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.

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.

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.

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? Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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 it is an important decision.

Tune in to learn about:

• What you should know before you begin a project.
• The importance of hiring licensed contractors.
• The difference between contractors and subcontractors.
• Who should apply for the permits?
• How DPS can help, including resources to know about.

Previous DPS Podcast episodes have covered a variety of topics, including accessory dwelling units, building safety, 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 us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov

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.
• The commercial building plan review process.
• Industry trends and upcoming improvements.

This is the 28th episode of the DPS podcast. Previous episodes have covered topics like accessory dwelling units, building safety, eSolar, residential fast track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, vendor licenses, and more.

Have a question or idea for a future episode? Email us at dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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 variety of modular construction projects around the County, and the role of DPS when it comes to codes and permitting, as well as the importance of predesign consultations for those considering offsite construction. They discuss the difference between modular construction and mobile homes and provide tips for listeners who may be exploring this construction option for a future project. Got an idea or question for an upcoming podcast episode? Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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 access in the built environment is important for emergency responders. Dr. LaBaw also shares information about her unique role as a structures specialist for Maryland’s Urban Search and Rescue team and discusses some of her assignment’s on that team around the country.

Got an idea or question for a future podcast episode?

Email your ideas and questions to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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 how the permitting process works from applying for a building and electrical permit, to the number of inspections needed, and the role of zoning when locating a swimming pool.

For more information about the permitting process for residential pools, visit the DPS website. Do you have an idea or question for a future DPS podcast episode? Email dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.