The eighth episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast series, “Fire Code Compliance and Safety,” features important information for commercial property owners, commercial tenants and even residents sitting around a backyard fire pit about fire code compliance (FCC) and fire safety.
“October is also known as Fire Prevention Month in Montgomery County and safety is a top priority at the Department of Permitting Services,” said DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. “This podcast episode provides information for both commercial property owners and commercial tenants about fire code compliance permits. We explain the permitting process from who needs one to how do you renew your permit and remind listeners to check their home smoke alarms to make sure they are operable. In addition, we share guidance and tips for gathering around a fire pit and even how to get a permit for a bonfire.”
The Department of Permitting Services podcast is now available on the DPS website and various 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.
Joining host Lucas for the discussion is DPS FCC manager Patsy Warnick.
“A lot of people may not know that the Fire Code Compliance team is now part of the Department of Permitting Services,” said FCC Manager Warnick. “Our No. 1 priority is inspecting commercial and residential multifamily buildings to make sure they are safe. We have a team of 13 inspectors who check a wide variety of buildings from family childcare homes to businesses in high-rise buildings. Our mission is to ensure the space is safe for occupants and visitors. We check a variety of things from making sure the lighting is appropriate to ensuring exits are not blocked.”
According to Warnick, business and property owners can apply for FCC permits on the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps. She said renewal notices are typically emailed to customers.
Other topics covered during the podcast include the difference between fire alarm systems and home smoke alarms, sprinklers in high-rise buildings and pending code adoptions.
For more information and resources, visit the Fire Code Compliance webpage on the DPS website. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
Previous podcast episodes have covered building safety, deck permits, commercial building trends, what business owners need to know about use and occupancy certificates, fence permits, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming and zoning.
Residents are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes 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.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. Appointments are not necessary to get in-person assistance.
