The latest episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast series, “GIS Maps,” provides an overview of three new geographic information systems (GIS) maps that are posted on the front page of the DPS website. The maps include the Floodplain and Storm Drain map, the My Inspector and Property map and the Commercial Use and Occupancy map. The maps could help business owners considering locations or potential homeowners in their decision making.
A link to all three of the new maps is posted on the front page of the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
“These maps are important to keep the public informed about properties in an area’s floodplain, as well as permitting activity around the County,” said DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. “The commercial use and occupancy map contains data going back to 1999 and may be of high interest to those considering opening a new business. We encourage residents to tune in to the podcast to learn more about these new maps and the information they provide.”
Joining Division Chief Lucas on the podcast is DPS Information Technology (IT) Specialist Josh Cole, who developed the maps. During the podcast, IT Specialist Cole explains the information found in each of the GIS maps and said he is available to answer questions and to assist anyone who may need help navigating the new maps.
This episode of the 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. This episode is also available on video to watch on-demand on the County’s YouTube channel.
Previous podcast episodes have covered building safety, accessory dwelling units, deck permits, the Design for Life program, use and occupancy certificates, fences, fire code compliance, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming and zoning. Listeners 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, Seventh Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. No appointment is necessary to get in-person assistance. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311.
For more information about the permitting process, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.
