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Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Also Will Enforce COVID-19 Safe Practices While Conducting Inspections on Construction Sites

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Montgomery County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS), while conducting its regular inspections at construction sites, also will now be enforcing COVID-19-related safe-distancing and wearing of face coverings guidelines. 

DPS Code Enforcement inspectors normally ensure compliance with the County’s development and construction standards. The additional duties are based on the County Council’s adoption on June 16 of County Executive Marc Elrich’s Executive Order 082-20 regarding COVID-19 safety guidelines.

DPS has developed an enforcement process regarding COVID-19 safety precautions. The first step is to talk with the construction permit holder and any individuals in charge of the project on the safety requirements and how remediation efforts can be implemented at the work site. Continued violation of the regulations may result in the issuance of a Notice of Violation and/or a citation.

“Our goal is to keep our communities and businesses safe,” said DPS Director Mitra Pedoeem. “Going forward, if a DPS inspector observes that a construction site is not adhering to the safe practices of wearing a mask and keeping social distancing, the site will be issued a warning and instructed to remediate the situation as soon as possible.

“We need to keep our workers and residents safe because, just like seatbelts in vehicles, masks and social distancing save lives. We are committed to protecting workers, businesses, residents and communities. We need to work together to stay safe.”

DPS inspectors will only issue a stop work order for the location if the site continues to not to enforce the best practices as directed by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, County Executive Elrich and the Montgomery County Council. 

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Release ID: 20-408
Media Contact: Jessica Fusillo 240-401-6570