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Permitting Services Podcast

Gail Lucas
Permitting Services Podcast
Latest episode

37 episodes

  • Permitting Services Podcast

    Sign Permits

    08/18/2026 | 14 mins.
    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
  • Permitting Services Podcast

    Planning a Successful Renovation

    07/21/2026 | 21 mins.
    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
  • Permitting Services Podcast

    Building the Future: Construction Trades and the Next Generation

    05/22/2026 | 26 mins.
    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 Services Podcast

    Permitting 101: Understanding the Basics

    05/06/2026 | 12 mins.
    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 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.

    You can find a transctipt of this episode here:
    https://www.buzzsprout.com/2163316/19136359-permitting-101-understanding-the-basics/transcript
  • Permitting Services Podcast

    Decks, Patios, and Outdoor Projects

    04/15/2026 | 15 mins.
    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
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About Permitting Services Podcast
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.
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