Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Gwinnett County, Georgia

Quick Answer: Gwinnett County requires low voltage permits for commercial structured cabling installations. Contractors must hold a Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVT for telecommunications or LVU for unrestricted work). Installations must comply with NEC Article 800 for communications circuits. Submit permits through the Gwinnett County ZIP Portal.

When Are Permits Required for Structured Cabling in Gwinnett County?

Structured cabling permits in unincorporated Gwinnett County are typically required for commercial network infrastructure projects.

Projects That Require Permits

• Commercial network installations: Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a, and fiber optic cabling
• Voice systems: Telephone, VoIP, and unified communications
• Data center buildouts: Server room and network closet installations
• Backbone cabling: Building risers and horizontal distribution
• New construction: Pre-wire cabling during construction
• Tenant improvements: Network infrastructure for tenant buildouts

Potentially Exempt Work

• Patch cable installations within existing infrastructure
• Adding drops to existing pathways
• Equipment relocations using existing cabling
• Single-family residential installations
• Wireless access point additions on existing network

Note: Gwinnett County includes multiple cities. This guide covers unincorporated Gwinnett County.

Georgia Low Voltage Contractor Licensing

Georgia requires contractor licensing for low voltage work under O.C.G.A. 43-14.

License Types for Structured Cabling

License	Code	Scope
Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work
Telecommunications	LVT	Voice, data, network systems
General	LVG	General low voltage (non-alarm, non-telecom)

License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 1 year in the license category
• References: 3 letters including one from licensed contractor
• Examination: Pass state exam with 70% or higher
• Application: Submit through Georgia GOALS portal

For complete licensing details, see our Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

NEC Article 800 Compliance

All structured cabling installations must comply with NEC Article 800 (Communications Circuits).

Cable Type Requirements

Cable Type	Rating	Application
CMP	Plenum	Air-handling spaces, ducts
CMR	Riser	Vertical shafts, floor-to-floor
CM/CMG	General	Horizontal runs, general purpose

Key Installation Requirements

• Workmanship: Neat and workmanlike installation
• Support: Proper cable support from building structure
• Separation: Minimum 2-inch separation from power circuits
• Firestopping: Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Grounding: Primary protectors grounded per NEC 800.100

Gwinnett County Permit Process

Step 1: Prepare Documentation

• Floor plans showing cable routes and outlets
• Riser diagrams for multi-floor installations
• Equipment room layouts
• Cable specifications and quantities
• Project valuation

Step 2: Submit Application

Submit through the Gwinnett County ZIP Portal.

Step 3: Inspections

• Rough-in: Before concealing wiring
• Final: After installation completion

Contact Information

Gwinnett County Planning and Development
Building Plan Review Section
446 West Crogan Street, Suite 125
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Phone: 678-518-6020
Hours: Mon-Thu 8 AM - 4 PM, Fri 9 AM - 4 PM

Right-of-Way Permits

For cabling installations that cross public rights-of-way, additional permits are required from Gwinnett DOT:

• Telecommunication permits
• Cable TV permits
• Small cell tower permits

Submit requests to: dotrowpermits@gwinnettcounty.com

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• Single-family homes generally exempt from permits
• Georgia license required for work performed for compensation
• New construction pre-wire may be under general electrical

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Low voltage permits typically required
• NEC Article 800 compliance mandatory
• Plenum-rated cable in air-handling spaces
• Testing and certification documentation

Pro Tips from Georgia Cabling Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction: Confirm county vs. city before starting
• Check ceiling type: Determine plenum vs. non-plenum before ordering
• Document firestops: Photograph all firestop installations
• Label consistently: Use TIA-606 labeling standards
• Test before closing: Complete cable certification before walls close
• Consider expansion: Install spare capacity for future growth

Cities Within Gwinnett County

City	Notes
Lawrenceville	Contact city building department
Duluth	Contact city building department
Snellville	Contact city building department
Suwanee	Contact city building department
Buford	Contact city building department
Norcross	Contact city building department

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

LVN Signal monitors permit activity across Georgia and alerts you to opportunities the moment they are filed.

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Georgia Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Atlanta, Georgia
• Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Fulton County, Georgia
• Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Macon, Georgia