Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia

Quick Answer: Savannah, Georgia generally does not require permits for standard structured cabling installations that remain within low-voltage parameters. However, contractors must hold a valid Georgia Low Voltage Contractor license (LVT, LVG, or LVU). Installations penetrating fire-rated assemblies or involving plenum spaces must comply with NEC Article 800 and Georgia building codes.

When Are Permits Required?

Most structured cabling projects in Savannah do not require building permits, but certain situations trigger permit requirements:

Permits Typically Required

• Penetrations through fire-rated walls, floors, or ceilings
• New construction or major renovation projects
• Work in plenum spaces affecting HVAC systems
• Installations integrated with fire alarm systems
• Exterior cable runs requiring building modifications
• Pathway installations (conduit, cable tray) in commercial buildings

Permits Generally Not Required

• Standard data and voice cabling within existing pathways
• Cable drops to individual workstations
• Network equipment rack installations
• Patch panel and switch installations
• Wireless access point cabling
• Residential network cabling projects

Georgia Contractor Licensing

The Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors requires licensing for all structured cabling work performed for compensation.

License Types for Structured Cabling

License	Code	Structured Cabling Scope
Low Voltage Telecommunications	LVT	Voice, data, telecommunications systems
Low Voltage General	LVG	Network cabling, distribution wiring, LAN systems
Low Voltage Unrestricted	LVU	All low voltage work without limitations

LVT License Details

The Telecommunications license covers switching systems and associated apparatus performing two-way voice or data service, including systems administered locally or remotely via secured access.

License Requirements

• Minimum one year of installation experience
• Complete at least three low-voltage jobs in the year prior to application
• Pass the state licensing examination (155 questions, 70% passing score)
• Three notarized references (at least one from licensed contractor)
• Background check
• Submit through GOALS online portal

NEC Article 800 Requirements

Structured cabling installations must comply with NEC Article 800 (Communications Systems) as adopted by Georgia. Key requirements include:

Cable Types

Only approved communications cables may be used:

Cable Type	Application
CMP (Plenum)	Above suspended ceilings, below raised floors used for air handling
CMR (Riser)	Vertical runs penetrating more than one floor
CMG/CM (General)	General purpose horizontal runs
CMX	Residential and limited commercial applications

Installation Standards

• Workmanship: Cables must be installed in a neat and workmanlike manner per NEC 800.24
• Ceiling access: Route cables above suspended ceilings to allow panel removal for equipment access
• Support: Proper support and protection per NEC 800.24
• Fire stopping: Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies require firestopping per NEC 300.21

Grounding Requirements

• Communications grounding must comply with NEC 250.70
• Separate grounding electrodes must bond to building power grounding system
• Minimum 6 AWG bonding conductor required

Abandoned Cable Requirements

NEC requires removal of accessible abandoned cables not terminated at equipment or tagged for future use. This reduces combustible material in buildings and limits fire spread potential.

Permit Application Process

Step 1: Determine Requirements

Contact Savannah Development Services to confirm permit requirements for your specific project scope. Projects involving fire-rated penetrations or integration with fire alarm systems require additional review.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

If permits are required, prepare:

• Current Georgia low voltage license (LVT, LVG, or LVU)
• Scaled installation drawings showing cable pathways
• Riser diagrams for multi-floor installations
• Firestopping details for penetrations
• Cable type specifications

Step 3: Submit Application

Submit through the eTrac Savannah portal for permit tracking and review.

Step 4: Inspection

Schedule inspections as required. Inspectors verify:

• Proper cable types for installation environment
• Firestopping at penetrations
• Grounding and bonding compliance
• Workmanship standards

Fees and Timeline

Service	Typical Cost
Low voltage permit (if required)	$50 - $150
Plan review (commercial)	$75 - $200
Inspection	Included in permit
Reinspection	$50 - $75

Timeline: Standard permits process within 3-5 business days. Complex commercial projects may require additional review time.

Residential vs Commercial Projects

Residential Structured Cabling

• Generally permit-exempt for standard installations
• Licensed contractor recommended for professional results
• CMX or CM rated cables acceptable in most locations
• Focus on whole-home networking, smart home integration
• Consider future-proofing with Cat6A or fiber backbone

Commercial Structured Cabling

• May require permits for new construction or major renovations
• Plenum-rated (CMP) cables required in air handling spaces
• Riser-rated (CMR) cables for vertical penetrations
• BICSI standards recommended for enterprise installations
• Testing and certification documentation required
• Coordination with other trades for pathway access

Industry Standards

While not legally mandated, professional installations should follow industry standards:

• ANSI/TIA-568: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard
• ANSI/TIA-569: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• ANSI/TIA-606: Administration Standard for Telecommunications Infrastructure
• ANSI/NECA/BICSI 568: Installing Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling

Pro Tips for Savannah Cabling Projects

Historic Buildings: Savannah's historic districts present unique challenges. Surface-mounted raceways and wireless solutions can minimize impact on historic structures while providing modern connectivity.

Coastal Environment: Savannah's humid climate affects cable and equipment longevity. Specify cables with appropriate jacket ratings and use sealed enclosures for telecommunications rooms.

Plenum Considerations: Many commercial buildings in Savannah use plenum spaces for HVAC. Always verify air handling configurations and use CMP-rated cables where required.

Documentation: Maintain complete as-built drawings showing cable pathways, outlet locations, and patch panel assignments. Professional documentation simplifies future moves, adds, and changes.

Testing: Certify all installed cabling to applicable TIA standards. Provide test results documentation to building owners for warranty and performance verification.

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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

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Related Guides

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• Security Camera Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Access Control Permit Requirements in Savannah, Georgia
• Browse All Permit Guides

Contact Information

City of Savannah Development Services
5515 Abercorn Street, Suite 44
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 651-6520
Construction Inspections/Permits

eTrac Permit Portal
eTRAC.savannahga.gov

Georgia State Board of Low Voltage Contractors
3920 Arkwright Road, Suite 195
Macon, GA 31210
Phone: (404) 424-9966
sos.ga.gov