It is important to realize that Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is not the only entity involved in the permitting process. The Maryland - National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), as well as the Washington Sanitary Service Commission (WSSC) both play active roles in a very linear process, i.e. they have to approve their parts before DPS will/can move forward in their final approvals. If the building is to be razed, like at Cashell, additional entities become involved in the process such as Verizon, Pepco, and Washington Gas. It is definitely not “one stop shopping” and requires a tremendous amount of coordination and tenacity. No one is pleased with where we are at this point, however, we appear to be on the cusp of receiving all of the approvals. In addition, it is very difficult to compare one project against another as there are always different issues and situations from one project to the next.

There are a few items that are still pending on the permit applications before we are granted permits. We currently have four different permit applications in process that all deal with different aspects of the construction site.

Sediment Control Permit

1. We received final comments on the Forest Conservation Plan, a prerequisite to obtaining the Sediment Control Permit, on 04/22. All comments were addressed on 04/23 and the Plan was resubmitted on 04/24.



2. All comments for sediment control review have been addressed and final plans were submitted to Permitting Services on 04/24 for signature and permit release.



3. Once DPS signs the final plans, we will submit the required record copies and coordinate for release of the sediment control permit.

Forest Conservation Plan Approval

1. We expect the final forest conservation plan to be approved this week.

Demolition Permit

1. The Sediment Control Permit is a prerequisite to obtaining the Demolition Permit. All comments have been addressed.



2. J. Vinton Schafer is having their Utility Subcontractor capping off the Sanitary and Water lines. A WSSC inspector will be onsite, Tuesday, 04/29, to verify. A disconnect letter will be issued.

Commercial Building Permit

1. The Electrical Review is still pending. After several attempts I was able to locate someone who could track the plans down and it appears that the electrical review is still in the queue for review.



2. The Sediment Control Permit is a prerequisite to obtaining the Commercial Building Permit. All comments have been addressed.



3. We have received our approval for Mandatory Referral from Park and Planning. The Subdivision Development Review requires a Right of Way permit. This is in process...see below.

Right of Way Permit

1. Comments were received and are being responded to and were resubmitted on 04/24.

Dennis F. Cross, AIA
Senior Facilities Designer
Montgomery County Public Schools
Division of Construction