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Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Launch of New Commercial HVAC/Mechanical Permitting Program and Upgraded Inspection Request/Result Process

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announces the launch of the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits new commercial HVAC/Mechanical Permitting Program and inspection request/result process.

Press Release

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the launch of the County’s Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (DILP) new commercial HVAC/Mechanical Permitting Program and inspection request/result process.

This is another step toward ensuring high-quality work while making Howard County Government as efficient and user-friendly as possible for all our residents and businesses.

Calvin Ball
Howard County Executive

Beginning May 1st, all commercial building work will require an HVAC/Mechanical permit. Previously, a permit was only required for residential HVAC/Mechanical building work. All HVAC/Mechanical permits can be applied for electronically online through DILP’s online citizen access portal(link is external) and information on how to apply and other related documents and fees, can be found on DILP’s "Forms & Fees" website under HVAC. A user’s corresponding license must be linked to their online citizen access portal account. 

Additionally, DILP has expanded its Integrated Voice Response-based (IVR) inspection request/result software. In addition to submitting inspections requests/results online via DILP’s online citizen access portal, residents and contractors can also utilize DILP’s IVR system by calling 410-313-3800 to make these requests. DILP’s vendor, Selectron, has also upgraded DILP’s system to now allow for interactions via text message to 888-297-9841 through SelecText. These automated dial-up and texting systems provide 24-hour telephone access to inspection and permit information. Instructions on how to use the IVR and texting systems(link is external) can be found DILP’s “Inspections & Enforcements” website.

With codes requiring higher energy efficiency designs and more technologically intricate equipment, we need a separate permit to be able to track and document today’s more complex systems. Contractors in the field may not have access to a computer, laptop or even a tablet, but just about everyone has a smartphone. By expanding our inspection request/result system to include text capabilities, we are putting these features right at their fingertips in real time.

Bob Frances
Director, DILP

For questions and/or more information about this permit change and/or the IVR and texting upgrade, contact DILP at 410-313-2455 and select option #4.

Media Contacts
Safa Hira, Director of Communications
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Robert J. “Bob” Frances, P.E. , Director of Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits
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