Short Answer
Often no permitIn Chicago, in-kind replacement of an exterior window or skylight in its existing opening needs no building permit in a residential building up to 4 stories or its garage, and in-kind replacement of a ground-level window needs none in any building. Other replacements in existing openings, in buildings up to 7 stories, go through the Department of Buildings' online Express Permit Program. New or enlarged openings need a standard permit.
Source: City of Chicago: Exterior Window or Door Replacement (linked under Sources below)
Chicago Window Permits at a Glance
- Window permits, last 12 months
- 462
- Median application to issue
- 8 days
- Slowest quarter took at least
- 41 days
- New or enlarged openings
- 11
Of the 4 cities we track for windows, Chicago ranks 2 of 4 by median wait. The median declared job value on these permits was $15,000.
Who Can Apply and Do the Work
Express Permit applications need a Chicago-licensed general contractor, Class A, B, C, D or E depending on total project cost; in some cases an owner can act as general contractor. Buildings taller than 7 stories also need drawings by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer. Work done without a permit under Section 14A-4-402 must still meet the Chicago Construction Codes.
What You Need Before the Permit Is Issued
- Check whether you need a permit at all: "in-kind" means the same type, size and shape as the existing window.
- Express Permit is not available for a new opening, for windows that have or need fire-rated glass, within 10 feet of a fire escape, or, in buildings over 3 stories, in a wall within 2 feet of a lot line.
- New windows must meet the Chicago Energy Transformation Code's minimum efficiency requirements.
- Have the property address and PIN, owner and emergency contact, number of stories and units, at least one photo of existing conditions, and the energy and water efficiency compliance form.
- Know your contractor's exact name or Chicago license number.
What Else to Know in Chicago
The Express Permit Program replaced the old paper Easy Permit Process in November 2023, and lets applicants check status, pay fees and view inspection results online. Repairing a window, replacing glass in an existing sash, and installing storm windows or insect screens never need a building permit.
Chicago Window Permit Fees
Chicago 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 $15,000.
What Chicago's Window Permit Data Shows
| Type of work | Permits | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement windows | 368 | 80% |
| New or enlarged openings | 11 | 2% |
| Not specified in the description | 83 | 18% |
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 Chicago Building Permits, October 30, 2025 to October 30, 2026.
Where Window Permits Are Issued
| Community area | Permits (12 mo) |
|---|---|
| Community area 7 | 38 |
| Community area 8 | 30 |
| Community area 24 | 24 |
| Community area 71 | 20 |
| Community area 6 | 17 |
| Community area 25 | 16 |
Recent Window Permits
| Issued | Work as described by the city |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-29 | TUCKPOINTING AND UNIT MASONRY REPAIR / REPLACEMENT: 110 SQ. FT., LINTEL QTY. 2, MAX. LENGTH 4. LOCATION: 2ND A |
| 2026-10-29 | IN-KIND REPLACEMENT OF EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS IN EXISTING OPENINGS. REPLACEMENT WINDOWS: 8; REPLACEMENT SK |
| 2026-10-28 | SELF CERT 2019 CBRC: REVISION TO PERMIT # 101074826 TO REMOVE THE CURRENT SCOPE OF WORK THAT TOUCHES THE SOUTH |
| 2026-10-27 | IN-KIND REPLACEMENT OF EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS IN EXISTING OPENINGS. REPLACEMENT WINDOWS: 0; REPLACEMENT SK |
| 2026-10-26 | IN-KIND REPLACEMENT OF EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS IN EXISTING OPENINGS. REPLACEMENT WINDOWS: 10; REPLACEMENT S |
| 2026-10-26 | IN-KIND REPLACEMENT OF EXTERIOR WINDOWS AND DOORS IN EXISTING OPENINGS. REPLACEMENT WINDOWS: 0; REPLACEMENT SK |
How to Get a Window Permit in Chicago
- Confirm whether the work is in-kind and exempt.
- If not, confirm Express Permit eligibility.
- Hire a licensed general contractor and choose code-compliant windows.
- Apply online with photos and the energy compliance form, and pay the fee.
- Install and pass any required inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Chicago?
In Chicago, in-kind replacement of an exterior window or skylight in its existing opening needs no building permit in a residential building up to 4 stories or its garage, and in-kind replacement of a ground-level window needs none in any building. Other replacements in existing openings, in buildings up to 7 stories, go through the Department of Buildings' online Express Permit Program. New or enlarged openings need a standard permit.
How long does a window permit take in Chicago?
For the 462 window permits issued between October 30, 2025 and October 30, 2026 with both dates published, the median time from application to issue was 8 days, and a quarter took 41 days or longer, according to the city's open data.
How many window permits does Chicago issue?
462 in the 12 months to October 30, 2026. About 80% described replacement windows and 2% new or enlarged openings, based on the permit descriptions.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in a Chicago two-flat?
Not for in-kind replacement in the existing openings: residential buildings up to 4 stories are exempt for same type, size and shape replacements. New or larger openings need a permit.
Who can apply for a Chicago window Express Permit?
A Chicago-licensed general contractor, Class A to E depending on project cost; in some cases the owner can act as general contractor.
Related Permit Guides
- Chicago Building Permits
- Do You Need a Permit for Window Replacement?
- San Francisco 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.
- City of Chicago: Exterior Window or Door Replacement (chicago.gov)
- City of Chicago: Exterior Walls, Windows, and Doors (chicago.gov)
- City of Chicago: Express Permit Program (chicago.gov)
- Chicago Building Permits (data.cityofchicago.org)