Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas

Quick Answer: Fort Worth requires contractor registration with the Development Services Department for permit-related work. Under the Fort Worth Electrical Code (2023 NEC), wiring under 25 volts and 50 watts is exempt from permit requirements. However, contractor registration is still required for commercial projects, and certain installations may need permits depending on scope.

Fort Worth Low Voltage Exemptions

Fort Worth has adopted specific exemptions in their electrical code for low voltage work.

Permit Exemption

Under the Fort Worth Electrical Code, the following is exempt from permit requirements:

• Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus, or equipment
• Operating at less than 25 volts
• Not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy
• Excludes signs (still require permits)

Important: Fort Worth exemption threshold (25V/50W) is more restrictive than Houston (50V/50W). Most structured cabling operates well under these thresholds, but verify equipment specifications.

Work That Still Requires Permits

• Power supply installations exceeding 25 volts or 50 watts
• Connection to building electrical systems
• Signage with electrical components
• Conduit requiring wall penetrations (may require building permit)
• Work in fire-rated assemblies requiring firestopping inspection

Contractor Registration

Fort Worth Requirement

Any firm, business, individual, or organization obtaining a permit related to the building, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical provisions of the City of Fort Worth Codes must have a valid Contractor Registration on file with the Development Services Department.

How to Register

Contact the Fort Worth Development Services Department for registration requirements and fees. Municipal registration fees typically range from $50-$500 depending on the city and type of work.

State-Level Exemptions (TDLR)

At the Texas state level, the Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) provides exemptions for low voltage work.

TDLR-Exempt Work

The Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act does NOT apply to:

• Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 remote control, signaling, or power-limited circuits
• Fire alarm circuits
• Optical fiber cables
• Communications circuits
• Raceways for the above systems

Municipal Override Authority

Municipalities retain authority to impose additional requirements. Fort Worth has exercised this authority by requiring contractor registration for permit-related work.

For complete state licensing information, see our Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Code Compliance

Fort Worth Electrical Code

Fort Worth has adopted the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) with local amendments. References to NFPA 70 mean the Fort Worth Electrical Code as adopted.

The code regulates:

• Design, construction, installation of electrical systems
• Signaling and communications conductors and equipment
• Fiber optic cables and raceways

Building Codes Adopted

Fort Worth has currently adopted:

• 2021 International Building Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 International Fire Code
• 2015 Energy Conservation Code
• 2023 National Electrical Code

Plenum Cable Requirements

Per NEC requirements, cables in air handling spaces must be plenum-rated:

• CMP: Communications Plenum - for air handling spaces
• CMR: Communications Riser - for vertical runs
• CM: Communications - general purpose areas

Industry Standards

Professional installations should comply with:

• ANSI/TIA-568 - Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• TIA-569 - Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• TIA-606 - Administration Standard
• TIA-607 - Grounding and Bonding

When Permits May Be Required

Electrical Permits

• Installing power for rack equipment
• Adding dedicated circuits for network closets
• UPS systems with hardwired connections
• Equipment exceeding 25V/50W threshold

Building Permits

• Equipment room construction
• Raised flooring in data centers
• Structural modifications
• HVAC modifications for cooling

Permit Fees

Fort Worth permit fees are tiered based on project scope:

Permit Type	Typical Range
Residential electrical	$40 - $300
Commercial electrical	Based on project value
Contractor registration	$50 - $500

Inspection Process

When permits are required, two inspections are typically scheduled:

1. Rough-in Inspection: After wiring is installed but before covering with drywall or insulation
2. Final Inspection: After everything is complete but before energizing new circuits

Best Practices

Documentation

Even when permits are not required, maintain professional documentation:

• As-built drawings showing cable pathways
• Cable labeling schedules
• Test results and certification reports
• Warranty documentation

Testing and Certification

• Test every cable drop using industry-standard equipment
• Provide certification reports to clients
• Verify TIA/EIA performance specifications compliance

Contact Information

Fort Worth Development Services Department
Permits: fortworthtexas.gov/departments/development-services/permits
Contractor Registration: Contractor Registration Page

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Phone: 512-463-6599
Toll-Free: 1-800-803-9202

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Register first: Complete Fort Worth contractor registration before bidding projects
• Know the threshold: Fort Worth uses 25V/50W exemption—verify equipment specs
• Document plenum compliance: Verify cable ratings match space requirements
• Plan for inspections: If permits are needed, factor in rough-in and final inspections
• Keep current on codes: Fort Worth recently adopted 2023 NEC—stay updated
• Test everything: Professional test reports differentiate your work

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when commercial construction projects hit permits in Fort Worth before they reach bid boards?

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Related Permit Guides

• Texas Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas
• Fire Alarm Permit Requirements in Fort Worth, Texas
• Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Dallas, Texas

Official Resources

• Fort Worth Contractor Registration
• Fort Worth Building and Energy Codes
• Fort Worth Electrical Code (2023 NEC)
• TDLR Electrician Exemptions