Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Baltimore, Maryland

Installing structured cabling and network wiring in Baltimore requires understanding Maryland's complex multi-jurisdictional licensing system. Whether you're pulling Cat6 for a new office buildout or running fiber backbone, this guide covers what contractors and property owners need to know about permits and licensing for low voltage data cabling in Baltimore, Maryland.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit for Structured Cabling in Baltimore?

Yes, permits are typically required. Baltimore City and Baltimore County both require electrical permits for low voltage wiring installations, including structured cabling and network infrastructure. Contractors must hold appropriate low voltage or electrical licenses, and all work must be installed by a licensed contractor with permits obtained prior to starting work.

When Structured Cabling Permits Are Required

Permits are required for structured cabling work in these situations:

• New installations - Running any new data cabling, fiber optic, or network infrastructure
• Building renovations - Adding network drops during tenant improvements or buildouts
• Backbone installations - Installing fiber or copper backbone between floors or buildings
• Server room buildouts - Wiring data centers, server rooms, or network closets
• Connection to building systems - Any low voltage work that ties into building electrical infrastructure

Permit Exemptions

Some low voltage work may be exempt from permits:

• Minor repairs to existing cabling (replacing damaged patch cables)
• Adding patch cables within existing infrastructure
• Testing and certifying existing installations
• Moves, adds, and changes within existing pathways (in some jurisdictions)

However, even for potentially exempt work, verify with the local permit office as requirements vary between Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

Maryland Low Voltage Licensing Requirements

Maryland has a complex multi-jurisdictional licensing system with significant variations between counties. The 50-volt threshold is key:

License Types

License Type	Authority	Scope
Restricted License (Low Voltage)	County-issued	Install, maintain, repair equipment and wiring at 50 volts or less
Master Electrician	State-issued	All electrical work including low voltage; required to pull permits
Journeyman Electrician	State-issued	Work under Master Electrician supervision

Baltimore County Restricted License

Baltimore County offers a Restricted License specifically for low voltage work:

• Voltage limit: 50 volts or less
• New license fee: $130
• Exam required: Yes, for first-time applicants not reciprocating from another jurisdiction
• Exam format: Open-book, 3 hours, based on current NEC
• Exam location: County Office Building, 111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room G-24, Towson, MD 21204
• Exam schedule: Monthly

Baltimore County enforces the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) for permits issued after August 31, 2023.

Important License Considerations

• County-issued restricted licenses are only valid within the issuing county
• Work requiring connection to systems over 50 volts requires a state electrical license
• Some jurisdictions require a Master Electrician to pull permits even for low voltage work
• The Master Electrician may need to be present for certain inspections

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

Baltimore City vs Baltimore County

Important: Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions with different permit offices and potentially different requirements.

Baltimore City

• Permits issued through Baltimore City Department of Housing & Community Development
• Uses E-Permits system for applications
• License reciprocity available from other Maryland jurisdictions
• Contact: 443-984-1809

Baltimore County

• Permits issued through Permits, Approvals and Inspections
• All electrical work including low voltage requires licensed contractor
• Working without a permit is a civil penalty of $1,000
• Contact: 410-887-3351

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Verify Licensing

• Confirm your license is valid for the specific jurisdiction (City vs County)
• If reciprocating from another Maryland county, complete required paperwork
• Ensure license covers the scope of work (50V threshold)

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Detailed cable routing drawings showing pathways and termination points
• Equipment specifications for racks, patch panels, and hardware
• Fire-stopping plans if penetrating fire-rated assemblies
• Load calculations if installing active equipment

Step 3: Submit Application

Baltimore City: Submit through E-Permits system online

Baltimore County: Submit through the Online Permit Portal

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

• Rough-in inspection before closing walls or ceilings
• Final inspection upon completion
• Some jurisdictions may require Master Electrician presence at inspection

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Amount
Low Voltage Electrical Permit	$50-$200 (varies by scope)
Baltimore County Restricted License (new)	$130
License Renewal	$75-$100
Penalty for working without permit	$1,000

Timeline:

• Permit review: 3-7 business days
• Restricted license exam: Monthly schedule
• Inspection scheduling: 1-3 business days

Residential vs Commercial Structured Cabling

Residential Projects

• Contractors need Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC) license for residential work
• Simpler permit process for single-family homes
• Common installations: whole-home networking, home theater wiring, smart home infrastructure
• Homeowners may perform some work themselves in certain circumstances (verify locally)

Commercial Projects

• More extensive documentation requirements
• Fire-stopping critical for penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Coordination required with building management and other trades
• Common installations: office buildouts, data centers, retail networks, hospital systems
• May require coordination with telecommunications providers

Low Voltage Systems Covered

The following systems operating at 50 volts or less fall under low voltage regulations:

• Structured cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, Cat8)
• Fiber optic installations (single-mode, multi-mode)
• Telephone and voice systems
• Audio/video distribution systems
• Computer network infrastructure
• Wireless access point cabling
• Building automation cabling
• Intercom and paging systems

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first - Baltimore City and Baltimore County have different requirements; confirm which jurisdiction your project falls under
• Get licensed in multiple counties - If working throughout the Baltimore metro area, obtain licenses in each county where you'll work
• Document everything - Keep records of all permits, test results, and certifications for each installation
• Plan fire-stopping early - Penetrations through fire-rated walls require specific materials and methods; plan this before installation
• Coordinate with general contractor - On commercial jobs, ensure cable pathways are included in construction drawings
• Test and certify - Provide cable certification reports (Fluke or equivalent) to demonstrate installation quality
• Know the code - Baltimore County uses 2023 NEC; study relevant low voltage sections before the exam

Contact Information

Maryland State Board of Electricians
Department of Labor
500 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 230-6163
Email: dloplmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.gov

Baltimore County Permits and Inspections
111 W. Chesapeake Avenue
Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-3351

Baltimore City Housing & Community Development
417 E Fayette St
Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: 443-984-1809

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Maryland and alerts you to opportunities the moment they're filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Maryland Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Baltimore, MD Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Baltimore, MD Access Control Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2025. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the specific jurisdiction (Baltimore City or Baltimore County) before beginning work.