The newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” features a discussion with County Executive Marc Elrich about recent improvements to streamline the permitting process, future code changes to ensure buildings are greener and safer, how innovation and technology are adding transparency, and the department’s focus on customer service.
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan joins DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, for this conversation.
Some of the improvements made following a 4Business tour the County Executive joined included changes to permitting processes and the introduction of new programs and services to improve the customer’s experience. Some of those enhancements include free virtual design consultations, the Customer Bill of Rights, the Permitting Dashboard, GIS maps and the new eSolar program.
“My job is to make sure people know where we are going with the permitting department and how it is really making a difference,” said County Executive Elrich. “We want to make sure that if you are doing business in Montgomery County or just trying to put a deck in your backyard that you get the support you need and you get it in a way that isn’t overly complicated.”
This Permitting Services Podcast episode, “A New Direction for Permitting,” 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/.
“The Permitting Dashboard was one of the first improvements and it was launched to give customers some predictability and transparency to help them plan their projects,” said DPS Director Sabbakhan. “Technology plays a big role in these enhancements, and we are just getting started as we strive to become a world-class permitting department. Providing excellent customer service is key.”
Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. This episode is also available on video on the County’s YouTube channel and there are marked chapters to guide listeners and viewers to a particular topic including, Permitting for Business, Climate Action Plan, Innovation and Technology Improvements and a Focus on Customer Service.
Previous podcast episodes have addressed accessory dwelling units, building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life program, ePlans, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, eSolar, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses and zoning.
Listeners are encouraged to send questions and ideas for future podcast episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Earlier this year, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties (NACo) in the category of civic education and public information.
The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Services (TEBS) is providing technical support for the Permitting Services podcast.
DPS 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 ePlans and eServices, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps .
