Replace, Remove, or Add Windows

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility For Exemption from Design Review

If your project falls under any of the criteria listed below, you may apply for exemption from Design Review for faster, simpler project review. Learn more about projects that are eligible on our Design Review Exemption (DRX) webpage.

• Like-for-like window replacement/repair work

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Exemption from Design Review

• Apply for Design Review Exemption through our Online Permit Center (log in first, then apply)
• In the application, upload color photographs of the windows to be replaced, and include a detailed description of the in-kind work to be performed (number of windows, location of windows, window specs).  For submission guidelines, please review our Electronic Plan & Document Submittal Guidelines.
• If you are an agent representing a building owner, also upload your signed and notarized Letter of Agency Authorization Form(PDF, 209KB)
• Staff will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

Step 4.Step Four: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you.

Step 5.Step Five: Recycling Plan

• All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
• Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 6.Step Six: Building Permits Issued

Once all fees have been paid and your Building Permit application and Recycling Plan have been approved, your Building Permits will be issued.

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Step 1.Step One: Check Your Eligibility for Small Project Design Review (DS)

If your project meets any of the following criteria, it will be processed under the streamlined Small Project Design Review (DS):

• Replacement of windows that are compatible, but not visually matching
• Changes to windows for storefronts or street-fronting facades in Commercial, Civic, or Industrial Facilities and the non-residential portions of mixed-use development projects
• Adding, removing, or replacing windows*
  *Note: A project becomes ineligible for DS Review if the historic property's key features would be significantly impacted. Key features are design, materials, workmanship, setting, location, or identity to its historic significance. Any change that affects these important elements on a Local Register Property must go through the Regular Design Review process (see next tab for details). See Planning Code definition of "Local Register Property" and check our City Zoning Map to see if your property qualifies.

Step 2.Step Two: Apply for Small Project Design Review

If your project meets one or more criteria in the bullet list above from Step One, follow the bulleted instructions as outlined here:

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center(login first, then apply)
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB) and include a detailed description of the scope of work (number of windows to be replaced, location of windows, window specifications), plus all associated plans and documents (color photographs, existing and proposed site plan, elevations and window schedule).
• A planner will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permits

Step 4.Step Four: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you.

Step 5.Step Five: Recycling Plan

• All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
• Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 6.Step Six: Building Permits Issued

Once all fees have been paid and your Building Permit application and Recycling Plan have been approved, your Building Permits will be issued.

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.

Step 1.Step One: Regular Design Review

• Submit a Zoning Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
  * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Zoning Worksheet
• In the Worksheet, upload your completed Basic Application for Development Review(PDF, 5MB) and include a detailed description of the scope of work (number of windows to be replaced, removed, or added; location of windows; and window specifications), plus all associated plans and documents (color photographs of window features changing, removing, or adding; existing and proposed site plan; elevations and window schedule).
• A planner will review your submission
• Once approved, you will receive notice from the Bureau of Planning 

Step 2.Step Two: Building Permits

• Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center*
  * NOTE: You will be taken to our login page first before you can submit a Building Worksheet
• In the Worksheet, upload any required documents and plans, along with the required energy form as outlined below

* ENERGY FORMS: You must provide the appropriate energy forms for your window replacement work:

• For residential projects 3 stories or below, you may complete the Oakland CF1R Energy Form for Fenestration webform or provide another approved energy form
• For residential projects 4 stories or above or commercial projects, provide a completed NRCC-ENV Building Energy Efficiency - Title 24 Compliance Form (not the simplified form). Compliance forms may be found on the California Energy Commission website

Step 3.Step Three: Building Permit Application Review

Once we receive your Building Permit application, we will review your submittal. If we need further information, we will contact you.

Step 4.Step Four: Recycling Plan

• All Oakland building permits require an approved Recycling Plan (called a WRRP) before being issued. As soon as your Permit Application has been processed, a Green Halo project will be created for you and an invitation for the project will be sent to the email address you provided on your Permit Application.
• Follow the directions in Green Halo to pay this fee and write a Recycling Plan for all debris your building project will generate.

Learn More About Recycling

Step 5.Step Five: Building Permits Issued

Once all fees have been paid and your Building Permit application and Recycling Plan have been approved, your Building Permits will be issued.

For the latest processing estimates, please see our Average Permit Processing Turnaround Times webpage.