Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Fort Collins, Colorado

Quick Answer: Fort Collins does not require permits for most structured cabling (data/network cabling) installations. The city specifically exempts "entertainment, data, and communication systems within any building including related wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts" from contractor licensing requirements. This means most Cat5e, Cat6, and fiber optic work can proceed without permits.

Fort Collins Low Voltage Exemption

Fort Collins has one of the most contractor-friendly policies in Colorado for low voltage work. The city's licensing exemption specifically covers:

"Entertainment, data, and communication systems within any building including related wiring supplying not more than fifty (50) volts and which does not require a state electrical license."

This exemption covers virtually all structured cabling work, including:

• Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6A cable installations
• Fiber optic cabling
• Voice/telephone cabling
• Network infrastructure
• Data center cabling

When Are Permits Required?

Permits NOT Required For:

• Data cabling under 50V (nearly all network cabling)
• Voice/data cabling in existing raceways
• Fiber optic installations
• Wireless access point installation
• Network equipment rack installation
• Patch panel and termination work

Permits May Be Required When:

• Installation involves connection to building power (over 50V)
• Cabling penetrates fire-rated assemblies (fire-stopping documentation)
• Work is combined with fire alarm system installation
• Major telecommunications room construction affecting structure

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Work Type	License Required	Notes
Data/network cabling (under 50V)	Exempt	Fort Collins exemption applies
Fiber optic cabling	Exempt	No electrical component
Electrical connections (over 50V)	State Electrical License	DORA State Electrical Board
Fire alarm integration	Fire Alarm Contractor	PFA requirements apply

Code Compliance Requirements

Even when permits aren't required, all structured cabling in Fort Collins must comply with applicable codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Colorado has adopted the NEC. Relevant articles include:

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

Fire Penetration Requirements

When cabling penetrates fire-rated assemblies:

• Fire-stopping must be installed per manufacturer specifications
• Penetrations must maintain 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, abandoned cables must be removed unless removal would damage building finish:

• Old telephone cables no longer in use
• Abandoned data cables
• Unused coaxial cables

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
• Multi-mode fiber: Building backbone
• OM3/OM4/OM5: Data center applications

Infrastructure Components

• Telecommunications rooms (TR)
• Main distribution frames (MDF)
• Intermediate distribution frames (IDF)
• Cable pathways and raceways
• Equipment racks and cabinets

Industry Standards

Fort Collins installations should comply with TIA/EIA standards:

• TIA-568: Commercial building telecommunications cabling
• TIA-569: Telecommunications pathways and spaces
• TIA-606: Administration standard
• TIA-607: Grounding and bonding

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• No permits required for low voltage data cabling
• Must follow NEC requirements for cable types
• Fire-stopping at penetrations in multi-family required
• Consider TIA-570 residential standard

Commercial Structured Cabling

• No permits required under 50V exemption
• Coordinate with building management
• Plenum-rated cables in air-handling spaces
• Testing and certification documentation recommended

Best Practices

Pre-Installation

• Survey existing pathways and capacity
• Identify fire-rated assemblies
• Verify cable types needed (plenum vs. riser)
• Coordinate with building management

During Installation

• Maintain proper bend radius
• Use appropriate support and separation from electrical
• Label all cables per TIA-606
• Install firestop at all fire-rated penetrations
• Remove abandoned cables

Post-Installation

• Test and certify all cable runs
• Provide documentation and test results
• Document firestop installations
• Update cable management records

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Leverage the 50V exemption: Fort Collins makes structured cabling straightforward—no licensing hoops for most work
• Use correct cable ratings: Plenum-rated (CMP) cable required in air-handling spaces
• Document everything: Even without permits, good documentation protects you
• Plan for growth: Install 25-50% extra capacity
• Firestop properly: Use listed systems and document installations

Contact Information

Fort Collins Building Services
Phone: (970) 416-2740
Email: buildingservices@fcgov.com
Website: fcgov.com/building

Licensing Exemptions: fcgov.com/building/exemptions

Colorado State Electrical Board
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Website: dpo.colorado.gov/Electrical

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Related Guides

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