Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Aurora, Colorado

Quick Answer: Aurora typically does not require permits specifically for standalone low voltage structured cabling (data/network cabling) installations. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license requirement for telecommunications and data work. However, permits may be required when cabling work involves electrical connections to building power, penetrates fire-rated assemblies, or is combined with other permitted work. Contact Aurora Building Division at (303) 739-7420 to verify requirements for your specific project.

When Are Permits Required?

Most low voltage data cabling work in Aurora does not require a permit. However, certain conditions may trigger permit requirements:

Permits May Be Required When:

• Installation involves connection to building power systems (120V+)
• Cabling penetrates fire-rated walls, floors, or ceilings
• Work is combined with fire alarm system installation
• Conduit installation in new construction
• Work affects means of egress or emergency systems
• Major telecommunications room construction

Permits Typically NOT Required For:

• Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A cable installations
• Fiber optic cabling that doesn't penetrate fire barriers
• Voice/data cabling in existing raceways
• Wireless access point installation (low voltage only)
• Network equipment rack installation without electrical work
• Patch panel and cable termination work

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Colorado does not require a statewide low voltage contractor license for structured cabling and telecommunications work:

Work Type	License Required	Issuing Agency
Low voltage data cabling	None statewide	N/A
Electrical connections (120V+)	Colorado State Electrical License	DORA
Fire alarm integration	Fire Alarm Contractor License	Aurora Building Division

State Electrical Board Exemptions: The Colorado State Electrical Board does NOT regulate most low voltage telecommunications and data work, including voice and data cabling (Cat 5/6/7) and network cabling for computer networks.

Code Compliance Requirements

Even when permits aren't required, all structured cabling installations in Aurora must comply with applicable codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC) Requirements

Colorado has adopted the NEC. Relevant articles include:

• NEC Article 800: Communications circuits
• NEC Article 770: Optical fiber cables and raceways
• NEC Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 circuits
• NEC Sections 800.25 and 725.25: Abandoned cable removal

Fire Penetration Requirements

When cabling penetrates fire-rated assemblies:

• Fire-stopping must be installed per manufacturer specifications
• Penetrations must maintain the fire rating of the assembly
• Use listed firestop systems (3M, Hilti, STI, etc.)
• Documentation may be required by building owners

Abandoned Cable Requirements

Per NEC requirements, abandoned communications cables must be removed unless removal would damage building finish:

• Old telephone cables no longer in use
• Abandoned data cables
• Unused coaxial cables
• Class 2/3 cables no longer serving equipment

Types of Structured Cabling Work

Category Cable Installations

• Cat5e: Up to 1 Gbps, suitable for basic networks
• Cat6: Up to 10 Gbps at 55 meters, standard for new installations
• Cat6A: Up to 10 Gbps at 100 meters, recommended for future-proofing
• Cat7: Shielded, up to 10 Gbps at 100 meters

Fiber Optic Installations

• Single-mode fiber: Long-distance, high-bandwidth applications
• Multi-mode fiber: Building backbone, shorter distances
• OM3/OM4/OM5: Data center and high-speed applications

Infrastructure Components

• Telecommunications rooms (TR)
• Main distribution frames (MDF)
• Intermediate distribution frames (IDF)
• Cable pathways and raceways
• Equipment racks and cabinets

Industry Standards

Aurora structured cabling installations should comply with TIA/EIA standards:

• TIA-568: Commercial building telecommunications cabling standard
• TIA-569: Telecommunications pathways and spaces
• TIA-606: Administration standard for telecommunications infrastructure
• TIA-607: Grounding and bonding requirements

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• Generally no permits required for low voltage data cabling
• Must follow NEC requirements for cable types
• Fire-stopping required at penetrations between units in multi-family
• Consider TIA-570 residential telecommunications standard

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Verify with Building Division for specific requirements
• Coordinate with building management for pathway access
• Fire-stopping documentation often required by building owners
• Testing and certification documentation standard practice
• Plenum-rated cables required in air-handling spaces

Best Practices for Aurora Installations

Pre-Installation

• Survey existing pathways and available capacity
• Identify fire-rated assemblies and plan firestop installations
• Verify cable types (plenum vs. riser vs. general purpose)
• Coordinate with building management and IT departments

During Installation

• Maintain proper bend radius for all cable types
• Use appropriate support and separation from electrical
• Label all cables per TIA-606 standards
• Install firestop at all penetrations of fire-rated assemblies
• Remove abandoned cables per NEC requirements

Post-Installation

• Test and certify all cable runs
• Provide documentation including test results and as-built drawings
• Document firestop installations with photos
• Update building cable management records

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify requirements first: Call Aurora Building Division at (303) 739-7420 to confirm permit needs
• Use correct cable ratings: Plenum-rated (CMP) cable required in air-handling spaces
• Document everything: Even without permits, good documentation protects you
• Plan for growth: Install 25-50% extra capacity for future needs
• Firestop properly: Use listed systems and document all installations

Contact Information

Aurora Building Division - Permit Center
Aurora Municipal Center
15151 E. Alameda Parkway, 2nd Floor
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: (303) 739-7420
Email: permits@auroragov.org
Website: auroragov.org/permits

Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA)
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical

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Related Guides

• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor Licensing Guide
• Aurora Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Aurora Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Aurora Access Control Permit Requirements