Washington County residents and businesses will benefit from enhanced public safety measures following an expansion of services by the Division of Permits and Inspections. According to the Washington County government, the division has taken on new responsibilities for fire plan reviews and fire inspections, a move aimed at improving efficiency and local oversight of building and fire safety. This transition, effective July 1, 2025, transfers these duties from the Maryland State Fire Marshal to the county level, promising a more streamlined and community-focused approach.
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To facilitate this expansion, the Division of Permits and Inspections underwent significant internal development. Between 2024 and 2025, five existing inspectors and the Chief Building Inspector underwent specialized training, obtaining Fire Inspector I & II certifications from the Maryland Fire & Rescue Institute. This training equips them to manage fire projects for residential properties. Additionally, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved and filled two new positions: a dedicated Fire Plans Examiner and a Fire Inspector, specifically to handle the review and inspection of commercial projects. These advancements have already yielded results, with the division having conducted 101 fire plan reviews, issued 57 stand-alone fire permits, and completed 26 fire inspections since the transition. The team has also responded to 7 fire-related complaints through service requests.
Beyond fire safety, the Division of Permits and Inspections has also focused on bolstering its building permitting operations. In 2025, the BOCC also approved a new Commercial Plans Examiner position to improve building permit processing. The role of Permit System Specialist was reclassified to Permit Operations Manager, a change designed to enhance coordination and the overall delivery of services. To ensure a unified approach, the division’s existing building permitting software has been updated to integrate fire plan reviews and fire inspections, centralizing all related services.
Community engagement and transparency have been key priorities throughout this transition. The Division of Permits and Inspections has hosted several outreach meetings over the past year to inform residents and business owners about the shift from the 2018 to the 2021 building codes, as well as the new responsibilities for fire safety. A Community Appreciation Luncheon was also held to acknowledge the support and partnership of stakeholders. These operational enhancements are intended to strengthen safety standards and simplify the permitting and inspection processes for all users. The division’s staff is committed to maintaining efficient, professional, and user-friendly services to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Washington County Government
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