Short Answer
Yes, alwaysSan Francisco requires a building permit for every window replacement, wherever the window is on the building. A replacement in the same size and location is an in-kind replacement: apply online through PermitSF with no plans, and DBI aims to approve most of these within 2 business days. Expanding, reducing, moving or adding an opening needs an Over-the-Counter permit at the Permit Center with plans and elevations.
Source: SF.gov: Replace Your Windows (linked under Sources below)
San Francisco Window Permits at a Glance
- Window permits, last 12 months
- 1,761
- Median application to issue
- 2 days
- Slowest quarter took at least
- 24 days
- New or enlarged openings
- 153
Of the 4 cities we track for windows, San Francisco ranks fastest by median wait. The median declared job value on these permits was $20,000.
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
Owners or contractors can apply; if a contractor will do the work, hire them before applying because the online form asks for their details. The Planning Department checks the window against the Planning Code and the City's Window Replacement Standards, and DBI checks the Building Code. A DBI inspector must do a final onsite inspection to complete the permit, and most window permits stay valid for one year.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- Check the property's historic category (A, A*, B or C) on the Property Information Map. Category A* properties, City Landmarks and buildings in Conservation Districts, are not eligible for over-the-counter approval and may need an Administrative Certificate of Appropriateness or a Minor Permit to Alter.
- Talk to Planning before you buy: Planning may not be able to approve some windows on historic buildings even after they are bought or installed.
- Confirm energy ratings on the NFRC or ENERGY STAR label: a U-factor of 0.27 or lower for single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes, and 0.28 or lower for residences with more than 2 units. Windows that miss these must be applied for in person.
- Describe the work on the application: how many windows, where they are on the building, the material and how they operate.
- For new or enlarged openings, prepare plans and elevations per the submittal guidelines.
What Else to Know in San Francisco
SF Planning gives an example description: "Replacement of two windows on the second floor of the street façade with two new double-hung wood-sash windows." Bringing a product sheet from the supplier helps review. Windows installed without a permit are reviewed case by case and may be referred to Planning's Enforcement Division. DBI sends the fee amount after it reviews the application.
San Francisco Window Permit Fees
San Francisco 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 $20,000.
What San Francisco's Window Permit Data Shows
| Type of work | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement windows | 1,095 | 62% |
| New or enlarged openings | 153 | 9% |
| Not specified in the description | 513 | 29% |
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 DataSF: Building Permits, October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Window Permits Are Issued
| Neighborhood | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Sunset/Parkside | 171 |
| West of Twin Peaks | 154 |
| Outer Richmond | 116 |
| Lakeshore | 104 |
| Bernal Heights | 92 |
| Inner Sunset | 85 |
Recent Window Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-29 | 1. replace dryrot wood siding to cement lap siding on two walls. 2. replace 5 windows on right side. no change |
| 2026-10-29 | new skylights at 1st floor roof (3) and new stationary picture window at 3rd floor. |
| 2026-10-29 | remove existing window, removal of existing flr vent, water heater upgrade, new gas insert and electrical for |
| 2026-10-29 | revision to 2026-0122-4300. per hrr "c" classification, new 2nd fl windows, remove and level facade crown. sky |
| 2026-10-29 | restoration of approx. 500 sf of parge coating. facade resoration of metal cornice including removing rust and |
| 2026-10-29 | to comply with nov 202663629, replace (e) window 48inx48in in kitchen with ufactor of 0.28. kitchen and bathro |
How to Get a Window Permit in San Francisco
- Check the historic category on the Property Information Map.
- Pick windows that meet the U-factor limits and the Planning standards.
- Apply online through PermitSF for in-kind replacements, or at the Permit Center with plans for changed openings.
- Pay the fee DBI sends and receive the job card.
- Install and pass the DBI final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in San Francisco?
San Francisco requires a building permit for every window replacement, wherever the window is on the building. A replacement in the same size and location is an in-kind replacement: apply online through PermitSF with no plans, and DBI aims to approve most of these within 2 business days. Expanding, reducing, moving or adding an opening needs an Over-the-Counter permit at the Permit Center with plans and elevations.
How long does a window permit take in San Francisco?
For the 1,725 window permits issued between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026 with both dates published, the median time from application to issue was 2 days, and a quarter took 24 days or longer, according to the city's open data.
How many window permits does San Francisco issue?
1,761 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 62% described replacement windows and 9% new or enlarged openings, based on the permit descriptions.
Can I apply for a San Francisco window permit online?
Yes, if you are replacing windows in the same size and location and they meet the energy requirements. Changing the size or location of an opening requires an in-person Over-the-Counter application with plans.
What U-factor do replacement windows need in San Francisco?
0.27 or lower for single-family homes, townhomes and duplexes, and 0.28 or lower for residences with more than 2 units, per SF.gov.
Related Permit Guides
- San Francisco Building Permits
- Do You Need a Permit for Window Replacement?
- Chicago Window Replacement Permit Requirements
- Los Angeles 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.
- SF.gov: Replace Your Windows (sf.gov)
- SF Planning: Window Replacement Project (sfplanning.org)
- SF Planning: Window Replacement Standards and Recommendations (sfplanning.org)
- DataSF: Building Permits (data.sfgov.org)