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NEWS RELEASE

September 12, 2007

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County’s Department of Inspections, License & Permits to Begin New Expedited Review Process

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) will start their Commercial Expedited Review (CER) process on Monday, September 24, 2007. The CER process will enable small interior alterations and completions to be processed in an expedited manner. It will also allow smaller tenant projects to be processed more quickly and not be delayed behind larger, more complex construction.

“From the recommendation of the transition committee to discussions I’ve had with members of the business community, I recognize that implementing CER furthers our County’s economic development,” said County Executive Ken Ulman. “Without compromising safety and quality, DILP Director Bob Frances and I believe that the County can be more proactive in helping small businesses and this program supports that objective.”

"Our mission is to provide a quality product in a fast and friendly manner. This new service should go a long way to further our mission,” said Bob Frances, Director of the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits. “The CER process is something our commercial customers have been asking for, and I hope they will be thrilled now that it's here."

In order to qualify for the Commercial Expedited Review process plans must meet the following criteria:

• Simple Office/Mercantile fit-outs, alterations and completion projects; 5,000 square feet or less.
• Non-structural (non-load bearing) work; non-complex uses (i.e. no hazardous materials, no large water-use tenants, no wet-labs or dental offices).
• DILP and the Development Engineering Division of the Department of Planning & Zoning are the only two agencies required to review your permit application. If any other agencies are required, you do not qualify for the CER process.
• Complete drawings must be provided and include appropriately signed, sealed and dated architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing plans.

• Up to four projects per day, two days per week (Mondays and Tuesdays)
• Project coordinators/applicants will be allowed to schedule appointments up to three weeks in advance by calling the Plan Review Division at (410) 313-2436.
• Plans must be received by 10:00 a.m. on the day of your scheduled appointment. All appointments are at the DILP front counter on the first floor of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043. Plans will be pre-screened for completeness by an Engineering Support Technician, Associate or Specialist, and processed for immediate review.
• Fees will be calculated and assessed during the review process.
• All required agencies will complete their review and applicants will be contacted by the close of business within two days of the date of their drop-off appointment. The applicant will be notified by the Engineering Associate/Specialist working the project with any comments, questions or notices of approval