New Montgomery County Permitting Services Podcast Episode Provides Permitting Tips for Restaurant Owners

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 19, 2024

Montgomery County is open for business and the newest Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast episode, “Recipe for Success: Guidance for Opening a Restaurant,” provides permitting guidance and tips for those planning to open a restaurant in the County.

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas, who hosts the podcast, is joined by DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski for a conversation that features guidance and resources for restaurant owners beginning with the important topic of selecting a location.

“We encourage restaurant owners to contact DPS before they sign a contract or lease for a property to make sure the zone of that property allows a restaurant use,” said Division Chief Kobylski. “Sometimes people contact us after they sign a lease or buy a property only to find out that a restaurant use is not allowed in that zone. We want to help them avoid that costly mistake.”

This 15-minute episode also highlights the permitting process from start to finish for restaurant owners. Some of the resources discussed include a zoning map, a new restaurant webpage and an updated guidance document that outlines the process such as hiring an expert, scheduling a predesign consultation, obtaining a food license, scheduling inspections and getting an alcohol license.

The “Recipe for Success: Guidance for Opening a Restaurant” episode of the Permitting Services Podcast is available now on the DPS website and various podcast platforms including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It also is posted at permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com/.

Subscribe to the podcast by tapping the “follow” sign on the podcast provider’s platform. In addition, it can be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel.

The Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions is providing technical support for the Permitting Services podcast.

Previous DPS podcast episodes have covered 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, the public right-of-way, septic systems, urban farming, vendor licenses and zoning.

Residents can send questions about a current or previous episode, or ideas for future podcast episodes to [email protected].

Earlier this year, the Permitting Services Podcast was recognized with a 2024 achievement award from the National Association of Counties in the category of civic education and public information.

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. Customers may also reach out to DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more permitting information, visit the DPS website at montgomerycountymd.gov/dps.

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Release ID: 24-568
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813
Categories: Business