New Episode of Montgomery County Permitting Services ‘New Codes’ Podcast Focuses on Significant Commercial Changes
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 4, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services ( DPS ) has released a new episode of its DPS podcast , “New Codes,” focusing on the recently approved 2021 codes and their impact on DPS commercial building customers. The Montgomery County Council approved these new codes ( ER 13-24 and ER 14-24 ), with local amendments on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. These updates will become mandatory at DPS starting Monday, March 31, replacing the 2018 International Code Council (ICC) codes and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and standards.
In this episode, hosted by DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, DPS Commercial Plan Review Manager Crystal Maddox and DPS Sustainability, Energy and Mechanical Manager Bryan Bomer discuss the background of the code cycle, ways to learn more about the new codes (including upcoming DPS virtual training sessions), and the significance of these changes for the safety and sustainability of Montgomery County’s new and existing buildings and spaces.
“The Department of Permitting Services issued a grace period allowing applicants to comply with either the previous codes or the newly adopted codes through Sunday, March 30, 2025,” said DPS Manager Crystal Maddox. “Beginning Monday, March 31, all projects will need to comply with the 2021 code adoptions.”
DPS customers can find additional information about the new codes on the DPS website .
“For energy and green codes, we have provided supplemental documentation to guide our customers, as these represent some of the most significant changes in the building code process,” said DPS Manager Bryan Bomer. “We developed what we call the ‘code commentary’ document that identifies each measure that has changed or has been added, and then also provides some narrative around those changes to help inform people about the intent and purpose of those changes.”
Maddox highlighted some of the most significant changes in the new commercial building codes, including the requirement that new public parking garages and new restaurants be sprinklered. Bomer noted major energy and sustainability updates, including a new requirement that new construction projects over 5,000 square feet must meet 33 percent of their energy needs through renewable energy sources. Additionally, all new construction will need to be “electrification ready” or equipped with the infrastructure for electrical appliances.
Other topics discussed during the 20-minute podcast include how customers can schedule a virtual preliminary design consultation to have their questions answered, upcoming code training sessions and the expected start of the 2024 code cycle.
The “New Codes” podcast episode is now available on the DPS website and across various podcast platforms, including Amazon , Apple and Spotify . It also is posted at permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/ .
Subscribe to the DPS podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. The episode also is available to view on the County’s YouTube channel .
Past episodes of the DPS podcast have covered a variety of topics including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), building safety, deck permits, the Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program, home improvements, use and occupancy certificates, eSolar, fences, fire code compliance, GIS maps, restaurant guidance, public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses, water runoff and zoning.
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Residents can submit questions about current or previous episodes or suggest ideas for future podcast topics by emailing [email protected] .
In 2024, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with an achievement award from the National Association of Counties in the category of civic education and public information.
The Office of Broadband Programs , within the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Services, provides 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 through Friday. An appointment is not necessary. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more permitting information, visit the DPS website .
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Release ID: 25-093
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813
Categories: Business , Consumer , Education , Housing , Permits , Podcast , Public Safety , Public Works
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=46644