The new location for this page is
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/business/start/
Group Home Starter Kit
Use this kit as a general overview of what is required to open a group home in Montgomery County, Maryland.
You have taken the basic steps to
start your business the following additonal considerations will help you get your group home up and running
Group Homes are facilities licensed by the State of Maryland or the County offering residential accommodations, supervision, or assisted community living for the residents. The number of residents includes members of the staff who reside at the group home but does not include infants less than two months old.
If you are considering operating a group home, please review the requirements from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Facilities Licensing.
The number of residents served by a particular group home will determine zoning (Article 59 - Section 3.3.2. Group Living) and Use & Occupancy requirements. A Special Exception (Conditional Use) is required from the Board of Appeals if you plan to house 9 or more occupants in your Group Home. Additional information regarding Special Exceptions is available from the Department of Permitting Services. Group homes with more than 9 occupants are also required to obtain a Use & Occupancy Certificate.
Zoning
Montgomery County and jurisdictions throughout the country use
zoning as part of an overall approach to strategically regulating land use. The zoning code is used to regulate the form (size, shape height and mass) of a building and the uses that are allowed on the property.
Montgomery County Planners have rewritten the County's zoning code and have modernized zoning regulations. They have created a new interactive
digital zoning map to look up zoning and property information.
In addition, be sure to review information on building codes and standards if you plan to construct or alter a building for use as a group home.
Group Homes must receive ALL the following approvals and documents before a Montgomery County Group Home License will be issued:
- Group homes must obtain a fire approval form dated and signed by the fire marshal and indicating the number of approved resident beds. Be sure to review Group Home Egress requirements from Fire Code Compliance in the Department of Permitting Services.
- An environmental approval form dated and signed by the environmental inspector and indicating the number of approved resident beds.
- For group homes with a well or septic system, a Well & Septic approval form dated and signed by the well & septic inspector and indicating the number of approved resident beds (contact Well & Septic at: 240-777-0311 to make an appointment).
Commercial New Construction
Commercial Change of Use
Commercial
Use & Occupancy Certificates
Sign Permits
Montgomery County and
ADA Compliance
Utilities
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Electricity
BG&E Residential Customer Service: 800.685.0123
First Energy/Potomac Edison Customer Service: 1-800-686-0011
PEPCO Customer Service: 202-833-7500
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Gas
Washington Gas customer service
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Consumers have choices for electric and gas utility services. You may obtain a complete list of these companies from the Maryland Public Service Commission’s utility listing.
Water and Sewer Service
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, through Licensure and Regulatory Services issues licenses and inspects, under both county and state regulations for group homes.
- Group Home License Application
- Group Home New License Application Instruction Checklist
- Annual Program Statement Requirements for New Group Homes
- Annual Program Statement Requirement for Renewals
Please be sure to include a complaint procedure to accompany new and renewal licensure applications. Follow the annual complaint procedure guidelines.
Please note that group home licenses are not transferable from location to location or person to person. Please make sure to apply for a new license. A building must not be advertised or used as a group home until the Director issues an annual license.
Displaying a License
Please be sure to display the license, not the application, in plain view. Failure to do so may result in fines and/or penalties.
Management Practices
Montgomery County regulates certain
employer-employee practices. Please be sure you are aware of the requirements as they apply to your business.
Employee Certifications
The Code of Maryland, Title 10, Subtitle 07, Chapter 14.15 through Chapter 14.20 includes regulations related to employees of Assisted Living Programs.
Talent Attraction
A Montgomery County Group Home license is issued for twelve months and must be renewed annually. Fire, environmental, well & septic inspections and approvals are also required annually. It is important to note that group home providers must make improvements or upgrades in their facilities to meet current fire codes as they change.
Renewal applications are sent to the provider three months prior to the license expiration date and are due 60 days before the license expires.
Licenses required for group homes must be current at all times. A building must not be advertised or used as a group home after a license has expired or has been revoked or suspended.
In addition, in order to be in good standing with the State of Maryland, an annual Business Personal Property Tax return must be filed and Business Personal Property Taxes paid to Montgomery County.