do i really need a permit to change the windows in my house? how

11040.vp ds 1/23/01

Do I really need a permit tochange the windows in myhouse?

Whether you need a permit or notdepends on the actual extent of the workwhich will be involved. Replacement ofwindows can be as simple as replacing

the existing windows with “inserts” that are installeddirectly in the existing frame of the old window.With this type of a replacement, no structuralalterations or removal of the sash is involved. Apermit is not required for this type of windowreplacement. However, you need to be aware thatin the replacement of windows, you must stillcomply with regulations related to safety glazingand emergency egress. These topics will beexplained later in this pamphlet.A permit will be required if the replacement of yourwindows involves the removal of the existing woodor metal sashes, or if alterations are made to theexisting opening.

How do I apply for a permit toreplace my windows?

Submit an application to the BuildingInspection Section of the DevelopmentReview Center. This application will askyou to describe the work you propose.

Along with the application, you must provide afloor plan which will show the location of thewindows which will be replaced. The floor planmust identify the rooms within the dwelling (e.g.Bedroom, kitchen, bath, living room, etc.).Dimensions of each window being replaced mustalso be provided. When indicating the size of thewindows, the width is always indicated first and the

height second. Example: 3’ x 4’ indicates thewindow will be three feet wide and four feet tall.If you are replacing a window with a door, youmust provide a switch operated light at this newexit. The light and switch must also be shown onyour floor plan. Information indicating conductortype, size and branch circuit over current protectionmust also be provided.When structural changes are involved, such asenlarging or reducing an opening you will berequired to provide framing details of how you willaccomplish this work.

Is there any planning (zoning)review?

If you are replacing windows thatrequire a permit, your application will bereviewed by Planning. If your project islocated within a Design Review District

(Emerald Lake Hills, Palomar Park, or Devonshireand Coastal Areas), Planning staff will review theproject to determine if a review by the DesignReview Committee is required or if a staff levelexemption or approval can be processed.Minor window replacement, or alterations aregenerally exempt from Design Review, providedthe style and design of the window matches that ofthe surrounding windows and is compatible withthe house design (non-anodized aluminumwindows are prohibited). However, you shouldcheck with planning staff to determine if yourproject qualifies for an exemption and to receiveany forms which may be necessary.

What types of permits will I need?A building permit will be required for thereplacement of windows. If electricalwork will be involved an electrical permitwill also be required.

In areas subject to Design Review, you will berequired to obtain a Design Review permit from thePlanning Section.

What fees must I pay?Building permit fees for this type of workare based upon the valuation of thework. Valuation includes the cost ofmaterials and the cost of labor involved.

Regardless of whether you are doing the workyourself, reasonable labor costs must be included inyour valuation. If minor electrical work is involved, aminimum electrical fee will be required.Other fees include, a filing fee, a micro filming fee, aplan checking fee (when structural review isrequired) and Planning Fees if applicable.

What code requirements should Ibe aware of?

✔ UBC Section 2406 - Requires thatglazing (windows) located in areasthat are subject to human impactmust be safety glazed. These areas

include glazing in doors, glazing locatedwithin a 24-inch arc of either a vertical edgeof a door, or within tub and showerenclosures.

✔ UBC Section 310.4 - Windows locatedwithin sleeping rooms are required to meetegress requirements. If you are replacing awindow which is subject to obtaining apermit, you will be required to make the newwindow comply with the Uniform BuildingCode requirements for egress windows. Thisrequirement is as follows:All escape or rescue windows shall have aminimum net clear openable area of 5.7square feet. The minimum net clear openableheight dimension shall be 24 inches. Theminimum net clear openable width shall be20 inches. When windows are provided as ameans of escape or rescue they shall have afinished sill height not more that 44 inchesabove the floor.

NOTE: If you are replacing windows whichare not subject to a building permit, aspreviously described, you need to be awarethat the replacement window cannot reducethe existing opening which previously existedin a room designed for sleeping purposes.

That is, the openable portion of the windowmust be the same or greater than the existingwindow.

✔ UBC Section 310.9.1.2 - When thevaluation of an addition, alteration or repairexceeds $1,000.00, smoke detectors shall beinstalled in each sleeping room and at a pointcentrally located in corridor or hallways givingaccess to the sleeping areas. Multiple story orsplit level structures will require smokedetectors on each level.

How long will it take for mypermit to be issued?

Applications for permits for windowreplacements are generally reviewed andplan checked by the Building Inspectorswhen they have office time. If an inspector

is available in the office, you may receive yourpermit on the same day that you apply. If aninspector is not available, approval of yourapplication may take several days.If you are located in a Design Review District and itis determined that your project is exempt, Planningapproval may come immediately or, in anadministrative approval, a couple of weeks.

At what point should I call for aninspection?

✔ An inspection of your project mustbe made before any framing orelectrical is concealed.

✔ The installation of the windowmust be reviewed by the inspector todetermine if the window has been installed,flashed and caulked correctly.

✔ Inspection of new wall coverings (sheetrock,siding, stucco wire) must be conductedbefore nailing has been concealed or stuccoapplied.

✔ A final inspection is required after the workhas been completed and smoke detectorsinstalled.

What is the first step in thisprocess?

Read the pamphlet General ProceduresWhen You Apply for a Planning orBuilding Permit. This pamphlet explainsthe general procedures for applying for

a permit, paying fees, calling for inspections andother related matters. Then you should review thefollowing documents which contains otherinformation which you may need:

How to Apply for Design Review

GlossaryThe following are abbreviations and symbolscommonly used when preparing plans for this typeof work.SLGD = Sliding Glass DoorSLD = Sliding WindowDH = Double Hung WindowSH = Single Hung WindowCSW = Casement WindowAW = Awning WindowFXW = Fixed Window (Not operable)DR = Door$ = Light SwitchO = Electrical Outlet

How to Applyfor a Permitto Replacethe Windowsin My House

Planning and Building Division

455 County Center, Second Floor

Redwood City, California 94063

(650) 599-7311

FAX (650) 363-4849

email:INTERNET:plngbldg@co.sanmateo.ca.us

web site address:http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/planning

San Mateo CountyPlanning and Building Division