Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Silver Spring, Maryland

If you're planning to install structured cabling—whether for a commercial office, residential property, or data center—in Silver Spring, Maryland, understanding the local permit requirements is essential. Silver Spring falls under Montgomery County's jurisdiction, which has specific regulations for low voltage electrical work including network cabling, data infrastructure, and telecommunications systems.

Quick Answer: Do You Need a Permit?

Yes, a permit is required. Montgomery County requires a Low Voltage Electrical Permit for structured cabling installations operating at 50 volts or less. The good news: no contractor license is required to apply for this permit, and permits are issued automatically online once submitted and paid.

What Qualifies as Low Voltage Structured Cabling?

Montgomery County defines low voltage electrical systems as those designed to operate at 50 volts or less. For structured cabling purposes, 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 in Montgomery County?

No contractor 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, while Montgomery County doesn't require a license for permit applications, contractors should be aware that Maryland's electrical licensing structure is county-based for low voltage work. The Maryland State Board of Electricians handles master, journeyman, and apprentice licenses at the state level, while low-voltage restricted licenses are issued by individual counties.

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. Here's the step-by-step application process:

Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Gather property address and owner information
• Document the scope of work (number of drops, cable types, locations)
• Note: For low voltage only work, leave the "Application # of the Parent Permit" field blank

Step 2: Submit Online via DPS ePermits

• Visit the Montgomery County DPS ePermits portal
• Complete the electrical permit application
• Manually enter the property address in the "Location of Work" fields
• Pay the required fees electronically

Step 3: Permit Issuance

Once you complete the online application and pay the fees, the permit is automatically issued. This is much faster than jurisdictions requiring manual review. However, no violations may be present on the property to complete the application.

Step 4: Post Permit and Complete Work

• Conspicuously post the permit at the job site
• Keep approved plans immediately available for review
• Construct the project in accordance with approved plans

Step 5: Schedule Inspection

• Schedule required inspections via DPS eServices
• Or call Montgomery County 311 at 240-777-0311

What Are the Permit 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 Are the Requirements for Residential vs Commercial Projects?

Residential Structured Cabling

For home network installations, home theaters, and residential data infrastructure:

• Same low voltage permit required
• Homeowners can pull their own permits for DIY work
• Must comply with National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Inspection required before closing walls if cables run through framing

Commercial Structured Cabling

For office buildings, retail spaces, and commercial data centers:

• Low voltage permit required for all installations
• May require coordination with general contractor if part of larger project
• 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 infrastructure

What Standards Apply to Structured Cabling in Maryland?

All electrical work in Montgomery County, including low voltage structured cabling, must comply with:

• National Electrical Code (NEC) - Adopted by Montgomery County
• ANSI/TIA-568 - Telecommunications cabling standards for US installations
• ISO/IEC 11801 - International cabling standards
• County-adopted regulations per DPS requirements

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 for a permit, verify your property's jurisdiction using the Maryland SDAT Real Property Data Search.

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Verify jurisdiction first: Silver Spring CDP (Census Designated Place) falls under Montgomery County, but neighboring areas may not
• No license needed: Take advantage of Montgomery County's streamlined process—no contractor license required for low voltage permits
• Automatic issuance: Low voltage permits are issued immediately upon payment, so plan your project timeline accordingly
• Document everything: Keep detailed records of cable runs, test results, and as-built drawings for inspection
• Fire stopping: If penetrating fire-rated assemblies, ensure proper fire stopping is installed and documented
• Label your cables: Proper labeling per TIA standards makes inspections smoother and helps future maintenance

Contact Information

Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services
Electrical & Mechanical Division
Email: MC311@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phone: 240-777-0311
Website: Low Voltage Electrical Permit Information

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

Want to know when structured cabling projects hit permits in Silver Spring 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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