The summer months are a busy time of the year for vending activity in Montgomery County, and “Vendor Licenses” are the focus of the 16th episode of the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) podcast series. The podcast addresses specific licenses that apply to door-to-door, regular route, pushcarts/sidewalk and site-specific vendors. The new episode is now available.
“Vending is a hot topic at this time of year, and it is important to know that DPS licenses four types of vending activity," said DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast. “We encourage vendors and residents to listen to the podcast and to visit the DPS website to learn about what is and what is not allowed when it comes to vending activity in Montgomery County.”
Joining Division Chief Lucas for the discussion is DPS Code Compliance Section Manager Greg Nichols and DPS Permitting Technician Jorge Rueda. Their conversation details the application process for vendor licenses, including other departments that are involved such as the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as provides information about picture identification cards, inspections, regulations, safety guidelines and zoning issues.
“We encourage vendors to plan early and come talk to us before filing an application,” said Division Chief Lucas. “If there is one take away from the podcast, we hope vendors will understand the importance of getting a license and that they contact us early on to ensure they understand the process from beginning to end. We want vendors to know we are here to help.”
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 accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life program, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, 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.
Earlier this month, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
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. An appointment is not 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.
