Short Answer
Yes, e-permitLos Angeles requires a building permit to replace windows. If the new windows are the same size, opening type and location, LADBS issues an Express Permit online with no plan check. Changing size, opening type or location requires plan check at an LADBS Construction Services Center.
Source: LADBS: Express Permits (No Plan Check Required), IB P/GI 2020-003 (linked under Sources below)
Los Angeles Window Permits at a Glance
- Window permits, last 12 months
- 3,926
- Median application to issue
- 21 days
- Slowest quarter took at least
- 63 days
- New or enlarged openings
- 155
Of the 4 cities we track for windows, Los Angeles ranks 3 of 4 by median wait. The median declared job value on these permits was $5,000.
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
Owners or licensed contractors can get the e-permit. For plan check, LADBS wants two sets of floor plans at 1/4 inch to 1 foot showing existing and proposed rooms and windows, and structural calculations by a California-licensed engineer or architect for structures over 1 story or where new windows are significantly larger.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- Replacement windows in residential buildings of three stories or less must be dual-glazed and NFRC labeled and certified, per Title 24, Part 6, Section 150.2(b)1B.
- Every sleeping room needs one emergency escape window or door: at least 5.7 square feet net clear opening, 24 inches high, 20 inches wide, with a sill no more than 44 inches above the floor.
- Habitable rooms need glazing of at least 1/10 of the floor area (minimum 10 square feet) and openable area of at least 1/20 (minimum 5 square feet).
- Sliding windows need locking devices and a device that stops the moving panel being lifted out.
- Homes inside an airport noise boundary (CNEL 65 dB and up) must meet the County's prescriptive sound standards.
What Else to Know in Los Angeles
LADBS lists window and door change-outs of the same size and type among its Express Permits that need no plan check (Information Bulletin P/GI 2020-003). Security bars on bedroom windows need a quick-release device.
Los Angeles Window Permit Fees
Los Angeles does not publish a flat window permit fee we could verify, so we don't quote one; the fee is set from the job when you apply. For scale, the median declared value of window work on recent permits was $5,000.
What Los Angeles's Window Permit Data Shows
| Type of work | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement windows | 3,096 | 79% |
| New or enlarged openings | 155 | 4% |
| Not specified in the description | 675 | 17% |
Window Permits Issued per Month
Types are classified from each permit's description. Building permits whose description mentions window replacement or new windows; excluding new buildings, additions, ADUs, storefronts, curtain walls and window signs. Remodels that include windows may be counted. Data from LADBS Building Permits Issued 2020–Present, October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Window Permits Are Issued
| ZIP code | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| 90272 | 136 |
| 90066 | 97 |
| 91344 | 96 |
| 90049 | 89 |
| 90016 | 87 |
| 90026 | 84 |
Recent Window Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-24 | 1 window(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled an |
| 2026-10-24 | 1 door(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled and |
| 2026-10-23 | 11 window(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled a |
| 2026-10-23 | 1 door(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled and |
| 2026-10-23 | 1 door(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled and |
| 2026-10-23 | 1 window(s). Window and door change-out (same size & type) for residential buildings. Dual glazing, labeled an |
How to Get a Window Permit in Los Angeles
- Decide whether openings change; same size and type qualifies for an e-permit.
- Choose dual-glazed NFRC-labeled windows that keep egress, light and ventilation.
- Get the e-permit online, or take plans to plan check for changed openings.
- Install the windows.
- Pass the LADBS inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles requires a building permit to replace windows. If the new windows are the same size, opening type and location, LADBS issues an Express Permit online with no plan check. Changing size, opening type or location requires plan check at an LADBS Construction Services Center.
How long does a window permit take in Los Angeles?
For the 974 window permits issued between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026 with both dates published, the median time from application to issue was 21 days, and a quarter took 63 days or longer, according to the city's open data.
How many window permits does Los Angeles issue?
3,926 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 79% described replacement windows and 4% new or enlarged openings, based on the permit descriptions.
Can I get a window permit online in Los Angeles?
Yes, as an Express Permit (e-permit) when the new windows match the size, opening type and location of the old ones.
What size must a bedroom egress window be in Los Angeles?
At least 5.7 square feet net clear opening, 24 inches clear height and 20 inches clear width, with a sill no higher than 44 inches.
Related Permit Guides
- Los Angeles Building Permits
- Do You Need a Permit for Window Replacement?
- San Francisco Window Replacement Permit Requirements
- Chicago Window Replacement Permit Requirements
- San Diego Window Replacement Permit Requirements
Sources
Official sources checked on . Rules change; confirm with the department before you start work.
- LADBS: Express Permits (No Plan Check Required), IB P/GI 2020-003 (dbs.lacity.gov)
- LADBS: Express Permits (dbs.lacity.gov)
- PermitLA: Windows (permitla.org)
- LADBS Building Permits Issued 2020–Present (data.lacity.org)