Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Maricopa County, Arizona

Quick Answer: Interior structured cabling installations in unincorporated Maricopa County, Arizona typically do not require a separate permit for low voltage data and voice cabling. However, permits are required when work is part of larger construction, involves public rights-of-way, or includes line voltage electrical modifications. Cable system installations in ROW are regulated under Ordinance P-15. All contractors must hold an Arizona ROC license for projects over $1,000.

Understanding Jurisdiction

Before starting any project, confirm your property's jurisdiction:

• Unincorporated Maricopa County – Falls under County Planning & Development
• Incorporated cities – Check city-specific requirements
• County islands – County jurisdiction surrounded by city limits

The Maricopa County Planning and Development Department provides permitting services for unincorporated areas.

When Are Permits Required?

Permit Required

• Part of new construction or tenant improvement projects
• Work in public rights-of-way or utility easements
• Cable television or telecommunications infrastructure (Ordinance P-15)
• Underground conduit or fiber installation in county property
• Work involving line voltage electrical modifications
• Projects requiring building permit for overall scope

Permit Typically Not Required

• Interior low voltage data cabling (CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6A)
• Voice cabling within existing buildings
• Fiber optic cabling inside buildings
• Network rack installations using existing power
• Patch panel and equipment connections
• Cable management and organization

Verify With County

Contact Maricopa County Permit Services at (602) 506-3301 to confirm requirements.

Cable System Regulations (Ordinance P-15)

For cable television and telecommunications infrastructure in unincorporated Maricopa County, Ordinance P-15 applies:

Key Requirements

• License agreement required with the County
• Letter of credit up to $25,000 for faithful performance
• All installations must comply with FCC rules and regulations
• Technical standards must meet or exceed FCC recommendations
• OSHA compliance required for all construction and maintenance

Technical Standards

• All materials must meet UL standards where applicable
• Signal leakage compliance per FCC requirements
• Construction standards per license agreement

Contractor Licensing Requirements

Arizona requires contractors to hold proper licensing for structured cabling work.

Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC)

The Arizona ROC licenses all construction work statewide. A license is required when:

• Labor and materials exceed $1,000, OR
• A building permit is required (regardless of project value)

Relevant License Classifications

License	Type	Scope
C-67	Commercial	Low voltage communication systems
R-67	Residential	Residential low voltage systems
CR-67	Dual	Both commercial and residential
K-11	Electrical/Low Voltage	Combined electrical and low voltage

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

Application Process

Interior Projects (Part of Larger Permit)

1. Include low voltage plans in overall building permit package
2. Submit through Maricopa County Permit Center
3. Plans reviewed as part of overall project
4. Inspection coordinated with building inspections

Rights-of-Way Projects

1. Contact County for applicable ordinance requirements
2. May require license agreement under Ordinance P-15
3. Submit required documentation and bonds
4. Obtain permits before construction

Contact Information

Department	Contact	Purpose
Building Permits	(602) 506-3301	Permit questions
Planning & Development	maricopa.gov/797	General inquiries
DOT Technical	(602) 506-8600	Infrastructure questions
Permit Center	maricopa.gov/6003	Online applications

Fees and Timeline

Item	Details
Interior Low Voltage	Often permit-exempt; verify with County
Building Permit (if required)	Based on project valuation
Cable System License Bond	Up to $25,000 (for ROW work)
Permit Validity	1 year from issuance

Code and Standards Compliance

Industry Standards

• TIA-568 – Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling
• TIA-569 – Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• TIA-606 – Administration Standard
• TIA-607 – Grounding and Bonding
• NFPA 70 (NEC) – Articles 725, 770, 800
• UL Standards – Required for materials where applicable

Fire-Rated Assembly Requirements

• Firestopping required for penetrations
• Use listed and labeled firestop systems
• Documentation required for permitted projects

Plenum Requirements

• CMP (Plenum) – Required in air handling spaces
• CMR (Riser) – For vertical shafts
• CM (General) – Non-plenum, non-riser areas only

Residential vs. Commercial

Residential

• Generally no permit required for interior data/voice cabling
• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• HOA approval may be required
• Whole-home pre-wire typically part of new construction permit

Commercial

• Licensed contractor required for projects over $1,000
• Permit typically required as part of tenant improvement
• Firestopping documentation required
• Coordination with other trades on new construction

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction – Confirm property is in unincorporated county
• Use Permit Center online – Streamlines all county applications
• Document firestopping – Keep photos and product documentation
• Use plenum cable when uncertain – Simpler than determining exact requirements
• Plan for extreme heat – Outdoor equipment needs appropriate temperature ratings
• ROW work requires license agreement – Budget for $25,000 bond if applicable
• Keep ROC license current – Inspectors verify credentials

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

• Arizona Low Voltage Contractor License Requirements
• Phoenix, Arizona Structured Cabling Permit Requirements
• Scottsdale, Arizona Structured Cabling Permit Requirements
• Chandler, Arizona Structured Cabling Permit Requirements
• Mesa, Arizona Structured Cabling Permit Requirements

Last updated: January 2026. Requirements may vary. Always verify with Maricopa County Planning and Development before beginning your project.