Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Installing structured cabling and network infrastructure in Bowling Green benefits from Kentucky's exemptions for low-voltage telecommunications work. While stand-alone data cabling typically doesn't require permits, contractors must be licensed through the Bowling Green/Warren County Contractor's Licensing Board. Here's what you need to know.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Usually no for low-voltage data cabling alone. Bowling Green generally does not require building permits for stand-alone structured cabling installations (Cat5e, Cat6, fiber optic). Kentucky exempts low-voltage telecommunications work from electrical licensing requirements. However, contractor licensing is required, and permits may apply when cabling is part of larger construction projects.

When Are Permits Required for Structured Cabling?

The Bowling Green Building Division may require permits when:

• Structured cabling is part of new construction or tenant buildout
• Work requires electrical connections over 50 volts
• Cable pathways penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Installation is included in a building permit scope
• Major commercial renovation includes data infrastructure

Generally Exempt from Permits

• Stand-alone low-voltage data cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a)
• Fiber optic cable installation
• Network equipment and rack installation
• Moves, adds, and changes to existing cabling
• Residential network wiring

What Contractor Licensing Does Bowling Green Require?

Local Level: Contractor's Licensing Board

The Bowling Green/Warren County Contractor's Licensing Board requires licensing for contractors:

License Type	Fee	When Required
Specialty Contractor	$100	Cabling subcontract work
General Contractor	$250	Two+ subcontractors per job

Application Requirements

• Insurance: Certificate of General Liability ($100,000 minimum per occurrence)
• Certificate holder: Contractor's Licensing Board must be listed
• Occupational license: Required for work within city limits

State Level: Telecommunications Exemption

Under KRS § 227A.030, workers installing low-voltage telecommunications systems are exempt from electrician licensing. This covers:

• Data cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, Cat8)
• Voice cabling and telephone systems
• Fiber optic installations
• Network infrastructure

For comprehensive state information, see our Kentucky Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for Licensing and Permits?

Contractor License Application

1. Obtain application from Contractor's Licensing Board
2. Secure Certificate of Insurance ($100,000 minimum GL)
3. List Contractor's Licensing Board as certificate holder
4. Submit completed application with fee ($100 specialty / $250 general)
5. Obtain Bowling Green Occupational License for city work

Contact Information:

• Contractor's Licensing Board: (270) 781-3530
• Address: 1141 State Street Suite 200, Bowling Green, KY 42101
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed 12-1 p.m.)
• Occupational License: (270) 393-3000 (Finance Department)

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Service	Fee	Timeline
Specialty Contractor License	$100	7-14 business days
General Contractor License	$250	7-14 business days
Building Permit (tenant buildout)	Based on valuation	7-14 business days
Electrical Permit (when required)	Based on scope	3-7 business days
Occupational License	Varies	5-10 business days

Note: Many low-voltage cabling projects require no building permit fees.

What's the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Projects?

Residential Structured Cabling

Home network installations in Bowling Green typically:

• Require no building permit for low-voltage data cabling
• Follow NEC Article 725 (Class 2/3) and Article 800 (communications)
• Need proper cable ratings for in-wall installation (CM, CMR, CMP)
• Must maintain separation from electrical wiring per code

Commercial Structured Cabling

Business installations require:

• Contractor licensing (specialty or general)
• Compliance with TIA/EIA-568 standards
• Plenum-rated cable (CMP) in air-handling spaces
• Fire-stopping at rated penetrations
• Labeling and documentation per building requirements

Warren County (Outside City Limits)

The Contractor's Licensing Board covers both Bowling Green AND Warren County:

• Same licensing requirements apply countywide
• City occupational license not required outside city limits
• Warren County Building Services handles county permits

Fire-Stopping and Code Compliance

Even without permits, structured cabling must comply with codes:

• Fire-stopping: All penetrations through fire-rated assemblies must be properly sealed
• Plenum ratings: CMP cable required in air-handling spaces
• Riser ratings: CMR cable for vertical runs between floors
• Separation: Maintain proper distance from power conductors per NEC
• Support: Use proper J-hooks, cable trays, and support methods

Pro Tips for Bowling Green Structured Cabling Contractors

• Get licensed first: $100 specialty contractor license required before working
• Insurance is mandatory: $100,000 GL minimum with Board as certificate holder
• Kentucky exemption helps: KRS 227A.030 exempts low-voltage telecom from electrical licensing
• Joint city-county board: One license covers Bowling Green AND Warren County
• Fire-stopping matters: Even permit-exempt work must maintain fire barrier integrity
• Document your work: Commercial clients expect as-built drawings and test results

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when office buildouts and infrastructure projects hit permits in Bowling Green before they reach bid boards?

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

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Related Permit Guides for Bowling Green

• Security Camera Permits in Bowling Green
• Fire Alarm Permits in Bowling Green
• Access Control Permits in Bowling Green

Last updated: January 2025. Verify current requirements with the Bowling Green/Warren County Contractor's Licensing Board before bidding projects.