Window Replacement

Here are 5 reasons why homeowners should obtain permits prior to installing new or replacement windows (or doors):

1. To ensure your safety by making sure bedrooms meet egress safety requirements.
2. To confirm that certain windows have safety glazing on them, and that rooms get adequate light and ventilation.
3. Save on your energy bill by confirming windows meet California energy requirements.
4. Avoid costly delays. Failure to obtain a building permit can result in legal action, or even the removal of work already completed.
5. To preserve a key component of a historic building’s design and overall appearance.

“Like-for-like” is a term that means an exact replica of the original in terms of:

• Materials
• Appearance
• Pattern of glazing
• Timber molding profiles
• Glazing type
• Style of opening

Some owners or contractors may assume that a “like-for-like” replacement does not require a building permit or design review. This is not true. A “like-for-like” window replacement still requires a building permit and the windows may require an upgrade to current code requirements. Please be aware, the preferred approach for historic buildings is that the original windows are regularly maintained and repaired. They should only be replaced if they are totally beyond repair.

When designing your window placement, it’s important to remember fire separation distance requirements. The Building Code requires that wall openings not be allowed within 3 feet from a property line. When they are more than 3 feet but less than 5 feet from the line, Code limits the openings to 25% of the wall area.

The City’s Zoning Ordinance, which regulates land uses and the intensity of development, also sets a minimum required setback for all buildings. If your building has nonconforming (“grandfathered”) setbacks, you may not be allowed to add new openings or enlarge existing openings without a planning approval.

Please contact the Planning Counter (PlanningCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov) for more information about setbacks.

If your building is more than 50 years old, an evaluation by the City’s Architectural Historian will be required prior to approval of any window replacement permit. Photographs must be provided to assess the proposed replacement on a historic or potentially historic resource.

Learn more about the City’s policies and priorities for historic buildings on the Historic Preservation page.

You may have seen advertisements promoting the replacement of older windows to save energy, improve the appearance of your house, and make it easier to sell. Before investing in replacing original wood windows, consider the benefits of keeping historic windows. Original windows are the most important character defining feature creating the greatest visual impact on the overall appearance of a house. The benefits of maintaining and repairing a building’s original windows include:

• Helps to retain the historic character of the building.
• When properly cared for, older wood windows can last centuries. Vinyl windows only last 10-20 years.
• Original windows were made specifically to fit their window openings and were custom installed. New windows will likely have to be custom ordered to fit into the original openings.
• Repairing and increasing the energy performance of existing wood windows can be cost-effective.
• Restoring wood windows may qualify for property tax relief with a Historic Property Preservation Agreement (Mills Act Contract).

Learn more about the City’s policies and priorities for historic buildings on the Historic Preservation page.

All window permits will require a floor plan, site plan, and a window schedule to accompany the application. The City’s Window Replacement Guide is provided as a tool to help you prepare plans for residential window replacements and new installations

Windows on Single-Unit Properties

Require design review if:

• New windows are located on upper story or any portion of window 17 feet above ground.
• In the Hillside Design District and average property slope over 20%.
• Building is a Historic Resource (i.e., Landmark, Structure of Merit, Historic or Landmark District).

Windows on Multi-Unit, Commercial, and Industrial Properties

Require design review for all exterior alterations that require a building permit, or on a Historic Resource (i.e., Landmark, Structure of Merit, Historic or Landmark District).

Staff-Level Approval

If your window requires design review, it may be eligible for staff-level administrative approval. Projects not eligible include projects that require a public notice or on City Landmarks or Structures of Merit. See the Administrative Design Review checklist for more information.