February 17, 2021

Team Joins County Advisory Group to Create Streamlined Permitting Initiatives

Improving permitting for planning and land-use

In late 2020, members of the Soltesz team joined the Montgomery County Economic Advisory Group’s Speed-to-Market Working Group comprised of members from the county executive staff and representatives from M-NCPPC, DPS and DOT. This public-private working group helped identify areas within the permitting process commonly known for being lengthy, costly and often challenging. The group has developed specific recommendations for the Planning Board to adopt without compromising standards of the permitting process.

Our Soltesz experts were instrumental in advocating for these changes recommended to the Montgomery County Planning Board, and here’s what you may want to know:

Streamlining & Consolidating the Planning and Land-Use Approval Processes

Proposed changes would create a more streamlined review process, and for certain development projects create one concurrent review. Montgomery County requires three major approvals for development projects that occur over two sequential hearings by M-NCPPC. With these proposed recommendations, certain projects that provide Strategic Economic Development or offer public benefits in excess of standard requirements—would require only one concurrent hearing. This consolidated process for Planning and Land-Use permitting could potentially shorten the approval timeframe by as much as one year.

Post-Entitlement Process Integration

Recommendations have been established for Post-Entitlement to adjust the currently linear step-by-step process to adapt a condensed concurrent review. This integration could potentially cut the entitlement review period in half. Montgomery County’s full press release is available here. Get in touch with our expertsOur team members part of the Speed-to-Market Work Group are experts in their fields and knowledgeable resources on local permitting and these recommended changes.

Montgomery County’s full press release is available here.

No items found.

Other News

Clear All Filters
News
Soltesz Ranked #9 Among Largest Landscape Architecture Firms in Greater Washington
March 26, 2026
The Washington Business Journal ranks Soltesz ranks #9 among the top landscape architecture firms in the DC Metro Area. Learn more about our integrated landscape design approach.
soltesz top landscape architecture firm in washington dc metro area

Landscape Architecture Firms in Washington DC: Soltesz Ranked Among Top 10

Soltesz has been ranked #9 among the largest landscape architecture firms in the Greater Washington, D.C. region by the Washington Business Journal, based on 2025 metro-area landscape architecture revenue.

This recognition reflects the continued growth of our landscape architecture practice and the strength of our integrated approach—bringing together landscape architecture, civil engineering, and planning to deliver cohesive, high-performing environments across the region.

Soltesz ranked #9 based on annual revenue in the field reporting $1.95 million in metro-area landscape architecture revenue in 2025.

Full-Service Landscape Architecture, Planning and Site Design in Maryland and the DC Metro Area

At Soltesz, landscape architecture is fully integrated into our broader project delivery model—from early feasibility and entitlement through final construction. Our team combines illustrative design, site planning, and technical expertise to create spaces that are both functional and enduring.

Our approach emphasizes:

  • Sustainable, energy-efficient design solutions
  • Safe, accessible environments for users and communities
  • Cost-effective planning that minimizes long-term maintenance
  • Seamless coordination across disciplines for efficient project delivery

From streetscapes and recreational amenities to large-scale development projects, our landscape architecture team helps shape environments that support both project performance and community experience.

Learn more about our landscape architecture services and view select projects here.

soltesz greater dc largest landscape architecture firm

What Being Ranked A Top Ten Landscape Architecture Firm Says About Our Team

This ranking is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team, as well as the trust our clients and partners place in us to deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions.

We’re proud of the work behind this recognition and the role our landscape architecture team plays in shaping the built environment across the region. View the full list here.

Read More
News
Soltesz Hosts Announcement of Job Creation Project ZTA
March 11, 2026
Soltesz was honored to host Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, and several chambers of commerce for the announcement of the Job Creation Project ZTA (ZTA 26-05).

Soltesz was honored to host Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to announce the Job Creation Project ZTA (ZTA 26-05).

The proposed zoning measure aims to attract major employers in strategic job-creation projects, and strengthen Montgomery County’s economic industries, spur new job creation projects, and strengthen Montgomery County’s economic competitiveness.

ZTA26-05 would establish an expedited and predictable development approval process for projects that either align with strategic industries identified in the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan or generate at least 200 jobs. Qualifying projects would be guaranteed a Planning Board hearing within 60 days of application acceptance — significantly reducing review timelines and increasing certainty for employers making investment decisions.

“We must remain laser-focused on attracting new jobs and private-sector investment to the County, and that means evaluating and improving every touch point between county government and businesses,” said Council President and Economic Development Committee Chair Fani-González. “If you want to make significant business investments in Montgomery County to help grow economic opportunities for our residents, we are ready to partner with you to get your project to market faster, cheaper, and more predictably.”

Remarks were also delivered by Jared Smith, President & CEO of MCEDC, who emphasized the importance of strengthening the County's ability to attract, retain, and grow businesses while expanding economic opportunity.

“With this legislation, Montgomery County is demonstrating that we are open for business,” said James A. Soltesz, President & CEO of Soltesz. “By expanding the expedited approval process to support the growth of existing companies and attract new businesses, we are cutting months from project timelines and fostering a more predictable, business-friendly environment that drives economic growth and job creation.”

As a firm that has served Montgomery County for more than 45 years, Soltesz understands how regulatory clarity and coordinated agency review directly impact project delivery and long-term economic success.

Read the full press release from the Office of Council President Natali Fani-González.

View the Montgomery County Council News Briefing here.

Read More
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Newsletter Signup

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.