Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Prince George's County, Maryland

Planning a structured cabling installation in Prince George's County? Understanding permit requirements and licensing rules is essential before pulling cable. This guide covers what contractors and businesses need to know about data cabling permits in PG County.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

It depends on the scope. Pure low-voltage data cabling (Cat5e, Cat6, fiber) operating under 50 volts may not require an electrical permit in Prince George's County, but work involving connections to building electrical systems or installations in commercial buildings often does. When in doubt, contact DPIE before starting work.

What Is Structured Cabling?

Structured cabling refers to the infrastructure of cables and hardware that supports data, voice, and video communications. Common installations include:

• Category 5e, 6, 6a, and 8 Ethernet cabling
• Fiber optic backbone and horizontal cabling
• Telecommunications rooms and server room wiring
• Voice over IP (VoIP) infrastructure
• Wireless access point cabling
• Audio/video distribution systems
• Building automation network wiring

When Is an Electrical Permit Required?

According to Prince George's County's electrical code (Subtitle 9), permits are generally required for electrical work. However, low-voltage systems have specific considerations:

Permit Likely Required

• Commercial building installations
• Work requiring conduit installation
• Cabling that involves penetrating fire-rated walls or floors
• Installations requiring new electrical circuits for equipment
• Work in buildings requiring inspections for certificate of occupancy

Permit May Not Be Required

• Low-voltage devices plugged into existing receptacles
• Simple residential data drops without structural modifications
• Replacement of existing cables in the same pathway

The county's FAQ indicates that low-voltage devices plugged into existing receptacles may not require permits under Subtitle 9, Section 9-117 of the County Code. However, this exemption is narrow and should be verified for your specific project.

What Contractor License Do You Need?

Maryland has a complex licensing system that varies by county and work type.

Prince George's County Requirements

Prince George's County requires electrical licensing for most cabling work:

• Apprentice License: Required even for basic Cat5/Cat6 cable installation
• Limited Master Electrical License: Required for fire alarm, HVAC controls, or landscape low-voltage wiring
• Master Electrician License: Required to pull permits and supervise electrical work

All electrical permit applications in PG County must be completed online by a Master Electrician with permission to use the county's online system.

State License Requirements

Since July 1, 2021, the Maryland State Board of Electricians issues apprentice, journeyperson, and master electrician licenses at the state level. Local jurisdictions now issue registrations rather than licenses.

For detailed licensing information, see our Maryland Low Voltage License Guide.

How Do You Apply for a Permit?

As of July 15, 2024, all permits must be obtained through the Prince George's County Momentum online system.

Application Steps

1. Master Electrician must register for online permit orientation
2. Obtain permission to apply for permits online
3. Complete the electrical permit application in Momentum
4. Submit required documentation and plans
5. Pay permit fees
6. Schedule inspection upon completion

Plan Review Requirements

For larger projects requiring electrical drawings review:

• Original seal and signature by a Maryland Professional Engineer
• Professional statement certification with license expiration date
• Compliance with COMAR 09.23.03.10
• Plans must meet 2017 National Electrical Code as amended by County Subtitle 9

What Are the Fees and Timeline?

Item	Cost	Timeline
Electrical Trade Permit	Varies by scope	1-5 business days
Plan Review (if required)	Based on project value	2-4 weeks
Inspection	Included with permit	Schedule upon completion
Re-inspection (if needed)	Additional fee	As scheduled

Warning: Working without a required permit can result in penalties of $1,000 per day.

How Does This Differ for Residential vs. Commercial?

Residential Installations

Homeowners in Prince George's County have some flexibility:

• Homeowners can perform their own electrical work after passing the homeowner electrical test
• Simple data cable additions may not require permits
• No contractor license needed for DIY work on your own residence
• Inspection still recommended for safety compliance

Commercial Installations

Commercial projects have stricter requirements:

• Licensed contractor required for all work
• Permits typically required for any cabling work
• Plan review may be needed for larger installations
• Must meet building code requirements for plenum-rated cables
• Fire stopping required for penetrations
• Coordination with building management often required

What About Fiber Optic Installation?

Fiber optic cabling follows similar rules to copper structured cabling:

• Low-voltage classification (carries light, not electrical current)
• May require permits when penetrating fire barriers
• BICSI or manufacturer certification recommended for installers
• Building codes may require specific cable ratings (plenum, riser)

Pro Tips from Contractors

• Call before you start: Contact DPIE at 301-636-2050 to verify permit requirements for your specific project
• Document everything: Keep records of cable certifications, test results, and as-built drawings
• Use the right cable ratings: Plenum-rated cable (CMP) for air handling spaces, riser-rated (CMR) for vertical runs
• Plan for inspections: Leave access panels open until inspection is complete
• Coordinate with other trades: Structured cabling often coincides with electrical, HVAC, and security work
• Check municipality rules: PG County has 27 municipalities that may have additional requirements

Key Contacts

Prince George's County DPIE
General Permits: 301-636-2050
Licensing Questions: 301-883-3840
Online Permits: dpiepermits.princegeorgescountymd.gov

Maryland State Board of Electricians
Phone: 410-230-6163
Email: dloplmasterelectricians-LABOR@maryland.gov
Address: 500 North Calvert Street, Baltimore, MD 21202

County Code Reference
Subtitle 9 (Electricity): Municode Library

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when structured cabling projects hit permits in Prince George's County before they reach bid boards?

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

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Related Permit Guides for Prince George's County

• Security Camera Permits in Prince George's County
• Fire Alarm Permits in Prince George's County
• Access Control Permits in Prince George's County