County Launches EPIC Program for Small Businesses
Expedited Permit and Inspection Certificate Available Starting February 17
FREDERICK, Md. – County Executive Jan Gardner today announced good news for Frederick County small businesses, with the launch of EPIC. The Expedited Permit and Inspection Certificate, or EPIC, is designed to support small commercial and professional services that move into existing space, and to provide permit review and approval within one week.
“In honor of Valentine’s Day, we want to share the love with our small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy,” Executive Gardner said. “Many businesses move into space that needs only minor construction or renovation. EPIC will save these projects time, and time is money.”
“We heard from Frederick County’s small businesses the need to expedite the permitting process so that they can expand and get into their space faster thus, adding jobs to our community,” said Helen Propheter, Executive Director of Frederick County’s Office of Economic Development.. “We are thrilled to have partnered with the Division of Permitting and Planning on the EPIC program.”
Effective February 17, businesses moving into appropriately zoned space of 5,000 square feet or less can apply for the EPIC process through the Division of Permitting and Planning’s online application portal, PlanningAndPermitting.FrederickCountyMD.gov. Any construction must be limited to the interior of the space, Applications can be made by the property owner, a licensed contractor, a design professional, or the owner’s agent.
EPIC offers a five-step process: submission, application, review, permit and inspection. Next-day inspections are available when requests are received by noon on the previous business day. Questions about EPIC should be directed to Ashlye Bonomo, Manager of Permitting Services, at ABonomo@FrederickCountyMD.gov or 301-600-3463.
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