Structured Cabling Permit Requirements in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Quick Answer: Structured cabling and data network installations in Winston-Salem, North Carolina require a low voltage electrical permit when running cable through building structures. The Winston-Salem Inspections Division processes permits through the BuildIT online system. Contractors must be registered with Winston-Salem and have a Contractor ID Number. Low-voltage inspections must be completed before Certificate of Occupancy.

When Are Permits Required for Structured Cabling?

In Winston-Salem, permits and inspections are required for most low voltage work. Structured cabling projects typically need permits when:

• Running data cables through walls, ceilings, or floors
• Installing telecommunications rooms or data closets
• Fiber optic cable installations
• Network infrastructure for new construction or tenant buildouts
• Cable pathways, conduit, or cable tray installations
• Penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Backbone cabling between floors or buildings

Licensing Exemptions

Per NC state guidelines, some low voltage systems may be exempt from licensed contractor requirements. However, even when licensing may not be required, permits and inspections are still required.

North Carolina Licensing Requirements

Structured cabling contractors may need licensing from the NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors:

SP-LV License (Special Restricted - Low Voltage)

The SP-LV license authorizes installation of:

• Data and telecommunications cabling
• Voice over IP (VoIP) systems
• Fiber optic communications
• Network infrastructure
• CATV wiring

License Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in low voltage work
• Exam: PSI-administered test
• Fee: $125 examination fee
• Continuing Education: 4 hours approved CE for renewal

For complete licensing information, see our North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide.

Winston-Salem Permit Application Process

Step 1: Register as Contractor

Contractors must be registered with Winston-Salem jurisdiction and have a Winston-Salem Contractor ID Number before applying for permits.

Step 2: Prepare Documentation

• Floor plans showing cable pathways and outlet locations
• Riser diagrams for multi-floor installations
• Equipment specifications
• Fire stopping details for penetrations
• Contractor license verification

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply through BuildIT or the GeoCivix portal:

• BuildIT System: Winston-Salem BuildIT - For trade permits
• Commercial Submittals: GeoCivix Portal - All commercial plan reviews
• Phone: (336) 727-2624

You must be a licensed Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical, or Refrigeration contractor to use BuildIT for permits and scheduling inspections.

Step 4: Inspections

Inspections for electrical low-voltage must be completed prior to:

• Final building inspection
• Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (CO)

Fees and Timeline

Fee Type	Basis	Notes
Plan Review Fee	Square footage of project	See Inspections Fee Schedule
Permit Fee	Total cost of project	See Inspections Fee Schedule
Monthly Billing Bond	$2,500 surety bond	For contractors billed monthly

Office Information

Location: Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building
100 E First Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
(P.O. Box 2511, Winston-Salem, NC 27102)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:45 PM
Walk-in Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Phone calls not received after 4:43 PM
Closed first Wednesday of every month from 7:45 AM - 9:45 AM

Customer Service: (336) 727-2624

Code Compliance Requirements

All structured cabling in Winston-Salem must comply with applicable codes:

NEC Article 800 - Communications Circuits

• Maintain 2-inch minimum separation from power conductors
• Use plenum-rated cables (CMP) in air-handling spaces
• Properly firestop all penetrations through fire-rated assemblies
• Proper grounding and bonding per NEC requirements

Industry Standards

• TIA-568: Commercial Building Telecommunications Wiring
• TIA-569: Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
• BICSI: Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual

Residential vs. Commercial Requirements

Residential Projects

Home network installations typically require permits when:

• Running cable through finished walls or ceilings
• Installing whole-home structured wiring
• Adding dedicated network closets
• Running exterior or underground cables

Commercial Projects

Commercial structured cabling requires:

• Electronic submission via GeoCivix (no paper plans accepted)
• Detailed cable pathway drawings
• Equipment room layouts
• TIA/EIA standards compliance
• Fire stopping documentation
• Coordination with other trades

Pro Tips from Experienced Contractors

• Get registered first: You need a Winston-Salem Contractor ID Number before submitting permits
• Use electronic submission: No paper plans accepted for commercial projects
• Complete inspections early: Low-voltage inspection required before CO
• Watch office hours: Phone calls not received after 4:43 PM
• Know plenum requirements: Using wrong cable types in air handling spaces is common violation
• Label everything: Proper cable labeling saves inspection time
• Document concealed work: Photos before closing walls help with inspections

Stay Ahead of Permit Activity

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Related Permit Guides

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• Structured Cabling Permits in Greensboro, NC
• North Carolina Low Voltage License Guide