Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Lakewood, Colorado

Quick Answer: Structured cabling installations in Lakewood, Colorado generally do not require permits when working with low voltage systems (under 50 volts). Colorado has no statewide low voltage license requirement, and most data cabling, network infrastructure, and telecommunications wiring falls under the low voltage exemption. However, permits may be required for work involving electrical circuits, building penetrations, or plenum-rated installations in commercial buildings.

When Are Permits Required for Structured Cabling?

Lakewood follows Colorado's approach to low voltage work regulation. Here's when you do and don't need permits:

Permits Generally NOT Required:

• Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a network cabling installation
• Fiber optic cable installation
• Telephone and voice cabling
• Data center rack and cabinet wiring
• Patch panel and jack terminations
• Wireless access point cabling
• AV system cabling (HDMI, coax, speaker wire)

Permits MAY Be Required:

• Installing new electrical circuits for network equipment
• Penetrations through fire-rated walls or floors
• Work in plenum spaces affecting HVAC systems
• Conduit installation requiring building modifications
• Outdoor aerial or underground cable runs
• Work affecting building structural elements

Colorado State Requirements

Colorado has no statewide low voltage contractor license. The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) regulates electrical work, but low voltage installations under 50 volts are generally exempt from state electrical licensing requirements.

This means:

• No state license needed specifically for structured cabling
• Local jurisdictions may have their own requirements
• General business licensing still applies
• Contractors should carry appropriate insurance

For comprehensive information on Colorado requirements, see our Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide.

Lakewood Business Requirements

While structured cabling work itself may not require permits, contractors working in Lakewood need:

• Business License: All contractors operating in Lakewood must have a valid business license
• General Liability Insurance: Recommended minimum of $1 million coverage
• Workers' Compensation: Required if you have employees
• Contractor Registration: May be required for commercial projects

Contact Information

City of Lakewood Business Licensing
480 S. Allison Parkway
Lakewood, CO 80226
Phone: (303) 987-7500

Commercial vs. Residential Projects

Residential Structured Cabling

Home network installations in Lakewood are straightforward:

• No permits typically required for in-wall cabling
• Cat6 home runs to central location are standard
• Wireless access point pre-wiring is increasingly common
• Consider future-proofing with extra conduit
• HOA approval may be needed for exterior work

Commercial Structured Cabling

Commercial projects have additional considerations:

• Plenum-Rated Cable: Required in air handling spaces
• Fire Stopping: Required for penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• NEC Compliance: Article 800 for communications circuits
• TIA/EIA Standards: Follow TIA-568 for commercial installations
• Labeling: Clear identification of all cables and pathways

Building Code Considerations

While permits may not be required, structured cabling must still comply with applicable codes:

National Electrical Code (NEC)

• Article 800: Communications circuits
• Article 770: Optical fiber cables and raceways
• Article 725: Class 2 and Class 3 remote-control circuits
• Chapter 3: Wiring methods and materials

Fire Code Requirements

• Plenum-rated cables (CMP) required in air handling spaces
• Riser-rated cables (CMR) required for vertical runs between floors
• Fire stopping required at all penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Cable tray fill limits must be observed

Best Practices for Lakewood Installations

Documentation

• Create as-built drawings showing cable routes
• Maintain cable test results for all installed links
• Provide warranty documentation to building owner
• Label all cables at both ends per TIA-606 standards

Quality Standards

• Test all copper links with certified cable testers
• Verify fiber connections with OTDR testing for longer runs
• Maintain proper bend radius throughout installation
• Use appropriate cable management in all spaces

Fees and Inspections

When permits are required (electrical work, building modifications):

Permit Type	Estimated Fee	When Required
Electrical Permit	Based on valuation	New circuits for equipment
Building Permit	Based on valuation	Structural modifications
Fire Permit	Contact Fire Marshal	Fire-rated penetrations

Most routine structured cabling work requires no permits or fees in Lakewood.

Pro Tips from Local Contractors

• Pre-Wire During Construction: Install conduit and cable during new construction or renovations when walls are open
• Future-Proof: Install higher category cable than currently needed - Cat6a is becoming standard
• Test Everything: Certified test results protect both contractor and client
• Document Pathways: Clear documentation saves time on future additions
• Coordinate with Other Trades: Work with electricians and HVAC contractors to avoid conflicts
• Check Building Age: Older buildings may have asbestos or other hazards requiring special handling

Common Structured Cabling Projects

Popular structured cabling installations in Lakewood:

• Office Networks: Cat6/Cat6a to workstations with fiber backbone
• Retail POS Systems: Network drops for registers and payment terminals
• Healthcare: HIPAA-compliant network infrastructure
• Education: Classroom technology and wireless infrastructure
• Industrial: Factory floor networks and machine connectivity
• Residential: Whole-home networking and smart home infrastructure

Stay Ahead of Construction Activity

Want to know when commercial construction projects requiring structured cabling hit permits in Lakewood before they reach bid boards?

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

→ Explore LVN Signal

Related Permit Guides

• Lakewood Security Camera Permit Requirements
• Lakewood Fire Alarm Permit Requirements
• Lakewood Access Control Permit Requirements
• Colorado Low Voltage Contractor License Guide

Official Resources

• City of Lakewood Permits & Licenses
• Colorado DORA Electrical Permit Information
• Lakewood eTRAKiT Online Portal