Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Montgomery County, Maryland

Installing structured cabling for data networks, telecommunications, or audio/video systems in Montgomery County, Maryland? This guide covers the permit requirements through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS). Montgomery County has one of the most contractor-friendly low voltage permit processes in Maryland—no license is required to apply for permits, and they're issued automatically online.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the installation scope. Montgomery County requires low voltage electrical permits for structured cabling installations involving new wiring. The good news: no contractor license is required to apply, and permits are issued automatically online upon payment. Low voltage control wiring under 30V that doesn't penetrate fire-rated assemblies or plenums may be exempt.

What Qualifies as Low Voltage Structured Cabling?

Montgomery County defines low voltage electrical systems as those operating at 50 volts or less. For structured cabling, this includes:

• Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a Ethernet cabling
• Fiber optic cable installations
• Computer network wiring and data infrastructure
• Telephone and VoIP system cabling
• Audio/video distribution systems
• Cable TV and coaxial systems
• Building automation and control wiring

Do You Need a Contractor License?

No license is required to apply for a low voltage permit in Montgomery County. This is a significant advantage compared to other jurisdictions that require specific electrical licensing for low voltage work.

However, Maryland's electrical licensing structure is complex:

• State Board of Electricians issues master, journeyman, and apprentice licenses
• Individual counties may have their own restricted license programs
• For fire alarm integration, a Master Limited or Master Electrician license from DPS is required

For comprehensive information on Maryland's licensing requirements, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Structured Cabling Permit?

Montgomery County has streamlined the permit process for low voltage work:

Step 1: Determine If Permit Is Needed

Permits may not be required for:

• Low voltage control wiring under 30 volts
• Wiring that doesn't penetrate fire-rated assemblies
• Wiring not installed in air plenums

Permits ARE required when:

• Wiring penetrates fire-rated assemblies
• Cables are installed in air plenums
• Voltage exceeds 30V

Step 2: Apply Online via DPS ePermits

• Visit DPS ePermits portal
• Complete the electrical permit application
• For low voltage only work, leave "Application # of the Parent Permit" blank
• Manually enter the property address in "Location of Work" fields
• No violations may be present on the property

Step 3: Pay and Receive Permit

• Pay required fees electronically
• Permit is automatically issued upon payment
• No waiting period—instant issuance for low voltage work

Step 4: Complete Installation

• Post permit conspicuously at job site
• Keep approved plans immediately available for review
• Install per National Electrical Code and TIA standards
• Use appropriate cable ratings (plenum, riser, general purpose)

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

• Schedule via DPS eServices
• Or call Montgomery County 311 at 240-777-0311
• Have documentation and test results ready

What Are the Fees and Processing Times?

Fee Type	Cost
Processing Fee	Varies by scope
Item/Work Fee	Based on number of outlets/drops
Filing Fee	Non-refundable at application

For the most current fee schedule, visit the Montgomery County DPS Fee Schedule.

Timeline	Duration
Permit Issuance	Immediate (automatic upon payment)
Inspection Scheduling	Typically 1-3 business days
Project Completion	Permit valid until work is complete and inspected

What Codes Apply to Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling installations in Montgomery County must comply with:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) - Adopted by Montgomery County
• ANSI/TIA-568 - Commercial building telecommunications cabling standard
• ANSI/TIA-569 - Telecommunications pathways and spaces
• ANSI/TIA-606 - Administration standard for telecommunications infrastructure
• ISO/IEC 11801 - International cabling standards

What Are the Requirements for Residential vs Commercial?

Residential Structured Cabling

• No contractor license required to apply for permits
• Homeowners can pull their own permits for DIY work
• Permit required if penetrating fire-rated assemblies
• Must comply with NEC requirements
• Inspection required before closing walls if cables run through framing

Commercial Structured Cabling

• No contractor license required for permit application
• Low voltage permit required for new installations
• Fire-rated wall penetrations must comply with fire stopping requirements
• Larger projects may have additional plan review requirements
• TIA-568 standards apply for commercial telecommunications
• Plenum-rated cable required in air handling spaces

What About Cable Ratings and Fire Safety?

Plenum Cables (CMP)

• Required in air handling spaces (above drop ceilings, raised floors with HVAC return)
• Low smoke and flame spread characteristics
• Higher cost but required by code in these applications

Riser Cables (CMR)

• Required for vertical runs between floors
• Fire-resistant jacket prevents flame spread between floors
• Cannot be used in plenum spaces

General Purpose (CM/CMG)

• Acceptable for horizontal runs within a single floor
• Not permitted in plenums or vertical risers
• Most economical option where code allows

What If My Property Is in Rockville or Gaithersburg?

Important: The incorporated City of Rockville and City of Gaithersburg process permits for properties within their city limits and are outside Montgomery County DPS jurisdiction.

Before applying, verify your property's jurisdiction using the Maryland SDAT Real Property Data Search.

Pro Tips from Experienced Cabling Contractors

• No license advantage: Take advantage of Montgomery County's streamlined process—no contractor license required for low voltage permits
• Automatic issuance: Permits issue immediately upon payment—plan your project timeline accordingly
• 30V threshold: Under 30V and not penetrating fire assemblies or plenums? Permit may not be required
• Verify jurisdiction first: Check if property is in Rockville or Gaithersburg—they have separate processes
• Document everything: Keep cable certifications, pathway drawings, and labeling records for inspection
• Fire stopping: Always use proper fire stop materials when penetrating fire-rated assemblies
• Label per TIA-606: Proper labeling makes inspections smoother and helps future maintenance

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Address: 2425 Reedie Drive, 7th Floor, Wheaton, MD
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (no appointment needed)
Phone: 240-777-0311
Email: MC311Electrical@montgomerycountymd.gov
Website: Low Voltage Electrical Permit Information

Online Services
ePermits Portal: permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov
eServices: Inspection Scheduling

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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