MontgomeryCountyMD.GOV

A group home for the non-elderly is a community-based residential program for three to 16 unrelated individuals. These homes provide housing, personalized, supportive and health-related services, or a combination, to meet the needs of residents who are unable to perform or who need assistance and guidance in performing the activities of daily living. The goal of the program is to promote optimum dignity and independence for the residents.

Any person or entity wishing to operate a group home for the non-elderly in Montgomery County for three to 16 individuals.

Download the New Non-Elderly Group Home Application PDF, or Renewal Non-Elderly Group Home Application PDF . Or visit our Seamless Documents online for New Non-Elderly Group Home Application, or Renew Non-Elderly Group Home Application .
Review the packet for directions.

There is a $50.00 per bed licensure fee.

NOTE: Renewal-only applicants may eliminate the Use and Occupancy Permit if they have not made changes to the residential structure of the facility or changed the number of beds.

1. A Use and Occupancy Permit- if new construction, change in use or number of occupants is more than nine (Chapter 23 A-9(a) (Contact Permitting Services at 240-777-0311)
2. Complaint procedures, which includes the following information required by Montgomery County Code Chapter 23A. (required format is in the group home packet. The State's resident agreement form or grievance form cannot be substituted for the County procedures).

a. A Complaints Procedure Information Sheet formatted with the group home’s name and address, as well as provider’s name and contact telephone number.

b. How resident complaints will be addressed.

c. The name(s) of staff authorized to receive complaints.

d. The time frame for the licensee to investigate complaints (no longer than 30 days).

e. How the licensee will inform the complainant of the results of the investigation.

f. How the licensee will attempt to resolve complaints.

g. Lists the County and State licensure agencies, as well as phone numbers and addresses to contact if complaints are not resolved satisfactorily, including Licensure and Regulatory Services.

h. Any complaint that has not been resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction should be forwarded in writing to Licensure and Regulatory Services..

3. A complete Montgomery County Group Home License application with appropriate fee.

4. For group homes with a well and septic system, a copy of payment to Montgomery County Well and Septic, Permitting Services or a detailed lab report from a private company also indicating numer of beds the system will handle and details about the septic system.

5. Fire Permit-from jurisdiction where facility is located:

1. Montgomery County Fire Permit
2. City of Gaithersburg Fire Permit
3. City of Rockville Fire Permit

A Group Home for the Non-Elderly must receive ALL the following approvals and documents before a Montgomery County Group Home license will be issued:

1. A complete Montgomery County Group Home License application with fee attached.

2. A fire approval form dated and signed by the fire marshal and indicating the number of approved resident beds.

3. An environmental approval form dated and signed by the environmental inspector and indicating the number of approved resident beds.

4. 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 approved (contact well & septic to make an appointment 240-777-0311).

5. A Use & Occupancy Permit if the group home has nine or more occupants residing in the home.

6. A copy of a current State license.

Obtaining a State License:

For information on obtaining a Group Home for Individuals with Mental Illness license, call the Montgomery County Local Behavioiral Health Authority (LBHA) at 240-777-1400.

For information on obtaining a license to care for minor children, contact the Governor’s Office for Children at 410-767-2332 or visit www.goc.maryland.gov (Residential Child Care programs).

Renewing a Montgomery County license for a Group Home for the Non-Elderly:

A Montgomery County Group Home license is issued for twelve months and must be renewed annually. Fire, environmental and well & septic inspections and approvals are also required annually. Renewal applications are sent to the provider three months prior to the license expiration date and are due 60 days before the license expires.

PLEASE NOTE that receipt of an approval from any of the above does not mean a Montgomery County Group Home License has been approved. You are not licensed as a group home by Montgomery County until you receive a document stating you have a Montgomery County Group Home License with the effective date of the license as well as the expiration date.

Forms:

1. New Non-Elderly Group Home License Application (PDF)
2. Non-Elderly Group Home License Renewal (PDF)
3. Frequently Called Contact Numbers for County, State and Local (PDF)