Replace Windows

Building Permits are required for any window replacement in either a residential or commercial structure. Design Review may also be required.

Before you Start

Please review the Permit Requirements below as these vary from project to project.

Ready to get started? First, make sure you are registered and activated at our Online Permit Center. For instructions, please visit our Planning & Building Video Tutorials webpage.

When Is a Permit Required?

Building Permits are required for any window replacement, and must be obtained before any construction work begins. Design Review may also be required.

See the "How to Apply" section below for full details and procedures.

If your project includes interior work, such as a Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel, please visit our Bathroom & Kitchen Remodels page to apply for permits for the entire project.

Who Can Be Issued a Permit?

Contractors who are licensed by the State of California with a classification appropriate for the work that will be performed and have a current Business Tax Certificate.
Owners of a building or their legal representative.

How to Apply

Select your project type below:

Like-for-Like Replacements/Repairs

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

Submit a Building Worksheet through our Online Permit Center (log in first, then apply)
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 4.Step Four: Application Review

Once we receive your 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: Permits Issued

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

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

Replacements Requiring Design Review

Window replacement or repair work involving changes to the design or size must go through Zoning Review. Please follow the steps as outlined below.

Step 1.Step One: Zoning 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, 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 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: Application Review

Once we receive your 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: Permits Issued

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

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

Need to Know

QUESTIONS?

Call (510) 238-3891 or find quick answers through our Permit & Services Questions Portal. You may also schedule an appointment with Permit Counter staff during open hours.

Additional Resources

Contact Us

Phone

(510) 238-3891

Location

250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza 2nd Floor

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