What we do

The Commercial Construction program is responsible for ensuring public safety through the effective application of commercial building, structural, electrical, mechanical, fire safety, accessibility and sustainability conservation codes and standards. This is accomplished through plan review and construction site inspections to facilitate compliance with approved plans and regulations. This program processes applications for and issues Building, Mechanical, Fire Protection and Electrical Permits. The program also handles construction complaints during natural (and other) disasters and assists in disaster recovery. If you don't find what you are looking for, reach out to the Customer Support and Outreach team through the online staff directory. For more information about commercial construction and building safety, check out the Permitting Services Podcast ( audio and video) on-demand. 

Applicants: Montgomery County has adopted the 2021 International Code Council codes with local amendments, NFPA 1 Fire Code – 2021, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code – 2021, with State of Maryland Fire Prevention Code amendments (COMAR 29.06.01).  The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) has been adopted for International Residential Code applications and four-story townhouses. ASHRAE 90.1 – 2022 has been adopted with amendments and replaces the IECC for commercial construction.  For amendments and exceptions to AHRAE 90.1, see the Energy and Green Building section, below. All plans submitted after March 30, 2025 must be designed to and comply with the codes as adopted.

Energy and Green Building

Micogrid of solar panels at Montgomery Pulic Safety Building