Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in El Paso County, Colorado

Quick Answer: Structured cabling installations in El Paso County, Colorado generally do not require permits when working with low voltage systems under 50 volts. Colorado has no statewide low voltage license requirement. Most data cabling, network infrastructure, and telecommunications wiring falls under the low voltage exemption. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD) handles permits when electrical work above 50V or building modifications are required.

When Are Permits Required?

El Paso County follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work, with PPRBD serving as the regional permitting authority.

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a network cabling
• Fiber optic cable installation
• Telephone and voice cabling
• Data center rack and cabinet wiring
• Patch panel and jack terminations
• Wireless access point cabling
• Coaxial and AV system cabling

Permits MAY Be Required:

• New electrical circuits for network equipment
• Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Work in plenum spaces affecting HVAC
• Exterior conduit requiring structural attachment
• Underground or aerial cable runs
• Work in county right-of-way

Pikes Peak Regional Building Department

PPRBD serves unincorporated El Paso County and participating municipalities including Colorado Springs, Fountain, Woodland Park, Manitou Springs, Monument, and Palmer Lake.

PPRBD Contact:
2880 International Circle
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
Phone: (719) 327-2880
Website: pprbd.org

Colorado State Requirements

Colorado has no statewide low voltage contractor license. Key points:

• No state license required for low voltage work under 50V
• Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements
• Business licensing required for commercial work
• Insurance and bonding recommended for all contractors

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

Contractor Requirements

For structured cabling work in El Paso County:

• Business License: Required for commercial operations
• Liability Insurance: Proof may be required for larger projects
• Workers' Compensation: Required if employing workers
• Electrical License: From PPRBD if work exceeds 50V

Commercial vs. Residential Projects

Residential Structured Cabling

• No permits typically required for in-wall network cabling
• Cat6/Cat6a home runs to central location standard
• Wi-Fi access point pre-wiring increasingly common
• Consider whole-home audio and smart home integration
• HOA restrictions may apply in some communities

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Plenum-Rated Cable: CMP required in air handling spaces
• Fire Stopping: Required at fire-rated penetrations
• NEC Article 800: Communications circuit requirements
• TIA-568 Standards: Follow for commercial installations
• Labeling: Per TIA-606 for all cables and pathways

Code Compliance Requirements

Even when permits aren't required, installations must comply with applicable codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Article 800: Communications circuits
• Article 770: Optical fiber cables and raceways
• Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 circuits

Fire Code Requirements

• Plenum-rated (CMP) cables in air handling spaces
• Riser-rated (CMR) cables for vertical runs between floors
• Fire stopping at all fire-rated assembly penetrations
• Cable tray fill limits per NEC

Pikes Peak Regional Building Code

• Based on International Building Code with local amendments
• Fire-rated construction requirements
• Accessibility standards for commercial buildings

Fees and Inspections

When permits are required:

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	When Required
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	New circuits for equipment
Building Permit	Based on valuation	Structural modifications
Fire Permit	Contact Fire Marshal	Fire-rated penetrations
Low voltage cabling only	No permit required	N/A

Most routine structured cabling work requires no permits in El Paso County.

Special Considerations for El Paso County

• High Altitude: Consider equipment ratings for 6,000+ feet elevation
• Temperature Extremes: Exterior runs need weather-rated cable
• Rural Properties: Long runs may require fiber for distance
• Military Installations: Special requirements near Fort Carson
• Data Centers: Growing sector in Colorado Springs area

Best Practices

Documentation

• Create as-built drawings showing cable routes
• Maintain certified test results for all links
• Provide warranty documentation to building owner
• Label all cables at both ends per TIA-606

Quality Standards

• Test all copper links with certified cable testers
• OTDR testing for fiber runs over 100 meters
• Maintain proper bend radius throughout
• Use appropriate cable management in all spaces

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Pre-Wire During Construction: Install conduit when walls are open
• Future-Proof: Cat6a becoming standard for commercial work
• Test Everything: Certified results protect contractor and client
• Document Pathways: Clear documentation saves time on future work
• Coordinate with Trades: Work with electricians and HVAC early
• Check for Asbestos: Older buildings may require special handling

Common Projects in El Paso County

• Office Networks: Cat6a to workstations with fiber backbone
• Military Contractors: Secure networks with compliance requirements
• Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant network infrastructure
• Data Centers: High-density cabling for cloud facilities
• Education: K-12 and university network infrastructure
• Residential: Whole-home networking and smart home systems

Stay Ahead of Construction Activity

Want to know when commercial construction requiring structured cabling hits permits in El Paso County before it reaches bid boards?

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

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Related Permit Guides

• El Paso County Security Camera Permit Requirements
• El Paso County Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• El Paso County Access Control Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
• El Paso County Official Website
• Colorado DORA Electrical Information