The Board is comprised of five members appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to three-year terms (County Code, secs. 17-12 through 17-17).
Regulating liquor license compliance through the Division of Licensure, Regulation, and Education, the Department also operates liqour wholesale and retail establishments throughout the County.
The Department is assisted by the Alcoholic Beverages Advisory Board, and the Board of License Commissioners.
The Board is comprised of three members appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to four-year terms.
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS
In Montgomery County, the Board's five members are appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent to four-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-104).
The Board of License Commissioners regulates the retail sale of alcoholic beverages in Montgomery County. In accordance with regulations set by the Board, license applications are processed through the Division of Licensure, Regulation, and Education. The Board hears appeals related to liquor license fines or violation citations. (Code 1957, Art. 2B, sec. 15-112).
DIVISION OF LICENSURE, REGULATION, & EDUCATION
Working with law enforcement agencies, the Division conducts compliance checks of businesses licensed to sell alcohol and tobacco in the County. Annually, the Division reports the results of these checks to the County Council and the Director of Liquor Control.
In addition, the Department hears complaints regarding construction and renovations without a permit, sign installation without a permit, impediment to streets and sidewalks caused by construction, and sediment control violations. Zoning violations such as fences, signs, and improper uses of a property or building, are also heard by the Department (County Code, chapters 8, 19, 47, 59).
Under the Department are three divisions: Building Construction, Customer Service, and Land Development. The Department is assisted by the Department of Permitting Services Advisory Council.
Members of the Board are appointed by the County Executive with County Council consent.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTION DIVISION
CUSTOMER SERVICE DIVISION
Through the Green Tape Program, the Division aids commercial revitalization in designated areas as well as affordable housing programs throughout the County. In this, the Division works with State and local agencies as well as commercial entities, to expedite building permits deemed to be of value to neighborhood development.
Also operated by the Customer Service Division is the Case Management Program. Through the Program, residents and contractors encountering issues and impediments in the permit process may apply to be assisted by a Case Facilitator. Facilitators act as liaison between clients and the Department of Permitting Services, review plans and permits, identify and resolve any permit impediments, coordinate meetings between clients and department staff as needed, and supervise the permit and construction process to ensure projects remain on schedule. In addition, facilitators conduct research and reviews to address concerns and questions clients may have. All Green Tape Program projects, and places of worship, automatically qualify for the Case Management Program.
LAND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
For the Department of Liquor Control, the Division of Licensure, Regulation, and Education provides public outreach to inform residents and businesses of regulations related to alcohol and tobacco. The Division works with law enforcement agencies, and local businesses and community organizations to provide classes and events to share information on regulations and safety trends. The Division inspects allegations of alcohol and tobacco code violations, and may issue citations or fines if violations are found. The Division is responsible for collecting all related fines. In cases related to alcohol code violations, appeals are heard by the Board of License Commissioners. In tobacco violations, or alcohol sales to minors, cases are heard by the District Court.
DEPARTMENT OF PERMITTING SERVICES
The Department of Permitting Services was authorized in August 1996, and is responsible for code enforcement, inspection, and licenses, as well as overseeing ecological and efficient land zoning and development. It issues licenses and permits for building construction, street vendors, roadwork, or any construction within areas designated as public right-of-way, such as sidewalks and bike paths. In the case of gutter and drainage systems, permits are managed through the Land Development Division.
DEPARTMENT OF PERMITTING SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Department of Permitting Services Advisory Council reviews and evaluates the performance of the Department. Advising the County Executive, the County Council, and the Director of the Department on plans, the Board recommends programs, and regulations that could improve the efficiency of the Department, and the quality of its services.
The Division enforces construction and zoning codes and standards. Reviewing building plans and specifications, building permits, and occupancy permits for compliance with the fire prevention law, the Division consults with the Director of Fire and Rescue Services in all matters involving the interpretation or application of fire prevention laws and codes.
The Customer Service Division processes all information related to licenses and permits, such as records, receipts, and information requests. In addition, the Division handles all complaints received by the Department of Permitting Services. During disasters, the Division assists the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security in damage assessments, and recovery estimates.
The Land Development Division is responsible for ensuring that land development and construction plans and permits are ecologically sound, and in compliance with federal and State regulations regarding development of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. In this, the Division conducts well and soil tests, as well as floodplain studies. Issued through the Division, are permits for public right of way, driveways, grading, paving, storm drains, utilities, and special use. Responsible for regulating water runoff management and sediment control, the Division also issues permits for wells and septic systems.
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