Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Greenville County, South Carolina

Installing structured cabling systems in Greenville County requires understanding both county permit requirements and South Carolina's contractor licensing rules. This guide covers everything low voltage contractors need to know before starting a data cabling, network infrastructure, or telecommunications wiring project in unincorporated Greenville County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Generally no for low voltage work. Structured cabling operating at 50 volts or below is typically exempt from electrical permit requirements in South Carolina. However, permits may be required if your installation involves penetrating fire-rated assemblies, running cables through occupied spaces requiring building modifications, or if the project is part of a larger construction scope that triggers permit thresholds.

What Is Considered Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling encompasses the telecommunications infrastructure that supports voice, data, and video communications. Common installations include:

• Category 5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cabling
• Fiber optic backbone and horizontal runs
• Telecommunications rooms and data center infrastructure
• Patch panels, racks, and cable management systems
• Voice over IP (VoIP) system wiring
• Wireless access point infrastructure cabling

When Does Greenville County Require Permits?

According to Greenville County Building Safety, permits are required for any new construction, addition, or alteration of existing residential or commercial structures. While pure low voltage cabling may be exempt, your structured cabling project may trigger permit requirements in these scenarios:

Scenarios That Typically Require a Permit

• New construction: Cabling as part of a new building requires permits for the overall construction
• Building alterations: If you're cutting into walls, ceilings, or floors beyond simple penetrations
• Fire-rated assembly penetrations: Penetrating fire walls or rated ceiling assemblies requires inspection
• Commercial tenant improvements: Build-outs that include cabling as part of the scope
• Projects exceeding $5,000: Commercial electrical projects over $5,000 require licensed contractors

Work That Is Typically Exempt

• Running low voltage cables through existing pathways
• Installing cables in accessible ceiling spaces without modifications
• Surface-mounted raceway and cable management
• Patch panel and equipment rack installations
• Testing and certification of existing infrastructure

How Do I Apply for a Permit in Greenville County?

If your project requires a permit, follow these steps:

1. Determine project scope: Identify all work that may require permits, including electrical, building, or fire safety components
2. Prepare documentation: Commercial projects require plans to be reviewed and approved before permits are issued
3. Submit application: Download the electrical permit application from the Greenville County Building Safety website
4. Contractor requirements: If you're a contractor, you must submit, sign, and pick up the permit yourself with your SC license
5. Pay fees: Fees vary based on project scope
6. Schedule inspections: Permits become invalid after 6 months if work hasn't commenced or inspections haven't been requested

Contact Information

Greenville County Planning and Codes Compliance Department

• Phone: 864-467-7060
• Website: Greenville County Building Safety
• Permit Forms: Electrical Permit Application (PDF)

What Are the Fees for Structured Cabling Permits?

Greenville County charges fees based on the type and scope of work. For electrical permits that may apply to structured cabling projects:

Permit Type	Fee Range	Notes
Basic Electrical Permit	$50 - $150	For simple installations
Commercial Electrical	Based on valuation	Percentage of project cost
Plan Review (Commercial)	Additional fee	Required for commercial projects

Contact the county directly for current fee schedules, as rates may change.

What Contractor License Do I Need in South Carolina?

South Carolina has specific licensing requirements that depend on voltage levels and project values. For detailed information, see our complete guide: South Carolina Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements.

Key Licensing Points for Structured Cabling

• 50-volt exemption: Work at or below 50 volts is exempt from electrical contractor licensing requirements
• Commercial threshold: Commercial projects exceeding $5,000 require a licensed contractor
• Residential threshold: Residential projects over $200 require licensing
• Mechanical Contractor license: For electrical work above 50 volts, you need a Mechanical Contractor license with Electrical sub-classification

South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board

• Address: 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
• Phone: (803) 896-4686
• Email: Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov
• Website: SC Contractors' Licensing Board

How Long Does the Permit Process Take?

Typical timelines for Greenville County permits:

Project Type	Review Time	Notes
Residential (no plans required)	Same day to 3 days	Straightforward applications
Commercial (plans required)	2-4 weeks	Depends on complexity
Inspections	24-48 hours	After scheduling request

Important: Permits become invalid within 6 months from the date of issue if work has not commenced, if an inspection has not been requested, or if work has been suspended for 6 months.

Residential vs Commercial Structured Cabling

Residential Projects

For home network installations in unincorporated Greenville County:

• Low voltage cabling (Cat6, coax, fiber) typically doesn't require permits
• Plans are not required for residential construction permits
• If hiring a contractor, ensure they hold appropriate SC licensing for projects over $200
• Homeowners may perform their own low voltage work
• All residential rental properties require work to be completed by a licensed contractor

Commercial Projects

For office, retail, and industrial structured cabling:

• Plans must be reviewed and approved before permits are issued
• Licensed contractors required for projects exceeding $5,000
• Fire stopping and rated assembly penetrations require inspection
• Telecommunications room buildouts may require additional permits
• Coordination with general contractor may be necessary for tenant improvements

Pro Tips for Greenville County Projects

Based on contractor experience in the Greenville area:

1. Call before you start: Contact the county at 864-467-7060 to confirm permit requirements for your specific project scope
2. Document your work: Even if permits aren't required, maintain installation records and test results
3. Understand jurisdictions: The City of Greenville has separate permit requirements from unincorporated Greenville County
4. Fire stopping matters: Always use rated fire stopping materials when penetrating rated assemblies, regardless of permit requirements
5. Stay below thresholds: For small commercial jobs under $5,000, you may not need contractor licensing, but verify with the state board
6. Building codes apply: Greenville County follows the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC)

City of Greenville vs Greenville County

Note that permits and requirements differ between:

• Greenville County: Covers unincorporated areas, contact county Building Safety
• City of Greenville: Has its own permit center and electrical code (Article VI), contact city at Greenville City Building Permit Center

Verify which jurisdiction applies to your project address before applying for permits.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Permit Guides for Greenville County

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

Last updated: January 2026. Always verify current requirements with Greenville County Building Safety at 864-467-7060 before starting work.