Notice to Electronic Systems Contractors Performing Work in
South Bend, Indiana

St. Joseph County and the City of South Bend (IN) have implemented an ordinance requiring registration of all low-voltage installations and permits for low-voltage contractors. The requirement was to begin on April 1, 2009, but due to concern over the fee structure for the new low-voltage ordinance, the St. Joseph County/South Bend Building Department has placed a moratorium on the fees until the ordinance can be amended with a new fee structure.

The previous fee was $3.00 per outlet. The new proposed structure is as follows:

Minimum Fee $20.00
First 25 outlets, terminations, and/or jacks, each $3.00
Additional outlets, terminations, and/or jacks, over initial 25, each $0.50

According to the Building Department, low-voltage installations are becoming more popular due to increased demand for device connectivity. As a result, structures are being built with more outlets, terminations, and jacks that must be inspected to ensure the safety of the occupants. The new fee structure will help cover the department’s inspection costs while reducing the burden on the contractor who typically handles larger projects.

Registration will also be required of all low-voltage contractors. The reference for all installations will be the low-voltage sections of the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2005.

At a meeting this evening (Monday, April 13), the South Bend Common Council will hold the first reading on an amendment to Chapter 6, Article 6, Section 6-26.4 (c), Low Voltage Permit Fees, of the South Bend Municipal Code. There will be no public input.

Following the first reading, the amendment will be assigned to committee. CEDIA will notify members when it receives word that the low-voltage permit fees amendment is up for public hearing.

Questions? Contact Darren Reaman, director of public policy for CEDIA at (800) 669-5329 ext. 144 or dreaman@cedia.org.