Permitting Services Podcast

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 is for you! Got an idea for a future podcast episode? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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, and the Use and Occupancy map.  Got an idea for a future podcast episode? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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 idea for a future podcast episode? Email dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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

In this episode, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas leads a discussion about Residential Fast Track permits for eligible projects and shares updates about the Apply Online platform. Lucas, who hosts the DPS podcast, is joined by Permitting Manager Crystal Roberts and Plan Reviewer Mark Stup. Their discussion features useful info and tips for customers who are applying for Residential Fast Track permits. Got an idea for a future podcast? Email dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast Host Gail Lucas welcomes DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi for a conversation about accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and their growing popularity across the nation. Their discussion covers what homeowners need to know about the permitting and licensing process for an ADU in Montgomery County, Maryland. If you are planning to convert a space into an ADU, you will want to listen to this podcast!    Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

In this episode, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast Host Gail Lucas and DPS Fire Code Compliance Manager Patsy Warnick talk about fire code compliance and safety. Their discussion covers what commercial property owners and tenants need to know about fire code compliance permits, inspections and renewals; pending code adoptions; general fire safety information and more.   Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas and DPS Plan Reviewer Alex Weintraub discuss the public right-of-way. Their discussion covers what every property owner needs to know about the public right-of-way, including the permitting process, how to know where the right-of-way is, and what can and cannot be placed in the public right-of-way.  Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas and DPS Well and Septic Section Manager Heidi Benham discuss septic systems in advance of Septic Smart Week (Sept. 18-22). Their informative discussion includes what every property owner needs to know about their septic system (there are three things!), how important it is to take care of a septic system, and what should not go down the drain! In addition to these tips and resources, the podcast fields a listener’s question about the public right-of-way. Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and DPS Code Compliance Section Manager Greg Nichols discuss urban farming (chicken coops), fence permits, surface parking and other code compliance and zoning topics. Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas and DPS Commercial Field Supervisor Chris Allen discuss what you need to know about Use and Occupancy (U & O) certificates before opening a business. Learn why it is important to review the U & O before you sign a lease, what the inspection process includes, how long a certificate is valid, what questions you should ask about an existing certificate, and more. Got an idea for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.  

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas discusses fire safety and more with DPS Commercial Building Chief Rick Merck, who is also the fire marshal. Some of the topics covered include firepit and grilling safety tips; what you need to know about fireworks in Montgomery County; the importance of knowing two ways out when entering a building; and, how the biotech industry is growing in Montgomery County. Got an idea or question for a future podcast? Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas talks to DPS Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp about the permitting and inspections process for decks, including what an inspector looks for when assessing the condition of a deck. Their conversation provides important information for homeowners, especially as many of us are spending more time on our decks this spring and summer. Learn about the importance of properly maintaining your deck and how the DPS website is the place to go for more information and guidance about decks, including a deck maintenance checklist. We hope you enjoy their conversation and learn something, too. Please send ideas and questions for future DPS podcasts to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.   

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) launches its first podcast. Your host is DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who has worked at the permitting department for 20 years!  DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan joins her in a conversation that covers a variety of topics from his vision for the department to how to know when you need a permit to some of the programs and services offered by the permitting department. The goal is to educate and engage DPS customers about the permitting process to ensure their future projects (commercial and residential) are a success!  Visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps for more information and resources!