New Permitting Services Podcast Episode ‘Offsite Construction’ Explores Modular Building

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

The latest episode of the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) Podcast, "Offsite Construction," focuses on the growing trend of modular building. It highlights a local project currently under construction at St. Andrew's Episcopal School in Potomac.

DPS Customer Support and Outreach Division Chief Gail Lucas hosts the podcast, and for this episode she welcomes DPS Manager Chris Allen, who provides commercial building guidance for DPS customers in the field on this topic, and Joseph Phelan, the director of operations at St. Andrew's Episcopal School.

Together, they discuss the pros and cons of offsite construction, the variety of modular projects throughout the County and the role DPS plays in codes and permitting. They also share tips for those considering modular construction and emphasize the importance of scheduling a predesign consultation with DPS staff before starting an offsite project.

The "Offsite Construction" episode is available now on the DPS website and major podcast platforms, including Amazon, Apple and Spotify. It is also posted at permittingservicespodcast.buzzsprout.com.

Listeners can subscribe by tapping the "follow" button on their preferred podcast platform. The episode is also available on the County's YouTube channel.

Previous DPS podcast topics include accessory dwelling units (ADUs), building safety, the Design for Life Property Tax Credit Program, eSolar, fire code compliance, fire department access, GIS maps, home improvements, new codes, pool permits, public right-of-way, septic systems, special events, urban farming, use and occupancy certificates, vendor licenses and more.

Residents are encouraged to send questions or suggestions for future episodes to dps.podcast@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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

DPS is located at 2425 Reedie Drive, Seventh Floor, Wheaton. The customer service lobby is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For assistance, call MC 311 or 240-777-0311. For more information, visit the DPS website.

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