Building in Glen Echo – Permits & Forms
TOWN BUILDING PERMITS
Glen Echo Town building permits are required for exterior building and other projects in Town. Please read this Town of Glen Echo Building Guide 2022. Even when permits are not required, the Neighbor and Town Hall Notification Form is required for some projects (see below). The Town Permit is required before building can commence, you can download the Permit Application and view the Building Permit Fees . A Montgomery County Permit usually also is required.
Town building permits remain in effect for twelve months. Projects continuing after one year need to apply for a permit extension.
Application for a Town Building permit should be made in writing to the Town Manager. An approved County permit, County approved plans, and right of way photos may be needed:
The Permit Application is available for Downloading Here.
The Building Permit Fees can be downloaded here.
Please see Standard Permit Conditions all building projects must abide by; this form needs to be signed and submitted: Standard Permit Conditions adopted 2.8.21
Trucks need to follow the attached Truck Route
A brochure with guidance about permitting in Town is under revision. This guide is informational only, and does not supersede the code of ordinances, which are available from the Glen Echo Town Manager. We encourage anyone planning construction work in the Town to obtain and review a copy of Article 3 Building Code .
Note that if you plan to install something in the right of way, this may necessitate a right of way agreement, which includes a public hearing.
We look forward to working with you to make your project a success for you and a positive contribution to the whole of Glen Echo.
CONSTRUCTION NOISE STANDARDS BY TIME OF DAY
| TIME OF DAY | RESIDENTIAL |
| Weekdays 7 am – 5 pm | 75 dBA (85 dBA with a Noise Suppression Plan |
| Weekdays 5 pm – 9 pm | 65 dBA |
| Weekdays 9 pm – 7 am | 55 dBA |
| Weekends & Holidays 9 am – 9 pm |
65 dBA |
| Weekends & Holidays 9 pm – 9 am |
55 dba |
We follow Montgomery County rules for construction noise standards. For more information please click here.
RAZING OR ERECTING PROPERTY
A permit, without fee, is also required before “razing, felling or erecting any building, structure, tree or any object which may endanger or cause reasonable apprehension of damage” to people or adjoining property.
GRADING, EROSION, AND SEDIMENT
A Town grading permit is required before the start of any grading, clearing, filling or other earth change which may introduce sediment into any Town watercourse, move more than 100 cubic yards of earth, or involve a project cost of $500 or more.
The Town may impose conditions on the grading permit, or deny it altogether, if the work poses public safety and welfare hazards. Standards and specifications for soil erosion and sediment control are available from the office of the Montgomery County Soil Conservation District.
The Town Grading, Erosion and Sediment Control Office is responsible for inspecting work. Permit holders should request inspections before beginning work, and at key project stages. Applications for permits should be made to the Town Manager. State and County permits may also be required.
WHEN PERMITS ARE NOT REQUIRED
Permits are not required for minor interior repairs where there is no interference with the construction of the building or alterations which do not involve any change in their structural parts.
NEIGHBOR AND TOWN HALL NOTIFICATION
The Council has initiated a process by which residents notify Town Hall and abutting / adjoining residents when an external building project is scheduled that will last longer than one day, even if a Town permit is not required. Internal projects that involve work outside such as sawing may also qualify. This is important in our town with small lots and narrow streets.
Residents are asked to let neighbors and the Town know how long the project will take, dates of the project, and that the project will adhere to: Parking restrictions; Truck route requirements; and County Noise levels guidance. The form should be submitted to Town Hall and discussed with the Town Manager. Please use the form here.
DUMPSTERS AND TRAILERS
The Town is especially concerned about the safety hazards that dumpsters cause when parked on Town streets. In consideration of others in Town, we ask that dumpsters not be placed on Town streets at all, and that in any case they have clear reflective markers. Dumpsters and pods require a permit. Dumpsters must be covered overnight and when not in use.
Vehicles may not be left on Town streets longer than fifteen days without permission from the Town Council, and trailers may be parked on Town streets for seven days with permission from the Mayor or Town Manager.
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Gutter spouting should not be arranged such that it casts water onto adjoining lots.
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
A Town Permit is also required for constructing, destroying, or otherwise altering curb cuts, pavement, sidewalks, drains, utility poles, and so forth in Town. Connections to sanitary sewer mains and water mains must be done under supervision and direction of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
Please review the ordinance that applies to ARTICLE 17 – Streets and Sidewalks and Building permit fees.
If construction results in debris or materials blocking public streets or sidewalks overnight, the obstacle must be marked with warning signs, barricades, and flashing yellow lights visible at least 300 feet to the front and rear; and must be safely marked during the day.
Any earth, mud, or other foreign agent piled up on public sidewalks, streets, or drainage areas must be promptly removed.
TREE REMOVAL
To allow time to consider alternatives, the Town Council must be given 60 days notice before any tree more than 10 feet high or 4 inches in trunk diameter is removed; and before any tree is “topped” such that limbs are cut back to stubs larger than 3″ in diameter in a way which removes the normal canopy or disfigures the tree. This requirement may be waived in cases of imminent danger or hardship
BUSINESS REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Do you operate a business in the Town of Glen Echo?
If so, you need to register your business with the State Department of Assessment and Taxation. This department will assess the value of the personal property used by your business. You are required to pay personal property tax to the State, County, and Glen Echo on this assessed value. Corporations must file their charters with the state and renew these applications yearly when filing their returns
Although they are copied from a disk provided by the Town Manager, the guidelines presented above do not constitute an “official” version, which can be obtained only from an official of the Town.