Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Arapahoe County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Structured cabling installations in Arapahoe County, Colorado generally do not require permits when working with low voltage systems under 50 volts. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license, and most network cabling falls under the low voltage exemption. Arapahoe County offers a specialty contractor license covering low-voltage/data systems for contractors working in unincorporated areas.

When Are Permits Required?

Arapahoe County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a network cabling
• Fiber optic cable installation
• Telephone and voice cabling
• Data center rack wiring
• Patch panel and jack terminations
• Wireless access point cabling
• AV system cabling

Permits MAY Be Required:

• New electrical circuits for network equipment
• Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Work in plenum spaces affecting HVAC
• Exterior conduit requiring structural attachment
• Underground or aerial cable runs

Contractor Licensing

Arapahoe County requires contractors to be licensed for work in unincorporated areas.

Specialty Contractor License

Arapahoe County offers a specialty license covering:

• Low-voltage/data systems
• Access control systems
• Fire alarm/detection systems
• Special applications

License Requirements

• Duration: Expires one year from issuance
• Renewal: Annual renewal required
• Insurance: Proof of liability insurance

Contact Information

Arapahoe County Building Division
6924 S. Lima Street
Centennial, CO 80112
Phone: (720) 874-6550
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Code Compliance Requirements

Even without permits, installations must comply with codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Article 800: Communications circuits
• Article 770: Optical fiber cables
• Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 circuits

Fire Code Requirements

• Plenum-rated (CMP) cables in air handling spaces
• Riser-rated (CMR) for vertical runs between floors
• Fire stopping at fire-rated penetrations

Commercial vs. Residential Projects

Residential Structured Cabling

• No permits typically required
• Cat6/Cat6a home runs standard
• Wi-Fi access point pre-wiring common
• Smart home infrastructure integration

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Plenum Cable: Required in air handling spaces
• Fire Stopping: Required at rated assemblies
• TIA-568 Standards: Follow for commercial work
• Labeling: Per TIA-606 requirements

Fees and Timeline

Item	Estimated Fee	Notes
Specialty Contractor License	Contact county	Annual renewal
Electrical Permit (if needed)	Based on valuation	For new circuits
Low voltage cabling only	No permit required	N/A

Municipalities Within Arapahoe County

Incorporated municipalities may have different requirements:

• Aurora: Separate building department
• Centennial: Uses Arapahoe County services
• Greenwood Village: Contact city directly
• Littleton: Separate requirements
• Englewood: Contact city for permits

Best Practices

Documentation

• Create as-built drawings
• Maintain certified test results
• Provide warranty documentation
• Label all cables per TIA-606

Quality Standards

• Test all copper links with certified testers
• OTDR testing for longer fiber runs
• Maintain proper bend radius
• Use appropriate cable management

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Verify Jurisdiction: Check if in county or municipality
• License Early: Obtain specialty license before bidding
• Future-Proof: Install Cat6a for commercial projects
• Test Everything: Certified results protect all parties
• Document Pathways: Clear documentation saves future time
• Coordinate Trades: Work with electricians and HVAC early

Common Projects in Arapahoe County

• Office Networks: Cat6a with fiber backbone
• Tech Corridor: Data center and cloud facilities along I-25
• Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant infrastructure
• Education: School district network upgrades
• Retail: POS and payment system networks
• Residential: Whole-home networking

Stay Ahead of Construction Activity

Want to know when commercial construction requiring structured cabling hits permits in Arapahoe County before it reaches bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides

• Arapahoe County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Arapahoe County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Arapahoe County Access Control Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• Arapahoe County Contractor Licensing
• Arapahoe County Permits
• Colorado DORA Electrical Information