Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Brown County, Wisconsin

Installing structured cabling in Brown County, Wisconsin? Whether you're running Cat6 for an office in Green Bay, fiber optic backbone for a data center in De Pere, or network infrastructure for a warehouse in Ashwaubenon, understanding permit and code requirements helps you deliver compliant, professional installations.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

For most structured cabling installations, no permit is required. Wisconsin exempts low voltage work (50 volts or less) from state electrical licensing and permitting requirements. Standard data cabling—Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A, and fiber optic—operates well below this threshold. However, building permits may be required if your work involves penetrating fire-rated assemblies or structural modifications.

What Makes Structured Cabling Work Exempt?

Under Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 316, low voltage systems operating at 50 volts or less fall outside standard electrical permitting requirements. Structured cabling systems typically operate at:

• Ethernet (PoE): Up to 48V DC
• Data signals: Millivolt range
• Fiber optic: Light transmission (no voltage)
• Voice circuits: Typically under 50V

This means you can install network infrastructure without electrical permits for the low voltage work itself.

Wisconsin Commercial Building Code 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, Wisconsin adopts a new Commercial Building Code based on the 2021 ICC codes. This significantly affects low voltage systems:

Division 27 - Communications Systems

• Updated requirements for voice/data infrastructure
• Specifications for pathway and space planning
• Integration requirements with other building systems

Division 28 - Electronic Safety and Security

• Fire alarms, security, and life safety systems
• Access control and video surveillance requirements
• Code compliance verification before permitting

Key change: Earlier coordination with technology consultants is now expected. Structured cabling should be integrated into initial design and permitting phases.

City of Green Bay Commercial Permits

For commercial projects in Green Bay:

When Building Permits Are Required

• All new construction
• Alterations and improvements
• Reconstruction projects
• Work affecting fire-rated assemblies

Application Process

• Building permits may be taken out by contractor, tenant, or property owner
• All commercial projects use the long form permit application
• Plans must be approved and in compliance before work begins
• Inspection required upon completion

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Doubling of permit fees
• Municipal citation over $500
• Work ordered redone or removed if non-compliant

Do You Need a Contractor License?

Wisconsin does not require a specific low voltage or structured cabling license. You can legally install data cabling without a state-issued credential.

However, professional contractors should maintain:

• Business registration with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
• General liability insurance (required by most commercial clients)
• Industry certifications (BICSI, manufacturer certifications) for credibility
• Local business licenses depending on the municipality

For more on Wisconsin's regulatory framework, see our Wisconsin Low Voltage License Guide.

NEC Compliance Requirements

All structured cabling installations must meet National Electrical Code standards:

Cable Types by Location

Location	Required Cable Rating	NEC Article
Air handling spaces (plenums)	CMP (Plenum)	Article 800.154(A)
Vertical risers between floors	CMR (Riser) or CMP	Article 800.154(B)
General purpose areas	CM, CMR, or CMP	Article 800.154(C)
Residential	CMX or higher	Article 800.154(D)

Fire-Stopping Requirements

• All penetrations through fire-rated assemblies must be fire-stopped
• Use UL-listed fire-stop systems appropriate for cable types
• Document fire-stop installations for inspection

Fees and Timeline

Permit Type	Typical Fee	Processing Time
Low Voltage Cabling Only	Usually exempt	N/A
Commercial Building Permit	Varies by scope	Contact Green Bay
Electrical Permit (if line voltage)	Varies	1-3 business days

Residential vs Commercial Projects

Residential Installations

Home network cabling typically requires no permits when:

• Work is limited to low voltage wiring
• No penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Using existing pathways (attics, crawl spaces)

Commercial Installations

Commercial projects have additional considerations:

• Compliance with Wisconsin Commercial Building Code
• TIA-568 standards for structured cabling
• Documentation and labeling requirements
• Coordination with IT departments and building management
• Plans verified as code-compliant before permitting

Other Brown County Municipalities

Requirements vary by municipality:

• City of De Pere: Contact Building Inspection
• Village of Ashwaubenon: Contact Building Department
• Village of Howard: Contact Building Inspection
• Village of Bellevue: Contact Building Department
• Village of Suamico: Contact Building Department

Documentation Best Practices

Professional structured cabling installations should include:

• As-built drawings showing cable routes and outlet locations
• Cable schedules with unique identifiers for each run
• Test results from certification testing (Fluke, VIAVI, etc.)
• Fire-stop documentation with product specifications
• Warranty information for materials and workmanship

Pro Tips for Brown County Contractors

• Prepare for 2025 code: New Commercial Building Code takes effect October 2025
• Coordinate early: Engage with design teams during initial project phases
• Plan pathways: Coordinate with GC and electrical trades during rough-in
• Use proper support: J-hooks, cable tray, or conduit per manufacturer specs
• Label everything: Both ends of every cable, every patch panel port
• Test and certify: Provide test results for every installed cable

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using CMX (general purpose) cable in plenum spaces
• Exceeding cable fill ratios in conduit or pathway
• Failing to fire-stop penetrations through rated assemblies
• Not maintaining bend radius requirements
• Skipping certification testing
• Poor labeling that complicates future moves/adds/changes
• Not verifying code compliance before starting work

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Key Contacts

• City of Green Bay Building Permits: Building Permits & Inspections
• Green Bay Commercial Permits: Commercial Permits
• Brown County: Permits
• Wisconsin DSPS: SPS 316 Electrical Code

Related Permit Guides for Brown County

Explore permit requirements for other low voltage project types in Brown County:

• Security Camera Permits in Brown County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Brown County
• Access Control Permits in Brown County

Summary

For most structured cabling installations in Brown County, Wisconsin, no permit is required because the work falls under the state's low voltage exemption. However, compliance with NEC cable type requirements, fire-stopping standards, and the upcoming 2025 Wisconsin Commercial Building Code is essential. For commercial projects in Green Bay, coordinate early with design teams and ensure plans are code-compliant before permitting. Professional documentation and testing distinguishes quality installations and supports warranty coverage.