Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Anne Arundel County, Maryland

Installing structured cabling systems in Anne Arundel County requires understanding permit requirements and contractor licensing. This guide covers what contractors and businesses need to know about data network, Cat6, and fiber optic cable permits in Anne Arundel County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Pure low-voltage data cabling may not always require permits in Anne Arundel County, but work involving electrical connections or commercial installations typically does. Contact the Department of Inspections and Permits to verify requirements for your specific project before starting work.

What Types of Structured Cabling Are Covered?

This guide applies to telecommunications and data network installations including:

• Category 5e, 6, 6a, and 8 Ethernet cabling
• Fiber optic backbone and horizontal cabling
• Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure
• Telecommunications room buildouts
• Server room and data center cabling
• Wireless access point cabling
• Audio/video distribution systems
• Building automation network wiring

When Is an Electrical Permit Required?

According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits, electrical permits encompass work such as installing electrical wiring, fixtures, and transformers.

Permit Likely Required

• Commercial building installations
• Work requiring new electrical circuits
• Installations involving power supply connections
• Cable runs through fire-rated assemblies
• Telecommunications room electrical work

Permit May Not Be Required

• Simple data cable additions using existing pathways
• Patch cable connections
• Desktop equipment connections
• Contact the county to verify specific situations

What Contractor Licenses Are Required?

Anne Arundel County Electrical License

For work requiring electrical permits:

• Master Electrical License required to pull permits
• Licensed electricians may apply for permits
• Must be licensed in Anne Arundel County
• Overseen by the Board of Electrical Examiners

Homeowner Exception

Property owners who are not licensed electricians may apply for permits if they:

• Pass the homeowner electrical examination (70% minimum score)
• Sign a homeowner affidavit
• Work is on their own residence

For complete Maryland licensing information, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Permit?

Effective December 1, 2025, all new permit applications require online submission via the Land Use Navigator (LUN) System.

Online Application Process

1. Access the Anne Arundel County permit portal
2. Select electrical permit type
3. Enter application information
4. Upload required plans and documentation
5. Pay application fee ($43 non-refundable plus permit fees)
6. Schedule inspection upon completion

In-Person Assistance

Visit the Permit Center for assistance with the LUN system. Staff will help you submit your application at a kiosk.

What Code Standards Apply?

Structured cabling installations must comply with applicable codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Current NEC edition as adopted by Anne Arundel County
• Article 725 for Class 2 and Class 3 circuits
• Article 770 for optical fiber cables
• Article 800 for communications circuits

Industry Standards

• ANSI/TIA-568: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• TIA-569: Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• TIA-606: Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• TIA-607: Generic Telecommunications Bonding and Grounding

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Cost	Notes
Electrical Permit Application	$43.00	Non-refundable
Permit Fee	Varies	Based on scope of work
Inspection	Included	With permit
Working Without Permit	Up to $1,000	Or 50% of permit fee

What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?

Non-compliance with Anne Arundel County permit requirements can result in:

• Fines up to $1,000 or 50% of total permit fee (whichever is greater)
• Requirement to dismantle or redo unpermitted work
• Challenges selling property with unpermitted work
• Insurance issues for unpermitted installations

Residential vs. Commercial Installations

Residential Structured Cabling

• Homeowners may perform some DIY work after passing exam
• Simple data drops may not require permits
• Work involving electrical circuits requires permits
• Contact county to verify requirements

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Licensed contractor typically required
• Permits required for most installations
• Must comply with building codes for cable pathways
• Plenum-rated cable (CMP) required in air handling spaces
• Fire stopping required for penetrations
• Coordination with building management often required

What About Fiber Optic Installation?

Fiber optic cabling follows similar rules to copper structured cabling:

• Low-voltage classification (carries light, not electrical current)
• May require permits when penetrating fire barriers
• BICSI or manufacturer certification recommended
• Building codes may require specific cable ratings
• Proper enclosures required for splice points

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify requirements first: Contact the Permit Center at 410-222-7700 before starting work
• Use the online system: LUN system required as of December 2025
• Use proper cable ratings: CMP (plenum) for air handling spaces, CMR (riser) for vertical runs
• Document pathways: Verify cable routes before installation
• Follow TIA standards: ANSI/TIA-568 is the baseline for quality installations
• Test and certify: Provide test results to clients for warranty purposes

Key Contacts

Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits
Address: 2664 Riva Road, Heritage Office Complex, Annapolis, MD 21401
General Questions: 410-222-7700
Permit Status: 410-222-7730
Schedule Inspection: 410-222-4432
Email: ipmailbox@aacounty.org
Website: Electrical Permits

Board of Electrical Examiners
Website: Board of Electrical Examiners

Online Permit Portal
Accela Citizen Access

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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