Permitting Services Podcast

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas, DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Construction Trades Supervisor Steve Boden discuss a local program that introduces and prepares high school students for careers in construction trades, including carpentry, electrical, HVAC, masonry, plumbing, princi...

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas talks with DPS Permitting Manager Crystal Roberts about when a permit is required, common misconceptions, and how homeowners can avoid delays.   Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, outdoor projects, special eve...

As warmer weather arrives, many residents are heading outdoors to refresh their yards and outdoor living spaces. In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas sits down with DPS Residential Field Supervisor Jeremy Shupp to explain what homeowners need to know about permits and inspections for popular outdoor projects such as decks, fences...

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, we spotlight the new online application process for Fire Code Compliance (FCC) permits. Leading the conversation is Gail Lucas, chief of the DPS Customer Support and Outreach division, and FCC Manager Patsy Warnick, who is also the County Fire Marshal.   Every commercial building and tenant space in Montgomer...

This episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast focuses on the department’s new drone, which is modernizing the permitting process by increasing safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability during inspections and training.  The “DPS Drone Modernizes Inspections” episode is hosted by Gail Lucas, chief of the DPS Customer Support and Outreach division. L...

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 demol...

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 cover...

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 futu...

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. Andre...

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 discu...

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...

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 ne...

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...

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...

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 Kobylsk...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 floo...

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 conversati...

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, highl...

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 applyin...