Permitting Services Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Permitting Dashboards Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas, DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi, and DPS Data and Performance Manager Juliana de Souza discuss the permitting dashboards and how they enhance accountability, predictability, and transparency when it comes to plan review and permit issuance turnaround times. They also discuss the latest permitting dashboards for eSolar, residential rooftop solar, and housing. Tune in to learn what permitting data is tracked and reported on the dashboards, how often the dashboards are updated, and what is coming next.

Do you have a question or an idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The transcript for this episode is available here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/episodes/19913840-permitting-dashboards#transcript

Septic System Basics Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

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 the importance of properly maintaining a septic system to avoid costly repairs and to protect both the environment and public health. Tune in to learn the definition of a septic system, how to know if you have a septic system, how often to pump a system, the typical lifespan of a system, the importance of being mindful of what goes down the drain and toilet, signs of trouble with a septic system, what records to request before buying a house with a septic system, and more.

Do you have a question or an idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The transcript for this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/episodes/19774878-septic-system-basics#transcript

Sign Permits Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas and DPS Plan Reviewer Roger Waterstreet discuss the Sign Ordinance and what you need to know before you install an exterior sign. Tune in to learn the difference between permanent and temporary signs, what the reviewer is looking for on the sign permit application, what you should know about the permit and variance process, the role of the Sign Review Board, and more!

Do you have a question or an idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The transcript of this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/19666927-sign-permits/transcript

Planning a Successful Renovation Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Planning a home renovation can be exciting and overwhelming. In this episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, host Gail Lucas sits down with DPS Residential Plan Reviewer William DeGrouchy to discuss what homeowners need to know about planning a successful home renovation in Montgomery County. They highlight preparation and what homeowners should know before applying for permits, including the essentials of a complete submittal packet, information about the new energy code, why hiring a licensed contractor is key to a successful project, and more. Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, vendor licenses, and more.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

The Transcript for this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/19526791-planning-a-successful-renovation/transcript

Building the Future: Construction Trades and the Next Generation May 22, 2026

Show notes

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, principles of architecture, and CAD design. Learn about the program, the house the students are building, and how DPS is involved!

Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, outdoor projects, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, vendor licenses, and more.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? We would like to hear from you. Send an email to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Permitting 101: Understanding the Basics May 06, 2026

Show notes

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.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? We would like to hear from you. Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
You can find a transctipt of this episode here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/19136359-permitting-101-understanding-the-basics/transcript

Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Projects Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

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, patios, pergolas, and sheds. They also share information about the popular residential deck maintenance inspection program, which takes place during Building Safety Month in May, and provide guidance about the importance of hiring a licensed contractor.

Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered accessory dwelling units, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, vendor licenses, and more.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? We would like to hear from you. Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
A transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/19021258-decks-patios-and-outdoor-projects/transcript

Fire Code Compliance Permits: What's Changed and Why It Matters Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

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 Montgomery County must have an FCC permit issued by DPS to ensure compliance with life safety and fire prevention standards. This episode covers who needs an FCC permit, how to check your permit status, and where to find more information. Plus, learn about a new requirement for multifamily apartment building owners to submit Emergency Safety Plans as part of the FCC permitting process.

Previous DPS Podcast episodes have explored topics such as accessory dwelling units, building safety, contractors, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, and vendor licenses.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? We want to hear from you. Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

DPS Drone Modernizes Inspections Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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. Lucas is joined by DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski and Field Supervisor Johnny Campos, who is one of the department’s newly certified drone pilots.

Tune in to learn how DPS is utilizing drone technology to document compliance, monitor construction progress, and enhance training, all without the need for ladders or navigating difficult terrain.

Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered a variety of topics, including accessory dwelling units, building safety, contractors, eSolar, new codes, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, and vendor licenses.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? We want to hear from you. Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Residential Demolition Permits Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

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 codes for new homes. Plan Reviewer Strouth clarifies that if 67% or more of the first-story exterior walls of a one- or two-family dwelling are removed, the project is considered a demolition and requires a demolition permit.

Listeners will learn about:

The role of a plan reviewer when it comes to reviewing construction plans.
The difference between demolition permits and addition/alteration permits with specific examples.
Additional permits required for residential demolition projects, and what to know about impact taxes.
How DPS can assist before construction begins, including resources and guidance.

Do you have a question or idea for a future DPS Podcast episode? Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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