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DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast and her guest is Fire Marshal Rick Merck, who is also the commercial building division chief. Some of the topics covered include firepit and grilling safety, what to know about fireworks before the Fourth of July, the importance of knowing two ways out when entering a building and how the biotech industry is growing in Montgomery County.
Division Chief Lucas also shares permitting tips, such as how a virtual design consultation can help get questions answered before applying for permits.
The new episode is now available on the DPS website and on popular podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is available at https://permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/. Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “plus” or “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform.
“The Department of Permitting Services Podcast is a new platform to keep customers informed about building and safety issues and to help make the permitting process easier to navigate,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “We hope homeowners and business owners will subscribe and listen to this podcast to learn more about our work and get to know our staff who are experts in their field.”
Previous episodes have covered topics about the importance of deck maintenance and building safety.
Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episode to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Department of Permitting Services is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Appointments are not required to get assistance in person. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.