Frank W. Ward
Chief
The Division of Codes, Permits & Inspection Services provides services relating to engineering, construction, planning and inspection services for a variety of projects built within Charles County. These types of projects include residential, commercial, industrial and institutional, as well as Code Enforcement efforts for compliance with Zoning and environmental ordinances.
The mission of the division is to protect the health and safety of the citizenry by ensuring the quality and integrity of the County’s housing stock and infrastructure, promoting economic development by maintaining the quality of commercial construction and prompt review of permit documents and enforcing the zoning and forest conservation measures as well as all other laws and codes established to implement these goals. The division affirms that the most appropriate manner in which to fulfill this mission is through partnership with the building community, private homeowners, commercial developers and design professionals.
The initial contact with the division is typically our Customer Service Center, which a key post for the entire department. This Center processes and issues permit applications for development, infrastructure and all permits related to new building, remodeling, renovation or repair. The Center routes applications through the various review sections, including Planning, for review, comment and approval. Associated permits for plumbing, gas, electrical, development infrastructure, including site grading, roads, stormwater management and water/sewer utilities are also processed by this division.
The duties of the division include the examination of plans to verify compliance with requirements of the various development regulations of the County, including the County’s design standards, construction specifications, construction details, Building Code, Zoning Code and engineering ordinances. Plan review includes the review and approval of engineering construction plans, building/architectural construction plans, and estimated cost s of infrastructure for bonding purposes. The division is also involved in processing the necessary legal documents for infrastructure bonding and dedication.
A key component of Codes, Permits and Inspection Services is the inspection of approved plans and enforcement of the various land-use management regulations. During construction, inspection services are provided to ensure compliance with approved plans and the County’s design specifications. These services confirm proper Code compliance prior to any occupancy of a structure or the County taking over maintenance responsibilities of public infrastructure to protect taxpayer interests. This group also enforces the County Zoning Ordinance and Forest Conservation efforts for properties involved in new construction and proper use of all sites.
pgmcpis@charlescounty.org
Building 301-645-0692 or 301-870-3935 · FAX: 301-645-0575
Infrastructure 301-645-0618 or 301-870-3937 · FAX: 301-645-0622
Inspections 301-645-0700 · FAX: 301-645-0575