Claim OwnershipPermitting Services Podcast
Subscribed: 2Played: 14
Subscribe
© 2025 Permitting Services Podcast
Description
Go behind the scenes at the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services and connect with local experts about the permitting process for your commercial and residential projects.
30 Episodes
Reverse
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) podcast episode, “Residential Demolition Permits,” explores when residential demolition permits are required, how they are defined, and what to expect during the permitting process. DPS Podcast Host Gail Lucas and DPS Plan Reviewer Richard Strouth discuss how DPS determines whether a residential construction project qualifies as a demolition, and how such a designation triggers the requirement to meet current building and energy co...
This Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode focuses on the pros and cons of serving as your own general contractor when embarking on home renovations or other residential projects. David Burch, DPS residential inspections manager, and DPS Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, discuss the risks and rewards of doing it yourself. Their conversation covers what homeowners should know before taking on the responsibility of managing a project, and why ...
Join us for the latest episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, where we introduce John Catlett, the new DPS commercial building division chief. Hosted by Gail Lucas, DPS customer support and outreach division chief, this episode dives into Division Chief Catlett’s vision for excellent customer service, what’s new with commercial building codes and the future of the industry. Tune in to learn about: The latest on the codes and code cycle.&n...
This Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Offsite Construction,” highlights a local construction project that is primarily being built offsite. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by Chris Allen, who is the assistant to the DPS director, and Joseph Phelan, who is the director of operations at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac. Their conversation notes the advantages of offsite construction,...
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Building Safety: Fire Department Access,” focuses on the importance of plan review for fire department access at buildings in Montgomery County. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast. She is joined by DPS Plan Reviewer Marie LaBaw, who is also a structures specialist, for a discussion about her career path from the fire department to DPS and why ensuring fire department acce...
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Permits, Pools, and Safety,” focuses on the permitting process for residential swimming pools and the importance of a pool barrier for safety. DPS Customer Support and Outreach (CSO) Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast. DPS Residential Manager David Burch joins her for a discussion about when a permit is needed for a residential swimming pool and what kind of barrier is required. Their conversation covers ...
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Special Events,” focuses on the permitting process for carnivals, fairs, festivals, fireworks displays, sporting events and more. DPS Customer Support and Outreach (CSO) Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast, and she is joined by DPS Manager Chris Allen for a 15-minute discussion about when a special permit is needed for public events. Their discussion covers how the permitting process works from application...
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “New Codes,” focuses on the new 2021 codes and amendments and how significant these changes are for DPS commercial building customers. The new codes (Executive Regulation 13-24 and Executive Regulation 14-24), with local amendments, become mandatory at DPS on Monday, March 31 and they replace the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards. DPS Cus...
This Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Water Runoff,” focuses on what to know about water runoff, especially for homeowners planning an addition or designing a project that may impact the flow of water on their property. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas (who hosts the podcast) is joined by DPS Water Resources Plan Review Manager Mark Etheridge for a 15-minute conversation about water runoff and the role DPS has when it comes...
This Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Recipe for Success: Guidance for Opening a Restaurant,” focuses on essential information on navigating the permitting process for opening a restaurant in Montgomery County. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas (who hosts the podcast) is joined by DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski for a 15-minute conversation to help restaurant owners plan ahead. From researching the propert...
The newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Fire Pit Safety,” addresses the importance of safety when using a backyard fire pit. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Fire Code Compliance Program Manager Michael Marchesani for a conversation filled with practical advice and essential tips to know before planning your next social gathering around a backyard fire pit. Fire pits are popular ...
The newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” features a discussion with County Executive Marc Elrich about recent improvements to the permitting process, the role of permitting and the County’s Climate Action Plan, how innovation and technology are adding transparency to the permitting process, and the department’s focus on providing excellent customer service. DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan joins DPS Customer Support ...
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Plans Submission Made Easier,” highlights how the department is updating its ePlans software workflows system in phases to make the permitting system more efficient for customers and staff. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Senior Permitting Specialist Aaron Smith for a discussion about the updates and how these improvements have been received by c...
The 17th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast features an overview of the new eSolar program for residential rooftops. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical (SEM) Manager Bryan Bomer for a discussion about the eSolar program, including how it works to get solar on your rooftop faster, what projects are eligible, and why you should ask your installer ...
The 16th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast features an overview of vendor licenses, including door-to-door, regular route, sidewalk and site-specific. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Code Compliance Manager Greg Nichols and DPS Permit Technician Jorge Rueda for a discussion about the permitting and zoning requirements for vendor licenses. They discuss common mistakes on applicat...
Ensuring building safety is a top priority at the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS). The 15th episode of the Permitting Services Podcast focuses on commercial building safety with an emphasis on codes, design, plan review, use and occupancy certificates, and more. DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Architectural, Life Safety, and Fire Protection Section Manager Crystal Maddox discuss a wide range of topics about commercial building safety i...
Are you planning home improvements? The 14th episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast features DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Residential Program Manager Dave Burch in conversation about when you need and don’t need a permit for home projects. If you are planning to add a pool, modify an accessory structure, replace your flooring, renovate your kitchen, update your windows, and/or hire a contractor, this podcast episode ...
In this episode of the Permitting Services Podcast, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Information Technology Specialist Josh Cole discuss three new GIS Maps that are available on the front page of the DPS website and why DPS customers and stakeholders may find these new maps informative and useful. Their conversation features an overview of the Floodplain and Storm Drain map, the My Inspector and Property map,...
In this episode, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and Plan Reviewer Mariella Dallas discuss how to apply for building permits when adding accessibility design features to your home in order to qualify for the Montgomery County Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program. This episode, which is also available on video, highlights the two levels of the program, various design features, and the application process. Got an...
In this episode, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas discuss some of the department’s new initiatives, programs and services, including the DPS Customer Bill of Rights, and they look ahead at what’s coming in 2024. Their discussion features useful info and tips for customers who are applying for permits. Got an idea for a future podcast? Email dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States