For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 28, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is streamlining the permitting process for applying and renewing annual fire code compliance (FCC) permits online.
In Montgomery County, all commercial buildings and tenant spaces are required by law to have an FCC permit from DPS to ensure they meet established safety standards. Commercial building owners and business operators are responsible for renewing their FCC permits each year. This includes all businesses, childcare centers, group homes, health care facilities, hotels, places of worship, restaurants, retail, schools, and all other commercial buildings in Montgomery County.
Effective immediately, applicants will apply and renew their FCC permits online via the DPS permitting system ePlans (ProjectDox). The process includes creating an online account, submitting the required documentation (inspection, testing, and maintenance records), and paying annual FCC permitting fees online. Each FCC permit will include an issuance date and an expiration date of the subsequent calendar year.
“It is important that business owners maintain their fire protection systems and renew their FCC permits online each year,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “This new DPS process is designed to be more efficient for customers and staff. Ensuring commercial buildings are compliant with fire codes and standards is essential for the safety of employees, residents, and visitors.”
This new permitting process for FCC permits will further enable DPS to go paperless, as FCC reports and records will be submitted and reviewed online instead of being submitted as paper documentation that must be reviewed and scanned. In addition to reducing administrative work for FCC inspectors and applicants, communication will also be enhanced as the permitting platform establishes a direct route for DPS staff to communicate with customers.
“Annual testing of all fire protection systems in accordance with codes and standards is a condition of the FCC permit,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “DPS staff will review the FCC permit and any required inspection, maintenance, and testing documentation. The permit will be issued once the required documentation confirms there are no deficiencies or impairments in the fire protection systems. This cooperation is critical to DPS fulfilling its mission to ensure safety and protection for occupants of all the apartments, restaurants, offices, and places of worship here in the County.”
Documentation is required for active and passive fire protection systems or processes. These systems include and are not limited to:
- Automatic sprinkler systems.
- Fire alarm systems.
- Smoke control systems.
- Fire-rated assemblies.
- Private fire hydrants.
Those who fail to apply for an FCC permit will be issued a Notice of Violation from DPS to educate business owners of the requirement. If business owners do not comply within 30 days, a civil citation of $500 may be issued, and more fines could follow.
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Business owners can check the status of their FCC permit using the data search tool (search by building address) in the Apply Online menu on the front page of the DPS website.
Watch this video for more information about FCC inspections.
DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th floor, in Wheaton. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, and no appointment is necessary. Stay connected with DPS by subscribing to the monthly newsletter, Constructive Comments, and listening to the Permitting Services Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
If you have any questions about permits or inspections, call MC311 or 240-777-0311.
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Read the original article at mcgov