Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, California

Quick Answer: Structured cabling installations in Los Angeles may require electrical permits through LADBS depending on the project scope. Contractors must hold a California C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor license from CSLB. Low-voltage systems under 25 volts may qualify for permit exemptions, but commercial installations typically require proper permitting and compliance with California Title 24.

When Are Permits Required for Structured Cabling?

In Los Angeles, a permit from LADBS is required for any private property construction, alteration, or repair work. Electrical permits are specifically required for electrical work, and structured cabling may fall under these requirements.

Permits Generally Required For

• Commercial structured cabling installations
• Data center and server room buildouts
• New construction network infrastructure
• Large-scale office buildouts
• Multi-floor riser installations
• Projects requiring plan review

Potential Exemptions

Per Los Angeles County Electrical Code Section 82-3:

• Electrical wiring operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts
• Low-energy power, control, and signal circuits with rated output not more than 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amperes

Many structured cabling systems operate within these parameters. Contact LADBS to verify exemption eligibility for your specific project.

Contractor Licensing Requirements

California requires the C-7 Low Voltage Systems Contractor license from CSLB (Contractors State License Board) for structured cabling work.

C-7 License Scope

A C-7 licensed contractor can install, service, and maintain communication and low voltage systems that do not exceed 91 volts, including:

• Structured cabling and data networking
• Telephone and communication systems
• Audio and video systems
• Security and surveillance (CCTV)
• Access control systems
• Instrumentation and temperature control
• Outdoor low voltage landscape lighting

Note: Fire alarm systems are excluded from C-7 and require a C-10 license.

C-7 License Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old
• Experience: 4 years of journey-level experience within the past 10 years
• Examinations: Pass both Low Voltage Systems (C-7) Trade Exam (3.5 hours) and Law and Business Exam (3.5 hours)
• Bond: $25,000 contractor's bond required
• Fees: $450 application fee, $200-$350 initial license fee

C-7 vs. C-10 License

License	Voltage Limit	Fire Alarm
C-7 Low Voltage	91 volts	Not allowed
C-10 Electrical	Unlimited	Allowed

For complete California licensing information, see our California Low Voltage License Guide.

How to Apply for a Structured Cabling Permit

Step 1: Determine Permit Requirements

Review Express Permit Eligibility documentation on the LADBS website. Some simple projects may not require plan review.

Step 2: Register for Angeleno Account

Create an Angeleno account to access ePlanLA and PermitLA online services.

Step 3: Prepare Documentation

For commercial projects:

• Floor plans showing cable routing
• Riser diagrams for multi-floor installations
• Rack elevations and patch panel layouts
• Cable specifications (CAT6, fiber, etc.)
• Contractor C-7 license information

Plans must comply with NEC codes, California Title 24, TIA/EIA standards, and EIA-310-D standards for rack installations.

Step 4: Submit Permit Application

Express Permit (No Plan Review): Simple projects meeting eligibility criteria can use PermitLA.

Plan Check Required: Commercial projects typically require submission through ePlanLA.

Step 5: Preliminary Plan Check (Optional)

For complex projects, meet with a plan check engineer to clarify LA Municipal Code requirements before formal submission.

Step 6: Pay Fees and Receive Permit

Pay permit fees through the online system upon approval.

Step 7: Schedule Inspections

Request inspections through your Angeleno account. Rough-in and final inspections may be required.

Contact Information

Department	Contact
LADBS	ladbs.org
Electrical Permits	LADBS Electrical
CSLB Licensing	cslb.ca.gov

Permit Fees and Timeline

Item	Cost
Electrical Permit	Based on project valuation
Plan Check Fee	Varies by project scope
C-7 License Application	$450
C-7 Initial License Fee	$200-$350

Timeline Expectations

Stage	Typical Duration
Express Permit	Same day possible
Plan Check	2-4 weeks
Counter Plan Check	1-2 days

Code Compliance Requirements

Structured cabling work in Los Angeles must comply with:

• NEC (National Electrical Code): Primary electrical safety standards
• California Title 24: State energy and building requirements
• TIA/EIA Standards: Telecommunications industry standards for cabling
• EIA-310-D: Standards for equipment racks
• LA Municipal Code: Local requirements

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Structured Cabling

• Low-voltage systems often exempt from permits
• Network drops and home office installations
• C-7 license still required for professional work
• Systems under 25V/50W typically exempt

Commercial Structured Cabling

• Permits typically required through LADBS
• Plans must comply with California Electrical Code
• LADBS verifies C-7 contractor licenses with CSLB
• Must meet TIA/EIA standards
• Data center work may require additional engineering

Common Structured Cabling Project Types

Typical structured cabling work in Los Angeles includes:

• Category Cabling: CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A, CAT7, CAT8 network infrastructure
• Fiber Optic: Single-mode and multi-mode fiber backbone
• Data Centers: Server room and MDF/IDF buildouts
• Office Buildouts: Workstation drops and conference rooms
• Wireless Infrastructure: Access point cabling and PoE runs
• Voice Systems: VoIP and traditional phone cabling
• Audio-Visual: Conference room and digital signage cabling

Pro Tips for Los Angeles Structured Cabling Permits

Based on contractor experience in this jurisdiction:

• Know the exemptions: Many low-voltage cabling projects under 25V may be exempt
• C-7 is required: California mandates C-7 or C-10 license for structured cabling work
• Use ePlanLA: Online submittal is faster than in-person for most projects
• Budget for the bond: $25,000 contractor's bond is required for C-7 license
• Meet TIA/EIA standards: Commercial work should follow industry cabling standards
• Consider Preliminary Plan Check: Complex projects benefit from early engineer consultation
• Title 24 compliance: Ensure your designs meet California energy requirements

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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

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Related Resources

• California Low Voltage Contractor License Guide
• More Permit Guides