Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Quick Answer: Colorado Springs typically does not require permits specifically for standalone low voltage structured cabling (data/network cabling) installations. However, permits may be required when work involves electrical connections to building power, penetrates fire-rated assemblies, or is combined with fire alarm installations. Colorado does not have a statewide low voltage license requirement, but local PPRBD registration may apply for certain work.

When Are Permits Required?

Most low voltage data cabling work in Colorado Springs does not require a permit. However, certain conditions 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 (TR) or MDF construction

Permits Typically NOT Required For:

• Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6A cable installations within existing pathways
• 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. PPRBD does not have a specific "low voltage data cabling" license category, but certain related licenses may apply:

License Type	When Required	Issuing Agency
Electrical Contractor Registration	Electrical work connected to building power	PPRBD + State
Fire Alarm Contractor (FAC-A/FAC-B)	Fire alarm integration	PPRBD
Building Contractor	New construction affecting structure	PPRBD

Note: Electrical, plumbing, and elevator contractors are licensed by the State of Colorado but must also register with PPRBD to perform work in their jurisdiction.

Insurance Requirements (When Licensed)

For contractors who require PPRBD licensing:

• Liability Insurance: Required for all contractors
• Workers' Compensation: Required if contractor has employees
• Certificates must list "Pikes Peak Regional Building Department" as certificate holder

Code Compliance Requirements

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

National Electrical Code (NEC) Requirements

The NEC is the adopted code used by the State of Colorado. Relevant articles include:

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

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

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

Colorado Springs 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

• May require contractor registration depending on scope
• 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 Colorado Springs 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) for each area
• 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 PPRBD at (719) 327-2880 to confirm if permits are needed for your specific project
• Use correct cable ratings: Plenum-rated (CMP) cable is required in air-handling spaces—using wrong cable is a code violation
• Document everything: Even without permits, good documentation protects you and satisfies building owners
• Plan for growth: Install additional capacity (typically 25-50% extra runs) for future needs
• Firestop properly: This is where inspectors focus attention—use listed systems and document installations

Contact Information

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD)
2880 International Circle, Suite 200-1
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 327-2880
Email: Licensing@pprbd.org
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Website: pprbd.org

Colorado State Electrical Board (DORA)
1560 Broadway, Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical

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Related Guides

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