New Montgomery County Permitting Services Podcast Episode Explores ‘Residential Demolition Permits’

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 3, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) has released a new podcast episode, “Residential Demolition Permits,” which explains when demolition permits are required, how they are defined, and what to expect during the permitting process.

In this episode, Gail Lucas, chief of the DPS Customer Support and Outreach (CSO) division and host of the podcast series, is joined by Richard Strouth, a residential plan reviewer at DPS. Together, they explain how DPS determines whether a residential construction project qualifies as a demolition, and how such a designation triggers the requirement to meet current building and energy codes for new homes. Strouth clarifies that if 67% or more of the first-story exterior walls of a one- or two-family dwelling are removed, the project is considered a demolition and requires a demolition permit. He also shares examples of residential additions, such as expanding roof space, and alterations, like converting a carport into a family room or garage.

 “If you are considering tearing down a residential property or modifying a home, this episode contains valuable information for both the homeowner and the contractor,” said Lucas.

Listeners will learn about:

• The role of a plan reviewer when it comes to reviewing construction plans.
• The difference between demolition permits and addition/alteration permits with specific examples.
• Additional permits required for demolition projects and what to know about impact taxes.
• How DPS can assist before construction begins, including resources and guidance.

This is the 30th episode of the Permitting Services Podcast, part of DPS’s ongoing effort to educate and engage the community on permitting processes, safety standards, and best practices in residential and commercial development.

The episode is now available on the DPS website and on many popular podcast platforms, including Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe by tapping “Follow” on their preferred podcast app.

It can also be viewed on the County’s YouTube channel and airs on County Cable Montgomery at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays.  

Previous episodes have covered a wide range of topics, including accessory dwelling units, building safety, eSolar, residential fast-track permits, special event permits, use and occupancy certificates, and vendor licenses.

Residents are invited to submit questions or suggest topics for future episodes by emailing [email protected].

Technical support for the podcast is provided by the Office of Broadband Programs in the County’s Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions.

DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, in Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday; no appointment is necessary. Customers may also contact DPS staff by calling MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more information, visit the DPS website.

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Release ID: 25-404
Media Contact: Sonya Burke 240-855-9813
Categories: Permits