Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
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Complete guide to structured cabling permit requirements in Philadelphia County, PA including EZ permits for telecommunications, NEC Article 800 compliance, and third-party inspection requirements.
Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Quick Answer: Philadelphia County (coterminous with the City of Philadelphia) offers EZ permits for telecommunications work including structured cabling. Low voltage data wiring (excluding fire alarm) may qualify for simplified permitting without plans. However, all electrical work must be performed by licensed contractors, and inspections by licensed agencies are required.
When Do You Need a Structured Cabling Permit in Philadelphia County?
Structured cabling falls under telecommunications work in Philadelphia, which has specific provisions for low voltage installations. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) oversees permit requirements.
EZ Permits for Telecommunications
In Philadelphia, telecommunications work qualifies for EZ permits that do not require submitting plans. This includes:
- All low-voltage wiring (data, security)
- Network cabling installations
- Fiber optic cabling
- Voice/data infrastructure
Exception: Fire alarm wiring does NOT qualify for the telecommunications EZ permit exemption and requires full permitting.
Projects That May Require Full Permits
- Data center builds with significant electrical load
- Telecommunications rooms requiring new circuits
- Projects involving structural modifications
- Installations integrated with fire alarm systems
- Work exceeding certain wattage thresholds
Rough-In Permits
You can obtain a Rough-in Permit to install cables before the full permit is issued. This covers:
- Electrical cables and conduits
- Device boxes and recessed panels
- Power supply and signal cables
- Cable pathways and raceways
Contractor Licensing Requirements
Philadelphia requires licensed electrical contractors for all electrical work, including low voltage and structured cabling.
License Requirements
- Active City of Philadelphia electrical contractor license
- Current on all City of Philadelphia taxes
- Current insurance on file with L&I
- Four years experience doing electrical work for a licensed company
- Pass Philadelphia Electrical Contractor Examination (ICC)
- Eight hours NFPA 70 coursework within 12 months of application
Inspection Requirements
The owner or owner's agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform all inspections. This is a third-party inspection requirement unique to Philadelphia.
For complete Pennsylvania licensing details, see our Pennsylvania Low Voltage License Guide.
NEC Article 800 Compliance
Structured cabling installations must comply with NEC Article 800 (Communications Systems). Philadelphia follows the NEC 2020 edition.
What Article 800 Covers
- Telephone wiring and telecommunications
- Computer local area networks (LANs)
- Community antenna television (CATV)
- Network-powered broadband systems
- Premises-powered broadband systems
Key Installation Requirements
- Proper cable ratings (CM, CMR, CMP) for installation environment
- Separation from power conductors
- Firestopping at fire-rated assembly penetrations
- Proper grounding and bonding
- Support and securing of cables
Cable Rating Requirements
| Rating | Use |
|---|---|
| CM | General communications cable |
| CMR | Riser cable for vertical runs between floors |
| CMP | Plenum cable for air handling spaces |
Permit Application Process
Step 1: Determine Permit Type
Contact L&I to confirm whether your project qualifies for an EZ permit (no plans required) or requires standard permitting with plan review.
Step 2: Hire Licensed Contractor
Only licensed electrical contractors can perform the work. Verify the contractor is current on City taxes and has insurance on file.
Step 3: Submit Application
Apply through:
- Online: eCLIPSE system at eclipse.phila.gov
- In Person: Permit and License Center, 1401 JFK Blvd., MSB Concourse
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Apply under the legal address established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).
Step 4: Rough-In Work (If Needed)
Request and describe rough-in work on the permit application if you need to install cables before full permit issuance.
Step 5: Third-Party Inspection
Hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform required inspections. The agency completes certification, and a Certificate of Approval is issued upon successful completion.
Fees and Timeline
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| EZ Permit (Telecommunications) | Contact L&I |
| Standard Electrical Permit | Contact L&I for quote |
| Third-Party Inspection | Varies by agency |
| Rough-In Permit | Included in electrical permit |
Processing Timeline: EZ permits can process within 1-3 days. Standard permits with plan review may take 1-2 weeks. Large commercial projects may require longer review periods.
Residential vs Commercial Requirements
Residential Structured Cabling
Home network installations may qualify for simplified permitting:
- Cat6 drops throughout the home
- Wireless access point pre-wiring
- Home office connectivity
- Media room infrastructure
- Smart home device wiring
Low voltage work in one-and-two family dwellings may be exempt from electrical permits under Title 4-A-301.2.3, but licensed contractors must still perform the work.
Commercial Structured Cabling
Commercial projects typically involve more extensive requirements:
- Building-wide network infrastructure
- Data center and server room cabling
- Telecommunications room buildouts
- Horizontal and backbone cabling
- Fiber optic distribution
- Voice/data convergence systems
Annual Permit Option
Institutions and organizations (hospitals, universities) that directly employ licensed tradespeople can obtain Annual Permits. These allow routine maintenance and component replacement in previously approved systems without individual permits.
Industry Standards
Professional installations should comply with:
- ANSI/TIA-568 - Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
- TIA-569 - Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
- TIA-606 - Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
- NEC Article 800 - Communications Systems
- NEC Article 770 - Optical Fiber Cables and Raceways
Pro Tips from Contractors
- Use the EZ permit process: Telecommunications work qualifies for simplified permitting—take advantage of it
- Document cable ratings: Keep records showing proper cable ratings for each installation environment
- Plan third-party inspections early: Licensed inspection agencies have their own schedules—book early
- Know the fire alarm exception: Fire alarm wiring does NOT qualify for telecommunications EZ permits
- Verify rough-in eligibility: Use rough-in permits to start cable pulls while waiting for full approval
- Stay current on taxes: Philadelphia denies permits and license applications for tax delinquency
Contact Information
| Department | Contact |
|---|---|
| Department of Licenses and Inspections | (215) 686-8686 |
| 311 Service | 311 or online request |
| Permit and License Center | 1401 JFK Blvd., MSB Concourse |
| eCLIPSE Permit System | eclipse.phila.gov |
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