Montgomery County offers free residential deck inspections through May | The Locally Times
The Department of Permitting Services limits the program to 300 appointments to promote building safety and code compliance.
Montgomery County residents can request free residential deck maintenance inspections from the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) throughout May. The program, which began May 1, provides homeowners with a professional assessment of their deck’s structural integrity, including support systems and ledger attachments. Inspectors evaluate the overall condition of the structure to ensure it remains built to code and capable of withstanding long-term stress. The county limits the program to 300 total appointments, and officials recommend early booking to secure a slot. Residents can request an inspection by submitting an online service request form via the DPS website. The form requires homeowners to specify they are requesting a deck maintenance inspection and include their property address and contact information. Alternatively, residents may schedule an appointment by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. ## Exclusions and Resources The free inspection program does not apply to properties located within the cities of Gaithersburg and Rockville. Those municipalities maintain their own independent permitting departments and do not participate in this county-led initiative. For residents seeking additional guidance, the DPS 2026 Building Safety Month webpage provides a deck maintenance checklist and other safety resources. The department also encourages homeowners to ensure that any contractors hired for deck work obtain the necessary permits and inspections to verify that all modifications meet local safety standards.