The Frederick Board of County Commissioners today approved a 60-day pilot program that would allow extended hours at the Department of Permits and Inspections for homeowners. Those who commute to work or have schedules that do not easily allow them to visit county offices when they are normally open would benefit from the program.
Permitting offices will be open until 6:00 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during May and June on a trial basis to gauge citizen interest. County employees from the Department of Permits and Inspections, Zoning Office and Treasurer’s Office will be available to provide these services to the homeowners. Board President Blaine Young commented, "This pilot program is part of the board’s commitment to help county residents with improved services related to the permitting process. The extended hours will be more convenient for many residents who need help with certain residential applications and will give them an extra opportunity so they don’t have to take time off from work. Our goal is to provide an accelerated permit review and approval process that will move eligible projects through more conveniently for the homeowner.
"After tough economic challenges in the past few years, many homeowners are now seeking to remodel or improve their properties. We hope that many citizens will take advantage of these extended hours, especially now that the springtime weather is perfect for outdoor projects. They will receive excellent customer service from our helpful and knowledgeable county employees in permitting, zoning and the Treasury."
These county offices are located at 30 North Market Street, Frederick, Md. Limited, short-term free parking is provided at the back of the facility for those who utilize county services.
During the extended hours, certain residential applications intended to assist the homeowner will be accepted and processed. The goal is to provide an accelerated permit review and approval process that will allow eligible projects to receive a building permit during this visit. In some cases that do not receive a permit right away, county staff will still accept and process the application and follow-up with necessary reviews on the next business day and issue the permit as soon as possible.
Residential projects that are allowed under the expedited process include, but are not limited to: deck, one story addition with truss roof, one story garage, basement finish (no kitchen involved), covered or screened porch, alteration not involving a load-bearing wall, shed or other accessory structure like a gazebo, pavilion, carport, swimming pool or hot tub, minor fire damage repair and other minor home projects.
All other services provided at 30 North Market Street will operate under normal hours and will not change due to this initiative.
