The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is streamlining the permitting process for applying and renewing annual fire code compliance (FCC) permits online.

From the county press release:

“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.”

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.

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, the permitting platform will also enhance communication by establishing a direct route for DPS staff to communicate with customers.

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. This modernized system saves time and resources for both the county and its businesses, all while ensuring commercial spaces remain safe for employees, residents, and visitors. For more information, see the full press release.