Do you need a permit for a window or door replacement?
Permits for window and door replacements are set locally: the city or county building department decides, under the code it has adopted. Below are the official rules and fees we verified, in each department's own words.
On this page
What the model code exempts (IRC R105.2)
The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.
Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the exit door required by IRC, Section R311.4.
1 As published by Federal Way, WA (2021 IRC wording, with Washington and local amendments).10. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4.
2 As published by Warner, NH (2015 IRC).
Emergency escape and rescue openings (IRC R310 (R310.1, R310.2.1-R310.2.3, R310.4.1))
The International Residential Code (IRC) is a model code. It is law only where a state or city adopts it, usually with changes, so the wording below shows how the model reads in published government copies, not the rule where you live.
R310.2.1 Minimum size. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have a net clear opening of not less than 5.7 square feet (0.530 m2).
3 As published by Galveston, TX (2021 IRC).Exception: The minimum net clear opening for grade floor emergency escape and rescue openings shall be 5 square feet (0.465 m2).
3 As published by Galveston, TX (2021 IRC).The minimum net clear opening height dimension shall be 24 inches (610 mm).
3 As published by Galveston, TX (2021 IRC).The minimum net clear opening width dimension shall be 20 inches (508 mm).
3 As published by Galveston, TX (2021 IRC).R310.2.3 Maximum height from floor. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall have the bottom of the clear opening not greater than 44 inches (1118 mm) above the floor.
3 As published by Galveston, TX (2021 IRC).
What cities charge for a window or door replacement permit
Fee lines as each city’s schedule states them, never added up into a total; how permit fees work explains valuation formulas and minimums.
| City | Fee | As the schedule states it |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville, FL | Window/door replacement BID permit fee per $1,000 | Bid permit fee, per $1,000 of construction cost · $4.004 |
| Columbus, OH | Roof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1, 2, and 3 Family) | Roof, Siding, Windows, and Doors (1 inspection) $1405 |
| El Paso, TX | Building Permits: building/windows | $110 plus applicable technology fee6 |
| Las Vegas, NV | Exterior Improvements (e.g., siding, stucco, windows) | 85 Exterior Improvements (e.g., siding, stucco, windows) $135 $1517 |
| Boston, MA | Short Form Building | $20.00 Primary fee plus $10.00 per $1,000 of the estimated cost of work.8 |
| Baltimore, MD | Exterior-only alterations / interior doors only, 1- and 2-family | Exception: For the following, the fee is $10 for each $1,000 or fraction of $1,000 estimated cost, subject to a minimum fee of $50 –9 |
| Oakland, CA | Window replacement/retrofit | 1. · Windows (Per $1,000 valuation) · 10.36 Per $1,000 of construction10 |
| Arlington, TX | Residential: Windows/Doors Replacement (2 or more) | Windows/Doors Replacement (2 or more)* $100.00 - 2 windows/doors $150.00 - 3 windows/doors or more11 |
| Aurora, CO | Flat rate: egress window, gas pipe, residential EV charger, residential siding, water heater replacement | $99 EACH • Egress Window Installation • Gas Pipe Installation or Modification • Residential EV Charger • Residential Siding Replacement • Water Heater Replacement12 |
Before you start
Find your city’s window or door replacement rule with the permit checker. What to check before you buy materials (city limits, limits in the rule, zoning and HOA rules) and the order of the steps are in how to get a building permit; what an exemption does not cover is in work exempt from a permit.
Sources
- International Residential Code (IRC), Section R105.2City of Federal Way, WA, Community DevelopmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Work Exempt from Permits, 2015 IRCTown of Warner, NHChecked November 7, 2026
- Windows and Sliding Glass Door ComplianceCity of Galveston, TX, Building DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- City Fees (Categorized by Departments)City of Jacksonville, City Fees page (Building Inspection Division - Section 320.409)Checked November 7, 2026
- 2026 Combined Development Related Fee ScheduleCity of Columbus, Department of Building and Zoning ServicesPublished 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- City of El Paso FY2026-2027 Adopted Budget, FY 2027 Schedule C Departmental Fee ListCity of El Paso, Office of Management & BudgetAdopted August 18, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- City of Las Vegas 2020 Building User Fees (Building & Fee Table)City of Las Vegas, Department of Community Development, Building & Safety DivisionEffective July 1, 2021Checked November 7, 2026
- Building Fees 5 15 23 (ISD fee schedule)City of Boston, Inspectional Services DepartmentChecked November 7, 2026
- Section 109. Fees (Building Code)City of Baltimore Law Library (Department of Legislative Reference)Checked November 7, 2026
- Fiscal Year 2026-27 Master Fee ScheduleCity of Oakland (Master Fee Schedule, Planning & Building Department section)Effective July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective October 1, 2026 (Resolution No. 26-288)City of Arlington, Planning & Development ServicesEffective October 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- 2026 Flat Rate Fee Permits (Flat-Rate Fee, Revised 08/2026, Form #A175)City of Aurora, Development Services Department, Building DivisionRevised August 2026Checked November 7, 2026