Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Davis County, Utah

Installing structured cabling systems in Davis County requires understanding both local building permit requirements and Utah state licensing rules. Davis County's Community and Economic Development Department handles permits for unincorporated areas, while individual cities like Farmington, Layton, and Bountiful have their own permitting processes.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope of work. Davis County requires permits for electrical system work, but low-voltage cabling under 25 volts operating at less than 50 watts is typically exempt. However, larger commercial installations involving conduit, fire-rated penetrations, or new electrical circuits will require permits. Always verify with Davis County for your specific project.

What Structured Cabling Work Requires a Permit in Davis County?

According to Davis County Community and Economic Development, permits are required for work on electrical systems. The following structured cabling work may trigger permit requirements:

• Installing new telecommunications rooms or equipment closets
• Running backbone cabling between floors or buildings
• Any cabling work that penetrates fire-rated walls or ceilings
• Installing new electrical circuits for network equipment
• Large-scale commercial data center infrastructure projects
• Fiber optic installations requiring conduit or pathway construction
• Projects requiring structural modifications

When Is a Permit NOT Required?

Most low-voltage structured cabling work is exempt from permits:

• Low-voltage systems operating under 25 volts and 50 watts
• Replacing existing network cables with equivalent cables
• Adding patch cables or jumpers within existing infrastructure
• Installing surface-mounted raceway in limited quantities
• Terminating cables at existing patch panels or outlets
• Minor moves, adds, and changes using existing pathways
• Most PoE (Power over Ethernet) installations

Contact Davis County Community and Economic Development at (801) 451-3279 to confirm whether your specific project requires a permit.

Do You Need a License to Install Structured Cabling in Utah?

Yes for professional installers. Utah requires contractors performing structured cabling work to hold a Low Voltage License from the Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL). Requirements include:

• Age requirement: Must be at least 18 years old
• Experience: Four years of experience in the low voltage field
• Examination: Pass a written exam covering fire alarms, access control, video surveillance, security systems, and structured cabling
• Renewal: Licenses must be renewed every two years

The Low Voltage License covers systems operating up to 95 volts, which includes most structured cabling installations.

For complete licensing requirements, see our Utah Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Structured Cabling Permit in Davis County

1. Verify jurisdiction: Confirm your property is in unincorporated Davis County (cities have their own processes)
2. Submit application online: Use the Davis County online permit portal
3. Complete application: Include project details and scope of work
4. Submit documentation: Floor plans, riser diagrams, and cable pathway specifications
5. Pay permit fees
6. Schedule inspections after installation is complete

Required Documentation

• Building permit application
• Floor plans showing cable pathways and outlet locations
• Riser diagrams for backbone cabling
• Equipment room layouts
• Fire stopping details for penetrations
• Contractor license verification
• For commercial projects: Detailed electrical drawings

What Are the Permit Fees in Davis County?

Permit Type	Estimated Fee
Minimum permit (single inspection)	$202
Electrical permit with plan review	$250+
Commercial permit	Varies by project scope
Re-inspection fee	$50+

Fees vary based on project scope and valuation. Contact Davis County for exact quotes.

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Stage	Typical Timeline
Residential permit approval	1-3 business days
Commercial plan review	5-10 business days
Inspection scheduling	1-2 business days
Final inspection	Same day if passed

Residential vs Commercial Structured Cabling Permits

Residential Projects

Home network cabling installations are generally straightforward:

• Most residential systems are permit-exempt (low-voltage)
• Simpler process when permits are required
• Lower fees than commercial projects
• Typical projects include whole-home networking, home office setups, and smart home infrastructure

Commercial Projects

Commercial structured cabling installations have additional requirements:

• More detailed plan review process
• Fire code compliance for cable pathways and penetrations
• ANSI/TIA and BICSI standards compliance expected
• Plenum-rated cable requirements in air handling spaces
• Telecommunications room ventilation and power requirements

Fire Code and Pathway Requirements

Structured cabling must comply with fire and life safety codes:

• Plenum-rated cables: Required in air handling spaces (CMP or plenum jacket)
• Fire stopping: All penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors must be properly sealed
• Riser-rated cables: Required for vertical runs between floors (CMR rating)
• Pathway fill ratios: Cannot exceed maximum fill percentages in conduit
• Equipment room requirements: Proper ventilation and fire suppression considerations

Industry Standards for Structured Cabling

Davis County inspectors expect installations to meet industry standards:

• ANSI/TIA-568: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• ANSI/TIA-569: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• ANSI/TIA-606: Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• BICSI standards: Best practices for installation and testing
• NEC Article 800: Communications circuits requirements

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Cities within Davis County have different requirements than unincorporated areas
• Plan fire stopping early: Coordinate penetration locations with fire stopping requirements
• Test before inspection: Have certification test results ready for the inspector
• Label everything: Proper labeling per TIA-606 helps pass inspections faster
• Don't cover wiring: Wait for rough-in inspection before concealing cables

Davis County Contact Information

• Department: Community and Economic Development
• Address: 61 S Main Street, Room 304, Farmington, UT 84025
• Phone: (801) 451-3279
• Website: daviscountyutah.gov/ced/planning/building-permits
• Online Payments: Online Permit Payment

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Davis County

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