Permitting Services Podcast Highlights Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 27, 2024

The 12th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast series, “Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program” features information and tips about navigating the permitting process for homeowners who are planning to add accessibility features such as elevators, grab bars, no-step entrances, ramps, stairlifts and wider doorways at their homes.

 

To qualify for the Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program, homeowners must spend at least $500 on accessibility features and the work must be certified by DPS.

“This is an important episode for Montgomery County homeowners who are planning to redesign or renovate their homes to make them more accessible for people with mobility issues,” said DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. “This is the time of year when property owners are planning home improvements and we want to make sure they are aware of the Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program and how it works.”

Joining Lucas on the podcast is DPS Residential Plan Reviewer Mariella Dallas, who explains how important it is to submit detailed drawings for the review process.

“It’s important to indicate you are applying for a Design for Life property tax credit when filling out the application at the beginning of the permitting process,” said Plan Reviewer Dallas. “That alerts plan reviewers to look for these accessibility features on the drawings. We also suggest applicants book a free, predesign consultation to meet virtually with code officials to get your questions answered before you apply for permits.”

Homeowners can book a predesign consultation online by visiting the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps. The Design for Life website includes detailed information about the program for building professionals and homeowners.

The Design for Life permit and process webpage is another resource to guide applicants thru the steps —from applying for permits, submitting plans, scheduling inspections, applying for tax credits, reviewing the application, to receiving the property tax credit on your property tax bill.  

This 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 “plus” or “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. This episode is also available to watch on video on the County’s YouTube channel.

Previous podcast episodes have covered building safety, accessory dwelling units, deck permits, commercial building trends, use and occupancy certificates, fences, fire code compliance, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming and zoning. Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to [email protected]. 

The Department of Permitting Services is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.

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Release ID: 24-095
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813