Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Franklin County, Ohio

Quick Answer: Low-voltage structured cabling installations in Franklin County, Ohio are generally exempt from electrical permits when operating under 50 volts. However, permits may be required for work involving electrical modifications, conduit installation, or penetrations through fire-rated assemblies. Always verify jurisdiction and project scope with the Franklin County Building Regulation Department.

When Is a Structured Cabling Permit Required?

Franklin County typically requires permits for structured cabling in these situations:

• Installation of new electrical circuits to power network equipment
• Conduit runs through fire-rated walls or floors
• Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies requiring fire stopping
• Ceiling grid modifications in commercial spaces
• Outdoor aerial or underground cable installations
• Work in new construction as part of overall building permit

Important Jurisdiction Note

Critical: Franklin County permits apply only to unincorporated areas. Projects within Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, Hilliard, or other municipalities require permits from those local building departments. Verify jurisdiction through the Franklin County Auditor property search before applying.

Typically Exempt Work

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

• Category 5e/6/6A ethernet cable installation
• Fiber optic cable runs (no electrical)
• Coaxial cable for CATV/CCTV
• Telephone and voice cabling
• Patch panel and rack installations (no electrical modifications)
• Cable tray installation in existing spaces

Per Ohio Revised Code, low-voltage work under 50 volts is typically exempt from electrical licensing requirements, though always confirm with the local authority.

Ohio Contractor Licensing Requirements

Ohio has favorable regulations for low-voltage contractors:

Low-Voltage Exemption

Ohio does not require electrical contractor licensing for work involving:

• Systems operating under 50 volts
• Network and telecommunications cabling
• Fiber optic installations
• Audio/visual cabling systems

When Electrical License Is Required

The Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) requires licensing for:

• Installing electrical circuits (120V+) for equipment power
• Work on systems over 50 volts
• Modifications to existing electrical systems

Recommended Industry Certifications

While not legally required, these certifications demonstrate competency:

• BICSI RCDD - Registered Communications Distribution Designer
• BICSI Installer Certifications - Copper and Fiber
• Manufacturer Certifications - CommScope, Panduit, Corning, Belden
• OSHA 10/30 - Safety certifications for commercial sites

Franklin County Permit Application Process

Step 1: Verify Jurisdiction and Requirements

Confirm your project location and whether permits are needed:

• Check jurisdiction via property search
• Contact Building Regulation Department if scope involves fire penetrations or electrical work

Step 2: Prepare Documentation (If Permit Required)

For projects requiring permits, gather:

• Permit application through SmartGov portal
• Floor plans showing cable pathways and outlet locations
• Riser diagrams for multi-floor installations
• Fire stopping specifications for rated penetrations
• Equipment room layouts
• Contractor information and qualifications

Step 3: Submit Online

Franklin County accepts applications through the SmartGov online portal.

Step 4: Inspections

If permits are required, schedule inspections through SmartGov. Provide 48 hours notice for inspection requests.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Service	Fee	Timeline
Low-Voltage Only (if exempt)	No permit required	N/A
Electrical Permit (if needed)	$75 - $200+	5-10 business days
Fire Stopping Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule 48 hours ahead
Re-inspection Fee	$50 - $75	Same day if available

Fees subject to change. Contact the Building Regulation Department for current rates.

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

Home network installations in Franklin County typically include:

• Whole-home ethernet wiring
• Home theater and audio distribution
• Smart home backbone infrastructure
• Home office networking
• Security system cabling

Most residential low-voltage work does not require permits. However, installing dedicated electrical circuits for network equipment may require an electrical permit.

Commercial Structured Cabling

Commercial projects have additional considerations:

• Plenum-rated cables: Required for air-handling spaces (CMP/OFNP ratings)
• Fire stopping: All penetrations through fire-rated assemblies must be properly sealed
• Pathway compliance: Cable tray and conduit installations per NEC Article 725
• TIA/EIA standards: ANSI/TIA-568 compliance for commercial installations
• Labeling requirements: Proper identification per TIA-606 standards
• Testing documentation: Certification test results for warranty compliance

Fire Code Compliance

Structured cabling must comply with Ohio Fire Code:

• Plenum cables: Use CMP or OFNP rated cables in air-handling spaces
• Riser cables: CMR or OFNR rated cables for vertical runs between floors
• Fire stopping: All penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors must be sealed with listed fire stop systems
• Cable bundling limits: Follow NEC 300.11 for support requirements
• Smoke detection: Avoid blocking or interfering with detection devices

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Columbus and other municipalities have their own requirements - don't assume county rules apply
• Document everything: Even for exempt work, maintain as-built drawings for future reference and warranty compliance
• Fire stopping matters: Improper penetration sealing is a common inspection failure - use listed systems and document installations
• Plenum vs. riser: Using the wrong cable rating can fail inspection - verify space classification before ordering materials
• Coordinate with other trades: In new construction, schedule cable pulling after HVAC but before ceiling grid installation
• Test and certify: Use proper test equipment and provide certification reports for warranty purposes
• Label everything: Proper labeling saves time during moves, adds, and changes

Contact Information

Franklin County Building Regulation Department
373 South High Street, 25th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3254
SmartGov Online Portal

Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board
6606 Tussing Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
Phone: (614) 644-3493
OCILB Website

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Resources

• Columbus, Ohio Structured Cabling Permits
• Franklin County Security Camera Permits
• Franklin County Access Control Permits
• All Ohio Permit Guides