Glossary

Terms that come up constantly in meetings and county correspondence, written for someone who has never worked on a construction project.

Preliminary plan amendment: The formal request to modify the property's approved development plan with the county — the current major entitlement milestone.
Terms of Reference: The document defining the Building Committee's authority, scope, and how it relates to the Church Board and membership.
Architect of record: The firm legally responsible for the design documents submitted to the county.
Pre-construction (pre-con): A firm that estimates what a design will actually cost to build, so the design can be adjusted before it is finalized.
SWM: Stormwater management. Appears constantly in design correspondence — it drives parking layout, grading, and site plan revisions.
Permit expeditor: A specialist who manages the mechanics of getting permits through the county — knowing what each department needs and when.
DPS: Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services. The county body that issues permits and releases bonds.
Sediment and erosion control plan: A county-required plan for keeping soil on site during ground-disturbing work. Approval is a prerequisite for a demolition permit.
WSSC: Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission — the water and sewer authority for Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
Forest conservation plan: A Montgomery County requirement governing tree removal and replanting on the property.