Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Bloomington, Minnesota

Installing structured cabling and network infrastructure in Bloomington, Minnesota requires state licensing through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Located in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area and home to the Mall of America, Bloomington has significant commercial cabling needs. This guide covers everything contractors need to know about data cabling installations in this Twin Cities suburb.

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

State license required; permits depend on project scope. Minnesota requires a Power Limited Technician (PLT) license for individuals and a Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) license for companies performing low-voltage work including structured cabling. Building permits may be required for commercial projects, new construction, or work involving fire-rated assemblies. Standalone data cabling in existing spaces may be permit-exempt but still requires licensed contractors.

When Are Permits Required vs. Exempt?

State Licensing Always Required

All structured cabling work performed for compensation
Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a cable installations
Fiber optic cable installations
Network infrastructure and patch panels
Telecommunications closet buildouts
WiFi access point installations
Cable tray and pathway installations

Building Permits May Be Required

New construction commercial cabling
Major tenant improvement projects
Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
Exterior cable runs or building penetrations
Integration with fire alarm systems
Work in healthcare facilities

Typically Permit-Exempt (License Still Required)

Retrofitting existing spaces with data drops
Adding network outlets to existing pathways
Cable testing and certification
Equipment room rack installations

Minnesota State Licensing Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry administers electrical and low-voltage licensing under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 326B.

Power Limited Technician (PLT) License

Required for individuals performing low-voltage work:

3 years of experience working for a licensed contractor
Must be registered as unlicensed worker during experience period
Experience must be in technology circuits and systems
Pass PLT licensing examination
Submit application through mn.gov/elicense

Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) License

Required for companies performing low-voltage work:

Must employ at least one licensed PLT or master electrician
Proof of liability insurance required
Workers compensation coverage required
Business registration with the state

PLT Work Scope Restrictions

PLTs cannot work on:

Class 2/3 circuits that control other electrical systems
Circuits in electrical cabinets with unprotected higher voltage
Hazardous locations
Critical care areas in healthcare facilities
Commercial fire alarm systems (requires fire alarm license)

Supervision Requirements

Unlicensed technicians can work under direct PLT supervision
Unlicensed workers must be registered with DOLI
Responsible licensed individual required for all projects

Code Compliance Requirements

Minnesota has adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code:

NEC Article 725: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 Remote-Control Circuits
NEC Article 770: Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways
NEC Article 800: Communications Circuits
Minnesota State Building Code Chapter 1315
2024 Minnesota Commercial Energy Code (effective January 5, 2024)

Bloomington Building Department Process

Where to Apply

City of Bloomington Community Development
1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone: 952-563-8920
Online permits through city portal

Typical Required Documents

Permit application
Floor plans showing cable pathways
Fire-rated penetration details (if applicable)
Contractor license documentation
Insurance certificates

Fees and Timeline

License/Permit Type	Typical Fee	Processing Time
PLT License (State)	$75-$150	2-4 weeks
TSC Company License (State)	$150-$300	4-6 weeks
Unlicensed Worker Registration	$25-$50	1-2 weeks
Bloomington Building Permit	Varies by scope	5-10 business days

Fees current as of 2026. Contact Minnesota DOLI at 651-284-5012 for current licensing fees.

Mall of America and Large Commercial Considerations

Bloomington is home to significant commercial properties with specific requirements:

Mall of America has its own permit and vendor requirements
Large commercial properties may require coordination with property management
Data center work may have additional security clearance requirements
Healthcare facilities (like HealthPartners) have restricted areas for PLTs

Contractor Requirements Summary

To perform structured cabling work in Bloomington, Minnesota:

Technology Systems Contractor (TSC) license for company
Power Limited Technician (PLT) license for lead technician
All unlicensed workers registered with DOLI
General liability insurance
Workers compensation coverage
Minnesota business registration

Pro Tips

Register unlicensed workers: All technicians must be registered during their 3-year experience period
PLT restrictions: Know the boundaries - no fire alarm or healthcare critical care
2023 NEC: Current code - ensure installations comply with latest requirements
Mall of America: Separate vendor credentialing process required
Supervision documentation: Keep records of supervision for unlicensed workers
Online licensing: Use mn.gov/elicense for all license applications

Stay Ahead of Cabling Projects

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Minnesota and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed. Stop chasing—start catching.

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Related Guides

Last updated: January 2026. Information verified against official sources. Minnesota requires PLT licensing for all low-voltage work—confirm current requirements with DOLI before starting projects.