Northwood News ♦ October 2001

Permitting Changes for Home-Based Businesses May Be Ahead

One of the ongoing issues in the neighborhood has been the creation of home-based businesses.  This neighborhood is not alone; many others face the same issues, which include problems related to what is an appropriate business in a residential neighborhood, what approvals are needed, and who enforces the regulations against violators.

The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) handles approval and enforcement of these permits and regulations.  DPS responsibilities include issuing construction permits and inspecting sites to see that building codes are met.  Traditionally, most of the department’s interactions have been with engineers, architects, and construction companies, not residents.

And that appears to be a problem.  About ten years ago, the County Council passed legislation that reorganized the department and its functions.  That legislation will soon expire, and the Council has asked its Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) to investigate the effectiveness of the previous legislation and make recommendations for the future.

A good deal of the OLO’s investigation is focusing on the issue of businesses in residential neighborhoods, particularly home-based businesses.  The county’s two umbrella civic groups, Montgomery County Civic Federation and the Allied Civic Group, have been aware of problems with DPS’s responsiveness to residents’ concerns and have been working behind the scenes for some time to bring about some changes.  Among other things, the two groups would like to see these enforcement functions shifted over to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, which tends to be more sympathetic and responsive to citizen’s concerns.

In the meantime, if you have had any dealings with DPS about a home-based business and can share any correspondence with them to aid the OLO’s investigation, please contact Mike Diegel [contact details redacted].   ■