Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Announces 2021 Code Adoption with Grace Period
For Immediate Release: Friday, January 24, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has announced a grace period for customers until Sunday, March 30, for the 2021 code adoption, which went into effect on Tuesday, Dec. 10. The 2021 codes were adopted following the Montgomery County Council’s approval of Executive Regulations 13-24 and 14-24 .
The 2021 codes will become mandatory on Monday, March 31. Permitting applications submitted prior to March 31 will have the option to remain under the previously adopted codes with local amendments.
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The newly adopted codes align with the 2021 editions of the International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes for the following:
- International Building Code
- International Energy Conservation Code
- International Existing Building Code
- International Fuel Gas Code
- International Green Construction Code
- International Mechanical Code
- International Residential Code
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
- NFPA 1 Fire Code
- NFPA 101 Life Safety Code
These updates bring DPS in line with the State of Maryland’s codes. DPS enforces building codes in Montgomery County, excluding the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville, as those municipalities have their own permitting departments.
Some of the notable updates in the 2021 codes include:
- A requirement for sprinkler systems in all new public parking garages.
- New safeguards to protect pedestrians near construction sites.
- Amendments to the Energy Conservation Code and Green Construction Code, requiring the use of computer software to model a building’s energy consumption.
“These code updates are important when it comes to making sure the County stays current with the latest codes designed to make our buildings safer and more energy efficient,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. We remain focused on reaching our Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero.”
To inform applicants about the upcoming code updates, which will be mandatory on March 31, DPS will host several virtual workshops in February and March. Information about these workshops will be available on the DPS website. Customers with questions about the codes are encouraged to contact DPS staff for further details.
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“Our building and fire codes are a set of nationally recognized rules and regulations with local amendments that specify the minimum standards to ensure the safety of the public, the structures themselves, and the environment,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “These codes, which are utilized by design professionals, tradesmen and tradeswomen, builders, attorneys, homeowners and others, are adopted on a three-year cycle to help our dedicated permit technicians, plan reviewers, inspectors and code administrators ensure overall compliance throughout the design, construction and maintenance of safe, sound, sustainable and resilient structures within our communities.”
For more information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps . The DPS Staff Directory is posted on the DPS website. Customers also may reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
DPS offices are located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., and no appointment is necessary for in-person assistance.
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Release ID: 25-040
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813
Categories: Business
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46472