Do I Need a Permit to Replace Windows?
What this costs
| Option | Job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace | Window Replacement (per window) | $370 | $1,300 |
Local examples show the range
These are examples only, and rules change.
- Portland, Oregon: no building permit if the opening isn't widened or reduced. A new or resized opening needs one.
- Falls Church, Virginia: no permit if the opening stays the same size.
- Louisville, Colorado: no permit for same-size replacement. A permit if the size changes or an opening is added.
- Peachtree Corners, Georgia: no permit without structural alterations. A permit if they're needed.
- San Diego, California: a no-plan building permit for in-kind replacement, meaning the same size and specifications.
- Bedford, Texas: a miscellaneous building permit for window replacement, and a remodel permit for size changes.
- Mukilteo, Washington: a permit for all new windows.
What can change the answer
A bedroom window may also be an emergency exit. The 2015 International Residential Code, as published by Springville, Utah, says ordinary repairs don't include changing a required means of egress. Portland says historic and design overlay zones can add review of exterior work, and it exempts storm windows from a building permit.
What to ask
Call or check the website of your city or county building department before you start, and give them your address and a short description of the job.
- Is same-size replacement exempt here?
- Does a bedroom window have to meet egress size rules?
- Is my home in a historic or design zone?
- Does the installer pull the permit?
Why it's worth asking first
Portland, Oregon's 2022 permit guide says inspections catch problems early, that buyers, realtors or lenders may require unpermitted work to be corrected before closing, and that a lack of permits and inspection approvals may void insurance. Even where no permit is needed, the work generally still has to meet code and zoning rules.
Permit offices in major cities
- New York
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Dallas
- Houston
- Washington, DC
- Philadelphia
- Miami
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Phoenix
- San Francisco
- Riverside
- Detroit
- Seattle
- Minneapolis
- San Diego
- Tampa
- Denver
- Baltimore
- St. Louis
- Charlotte
- Orlando
- San Antonio
- Portland
Common questions
Do I need a permit to add a new window?
Do I need a permit for storm windows?
Related questions
- Do I Need a Permit to Add an Outlet?
- Do I Need a Permit to Build a Deck?
- Do I Need a Permit to Build a Fence?
- Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed?
- Do I Need a Permit to Finish My Basement?
- Do I Need a Permit to Install a Mini Split?
- Do I Need a Permit to Remodel My Bathroom?
- Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Roof?
Last verified 2026-11-03
- City of Portland, Oregon: Do You Need a Permit for Your Residential Project? (January 2022) — Portland: same-size opening needs no building permit; new or resized openings do; storm windows exempt; overlay zones may apply.
- City of Falls Church, Virginia: When a Building Permit Is Required — Falls Church: replacing windows is exempt if the opening stays the same size.
- City of Peachtree Corners, Georgia: When Do I Need a Building Permit? — Peachtree Corners: replacement without structural alterations needs none; structural alterations do.
- City of Louisville, Colorado: Permit Requirements — Louisville: same-size replacement none; changing size or adding an opening requires a permit.
- City of Bedford, Texas: When Is a Residential Building Permit Required? — Bedford: a Miscellaneous Building Permit is required for window replacement; size changes need a remodel permit.
- City of Mukilteo, Washington: Do You Need a Permit for That? — Mukilteo: permit required for all new windows.
- City of San Diego, California: What Permits Do I Need? — San Diego: in-kind window replacement uses a no-plan building permit.
- Springville, Utah: Work Exempt From Permits (reproduces 2015 IRC Section R105) — 2015 IRC R105.2.2 as reproduced: ordinary repairs don't include changing means of egress.
General information, not professional advice. Conditions, codes and prices vary. Turn off power, gas or water before any work, and hire a licensed professional when in doubt. Cost figures are our estimates, not quotes.