Montgomery County Maryland sent this bulletin at 11/07/2025 02:16 PM EST
November 2025
DPS Deploys Drone for Inspections and Training
DPS has two FAA-certified operators. Residential Inspections Manager David Burch and Land Development Field Supervisor Johnny Campos are pictured, above, with the drone.
The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) is introducing a drone-assisted inspection and training program designed for use by the land development and residential divisions to enhance safety, efficiency, and to access hard-to-reach and hazardous areas. The DPS drone is also being used to educate and train new staff.
“As part of our commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and public safety, the drone-assisted inspection program reduces inspection times and improves accuracy using high-resolution imagery and real-time documentation,” said DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan. “This new technology creates process efficiency and allows our teams to inspect large projects within minutes that would otherwise require hours or even days.”
Advantages of the drone include: reduces the need for inspectors to traverse steep slopes, weedy areas, and the use of ladders and scaffolding; cuts down on inspection times; enhances accuracy with high-resolution imagery and real time data improving documentation and decision-making; protects the environment by reducing vehicular trips to large construction sites and aligns with the County Executive’s “A Greener County,” initiative; monitors environmental impacts due to construction activity which helps mitigate problems quicker.
This innovative approach reflects DPS’s commitment to integrating technology that improves public safety, streamlines operations, and supports Montgomery County’s environmental goals.
“Modernizing inspections with use of a drone will deliver faster, more accurate inspection results and better ensure our communities are protected from environmental and public safety concerns,” said DPS Land Development Division Chief Linda Kobylski.
DPS has two FAA-certified drone pilots to safely operate and adhere to all FAA regulations. In the future, other DPS divisions may utilize this technology.
Podcast Episode Focuses on Residential Demolition Guidance
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, division 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 CSO Division Chief Gail 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; additional permits required for demolition projects and what to know about impact taxes; and, how DPS can assist before construction begins, including resources and guidance.
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. Listeners are invited to submit questions or suggest topics for future episodes by emailing dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Invite DPS to your Next Community Event
The DPS outreach team is ready to connect with communities across Montgomery County to share helpful information about permitting programs, resources, and services that make it easier for residents and businesses to navigate the permitting process.
Visit the DPS calendar on the DPS website's homepage to stay connected with our latest outreach activities and events.
If you would like DPS staff to attend an upcoming event, send an email to Community Outreach Manager Sonya Burke at sonya.burke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-6272.
Wednesday Water Webinar to Focus on Wells on Nov. 19
On a well? The University of Maryland Extension Office will hold its next Wednesday Water Webinar at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to discuss what you should know about your well to ensure good water quality. Join this webinar to learn about basic well design and types, wellhead protection measures, and how to test your well and review basic water filtration.
DPS Director Joins Construction Trades Foundation Board
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan has joined the Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundation, Inc. Board. This nonprofit foundation was established in collaboration between the Montgomery County business and professional community and Montgomery County Public Schools to promote and support the interests of career education related to the construction industry.
Fire Prevention Partners
DPS Director Rabbiah Sabbakhan and County Fire Marshal Patsy Warnick participated in the Fire Prevention Month proclamation ceremony in October, alongside representatives from the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), the Department of Environmental Protection, and local leaders.
Throughout the month of October, DPS provided customers with MCFRS fire prevention outreach materials that were displayed on the counter and table in the DPS customer service lobby.
DPS Will Expedite Permits for Emergency Electrical Repairs
If your home has sustained electrical damage due to a fire or storm, the DPS residential inspections team will expedite permits and inspections for emergency electrical repairs to help homeowners restore power safely and quickly.
If you need assistance or have questions, please contact MC 311 or call 240-777-0311 and ask to speak with a member of the DPS residential inspections team.
Remembering John Catlett
A Celebration of Life will be held on Nov. 8 for DPS Commercial Division Chief John Catlett, who passed away on Oct. 14.
“Though John was with us for only a short time, he brought a tremendous amount of energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to his role,” said DPS Deputy Director Ehsan Motazedi. “He was deeply committed to making meaningful improvements in both the Commercial Division and DPS as a whole. His passion and drive were evident to all who worked with him, and he made a positive impact in a short time. John will be deeply missed by all of us. Please keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”
Holiday Office Hours
DPS offices will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day and on Thursday, Nov. 27, for Thanksgiving Day.
The DPS Customer Service Lobby is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, seventh floor, in Wheaton. Office hours are 7:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., weekdays; no appointment is necessary.
Customers may apply for permits, schedule inspections, request records, and upload construction plans online at any time.
Work at DPS
The Department of Permitting Services is hiring! Consider a rewarding career at the permitting department, where safety, sustainability, and delivering excellent customer service are top priorities. Check out the County’s website for information about recent job openings at DPS and Montgomery County Government.
