Submission Made Easier” episode of the Permitting Services Podcast is now available on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.
Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. The episode also is available to watch on video on the County’s YouTube channel.
Previous podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life program, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, eSolar, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses and zoning. Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to [email protected].
Earlier this year, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of “civic education and public information.”
The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the Permitting Services podcast.
DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Seventh Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. An appointment is not necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more information about ePlans and eServices, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
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Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813