Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia

Quick Answer: Structured cabling contractors in Atlanta must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License—either the Telecommunications (LV-T), General (LV-G), or Unrestricted (LV-U) classification. While permits for the cabling itself may not always be required, electrical permits are needed when running new power circuits, and building permits apply when penetrating fire-rated assemblies or making structural modifications.

Understanding Atlanta's Structured Cabling Requirements

Georgia requires all low voltage contractors to be licensed before bidding or performing any work. The Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors regulates licensing per Title 43, Chapter 14 of the Georgia Code.

When Permits Are Required

Permits may be required in Atlanta for structured cabling when:

• Penetrating fire-rated walls, floors, or ceilings - Fire-stopping documentation required
• Installing cable pathways - New conduit, cable tray, or J-hook systems in commercial spaces
• Commercial new construction - Low voltage included in overall building permit
• Running cables in plenum spaces - Requires plenum-rated (CMP) cable
• Installing telecommunications rooms - MDF/IDF buildouts may need permits
• New electrical circuits - Power for equipment requires electrical permit

When Permits May Not Be Required

Permit exemptions typically apply for:

• Simple cable runs using existing pathways
• Patch cable connections and outlet additions
• Replacement of existing cables in same pathways
• Minor modifications that don't penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Work that doesn't involve electrical or structural changes

Always verify with the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings before starting work.

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License

The Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors issues several license classifications for structured cabling work:

License Classifications for Structured Cabling

License Type	Code	Scope
Unrestricted	LV-U	All low voltage work including telecommunications, alarm, and general
Telecommunications	LV-T	Voice, data, network cabling, switching systems, LAN systems
General	LV-G	Distribution wiring, LAN systems, sound systems, low voltage lighting
Alarm	LV-A	Alarm systems only (not typically for pure data cabling)

What LV-T and LV-G Cover

Telecommunications License (LV-T) covers switching systems and associated apparatus for two-way voice or data service, commonly controlled systems capable of local and remote administration.

General License (LV-G) covers distribution wiring for telecommunications systems including local area network (LAN) systems, sound systems, public address systems, and antenna systems.

License Requirements

Requirement	Details
Experience	Minimum 1 year in low voltage wiring for category applied
Job documentation	At least 3 low voltage wiring jobs completed in prior year
Application fee	$30
Pre-approval	Required before taking exam
Examination	Open book, 90 questions, 4-hour limit, 70% to pass
Renewal	Every 2 years (by November 30 of odd-numbered years)

For complete licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage License Guide.

NEC Article 800 Requirements

All structured cabling in Atlanta must comply with NEC Article 800 (Communications Circuits):

Cable Installation Standards

• Workmanlike manner - Cabling must be neat and not block access to equipment
• Proper support - Use appropriate hangers, J-hooks, or cable tray
• Abandoned cable removal - Remove accessible portions of abandoned cables
• Separation from power - Maintain proper clearances from electrical conductors

Plenum and Riser Requirements

Location	Cable Type Required	Notes
Plenum spaces	CMP (Communications Plenum)	Above suspended ceilings used for air return
Vertical risers	CMR (Communications Riser)	Penetrating more than one floor
General purpose	CM or CMG	Standard commercial installations
Residential	CMX	Limited use in dwellings

City of Atlanta Permits

The City of Atlanta offers online permitting for technical permits:

• Web-based online permitting system available
• Certain permits not requiring plan review can be submitted online
• Contact Office of Buildings for specific structured cabling requirements

Contact Information

Department	Contact
City of Atlanta Office of Buildings	(404) 330-6190
GA Low Voltage Board	(844) 753-7825
GA Low Voltage Board Email	plb@sos.ga.gov

Fees and Timeline

Item	Typical Cost	Timeline
Low voltage permit (if required)	$50-$150	1-5 business days
Plan review (commercial)	$75-$200	5-10 business days
GA LV license application	$30	Pre-approval required
GA LV exam	$150	Schedule through PSI

Residential vs. Commercial Projects

Residential Installations

• Permits often not required for simple cable runs
• May need permit if penetrating fire-rated assemblies
• New construction includes low voltage in overall building permit
• Use proper cable types (CMX minimum for residential)

Commercial Installations

• Must use Georgia-licensed low voltage contractor (LV-T, LV-G, or LV-U)
• Permits typically required for new pathway installations
• Fire-stopping documentation usually required
• Coordinate with building management for access
• Healthcare and data center facilities have additional requirements

Application Process

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

• Contact City of Atlanta Office of Buildings
• Determine if plans/drawings are required
• Verify contractor licensing requirements

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Complete permit application
• Prepare cable pathway drawings for larger projects
• Document fire-stopping methods if penetrating rated assemblies
• Gather contractor license and insurance

Step 3: Submit and Pay

• Submit via online portal or in person
• Pay permit and plan review fees
• Wait for approval before starting work

Step 4: Installation and Inspection

• Install per approved plans and NEC Article 800
• Schedule inspection if required
• Provide testing documentation if requested

Pro Tips from Atlanta Contractors

• Get the right license - LV-T or LV-U covers most structured cabling work; LV-G works for distribution wiring
• Document fire-stopping - Take photos before walls are closed; inspectors may request proof
• Use proper cable ratings - CMP for plenum, CMR for risers; avoid code violations
• Remove abandoned cable - NEC requires removal of accessible abandoned cables
• Consider Atlanta's humidity - Specify appropriate cable jacket ratings for environmental conditions
• Apply online when possible - City of Atlanta offers convenient online permitting
• Plan for testing - Many clients require Fluke or equivalent certification test results

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when structured cabling projects hit permits in Atlanta before they reach bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage License Requirements
• More Georgia Permit Guides

Last updated: January 2025. Permit requirements may vary. Always verify current requirements with the City of Atlanta and Georgia Secretary of State before starting work.