Building Blocks Newsletter

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August 2020

 In this issue:


Business Spotlight

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Good Food Markets

Good Food Market artist rendering and Addison Shopping Center tenant sign

Good Food Markets (GFM) is about to join several retail businesses expanding into Prince George’s County! The Business Development Section (BDS) recently assisted the grocery store company in attaining its health and trade/retail licenses from the County and the State of Maryland. The food market will be located in the Addison Plaza Shopping Center on Central Avenue in Seat Pleasant. It will take over space formerly occupied by Safeway, which left two years ago. Residents said Safeway’s closing created a food desert since it was the only grocery store in the area. GFM is expected to fill that void by providing shoppers with fresh, healthy produce and other essential grocery items. GFM officials said they were attracted to the Prince George's County location because of the need for its products and the opportunity to co-locate with established retailers already doing business at the shopping center. The company was also impressed with the County's commitment to its residents’ health and providing economic opportunity for businesses.


Cori’s Modern Kitchen + Bar

Cori's Modern Kitchen + Bar, 1 photo of restaurant and 1 photo of bar

The BDS team also recently assisted Cori's Modern Kitchen + Bar with the permitting process.  Cori's Modern Kitchen + Bar is located in Camp Springs near the Branch Avenue Metro Station. Cori’s Owner/Executive Chef Ryan Wallen said his goal is to provide an additional dining choice for those who live and work in the area. “I wanted the local business employees to have numerous places to eat while taking a lunch or dinner break,” Wallen said. “Several car dealership employees are excited because they have another restaurant to visit while they are working.” Wallen said his restaurant specializes in infusing Southern flavor into “American dishes.” Some of his specialties include pan-seared rainbow trout, shrimp and grits, macaroni & cheese with white cheddar, Gouda and Gruyère and vanilla bean honey butter cornbread.  Cori’s is open from 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.  Wallen said he is working on extending the eatery’s hours. Follow Cori’s on social media for updates on operating hours.


The Inside Scoop

Structural engineer Tezera Lemma computes load and grade requirements during plan review

DPIE Process:  Building Plan Review

The Building Plan Review Division (BPRD) is an integral part of DPIE. The division ensures that construction plans meet applicable County and State codes. BPRD is responsible for the review of plans for residential and commercial projects, new food facilities and renovation projects, among others. The typical plan review time is four to six weeks. Several sections within the division assist with the review process, including Building/Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Fire & Life Safety and Health. The sections also work in conjunction with other agencies co-located within DPIE in the review process. The co-located agencies include the Prince George's Soil Conservation District (PGSCD), the Maryland–National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M–NCPPC) and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC).  The Health Department, the Office of the Fire Marshal and the State Highway Administration (SHA) are also involved in the process.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, applicants must submit their plans through the electronic plan review system known as ePlan. This system allows applicants to apply for permits and upload plans and documents online, eliminating the need to drop off paper copies. Engineering staffers then review the submitted plans and documents electronically and concurrently with other sections and agencies, which speeds up the process. In addition, DPIE offers applicants optional peer review and third-party plan review programs to expedite the review process. For more information on the Building Plan Review process, visit the DPIE website.


Business Development Section Helpful Hints

Helpful Hints

CURRENT PLANS NECESSARY FOR INSPECTIONS

Make sure to have your current stamped plans at your construction site. If an Inspector arrives for an inspection and the site does not reflect the final and updated approved plans, a correction order may be issued and the inspection may be delayed, postponing your project.

ZONING DETERMINATIONS EXPEDITE SETTING UP WORK SPACES

Before signing a lease or buying a commercial space, make sure the property is
zoned for the intended use by contacting the M–NCPPC Information Services Team at Planning Information Services. Having a zoning determination prior to filing for a permit with DPIE will make the application process move more expeditiously.

OBTAINING INFORMATION IN SPANISH

To share both departmental and County information with our Spanish speaking communities, DPIE is converting some publications and flyers into Spanish. These can be found on the resources tab of the website. Be sure and check back on a regular basis as we continue to convert and add additional DPIE documents, as well as County notices and COVID-19 updates.

IDENTIFYING THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS FOR PERMITS

Documentation needed to apply for permits is available in the Permits section of DPIE's website. Click on Permits, in the navigation bar on the left side of the main page. There you will find details for both commercial permit types and residential permit types in the Navigation Bar.  For additional  information, contact Permits at 301-636-2050.

 


What's Happening?

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Business Development Section Events

Peer Review Program webinar flyer

ICYMI

The BDS held a webinar on July 30th on the Building Plan Peer Review Program, an optional program offered to allow permit applicants to hire approved peer reviewers to review their building plans in lieu of having the building plans evaluated by DPIE personnel. The program reduces the review time associated with construction plan approval. To view the presentation, visit DPIE’s PowerPoint Presentations.

Funding Opportunities

FSC First, a lending institution located in Prince George’s County, has established the Legacy Fund to provide grants of up to $10,000 to assist small businesses. The grants are funded by a $1 million grant from the Greater Washington Community Foundation.  The FSC grant may be used for operating expenses to keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more details, visit Legacy Fund for Small Business Development.

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Bulletin board with Save the Date post-it reminder image


Business Development Section
Upcoming Event

The BDS will sponsor a webinar on DPIE Business Licensing from 2:00–3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24.  Watch for registration information and webinar details on the DPIE website and in the BDS Building Blocks newsletter in coming weeks. Mark your calendar!

 


Business Community News

DPIE's Free ePlan Training for September adEconomic Development Corporation ad for how COVID-19 affects small businesses videoSmall Business Development Center - Maryland adPrince George's County Chamber of Commerce August meetings

Community Feedback

Community FeedbackNeil Ovada thank you quote

contact us

2020 Census

WHAT IS THE U.S. CENSUS?

By law, every 10 years the U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States. Your participation determines representation and how billions in federal funds are distributed. If our community is undercounted, friends and neighbors miss out on an estimated $18,250 per person over a 10-year period. Statewide, that’s a total of $26.6 billion over a 10-year period.

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/3233/2020-Census

 

County, Prince George's Proud and DPIE logos, plus DPIE address, phone and email