Is the house, building, or site listed on the City's Historic Resources Inventory?

If yes, any kind of window replacement will require a Planning clearance or possibly a Historic Preservation permit or permit adjustment. This step must be accomplished BEFORE applying for the building permit. These requirements will apply:

• Replacements of original windows should only be proposed if refurbishment is not possible.

• New windows must match the original design as closely as possible; see design guidelines for historical properties.
  
  
• Planning will require a site plan; see example at bottom of this page.

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning with a description of your proposed window replacement.
Or speak with a City Planner — see Planning Division - Phone Service. 

Is the property located in a Planned Development (PD) Zone? 

If yes, you must adhere to the architectural standards of the PD Zone and any HOA CCR rules.

To determine if the property is in a PD Zone, enter your address on the Zoning Map.

For assistance:
Submit a Help Ticket to Planning
Or speak with a City Planner — view Planning Division - Phone Service.  

Whether or not a building permit is required, the replacement window must conform to current construction standards, including:

Window design. Even if the existing framing is not altered, the design of the replacement window must comply with current requirements for new construction as much as possible. For example, when replacing a window that has become a noncomplying single-hung style, a new style must be chosen that is in compliance.

Safety glass. New glazing in existing openings must be safety glass if the opening is in a hazardous location as defined in current standards for new construction. 

Window size. The replacement window must meet size regulations that apply to new construction, including the egress size required for emergency exit. If installed in an existing frame, then the replacement window must meet the dimension standards as much as possible. Here are current sizing regulations:

• Habitable rooms - Must have exterior windows with an area that totals a minimum of 4% of the floor area for ventilation and a minimum of 8% of the floor area of the room for light.
  
  
• Sleeping rooms and basements - Must meet these specifications:

- Minimum 5.7 sq. ft. opening*

- Minimum height of 24 inches

- Minimum width of 20 inches

- Maximum height to bottom of clear opening of 44 inches

* To meet the required minimum 5.7 square-foot opening, either the width, height or both must exceed the minimum dimensions shown. If the bottom of a clear opening is less than 44 inches above outdoor adjacent grade, then a minimum 5 sq. ft. is acceptable.

A permit will be issued during your visit if documents are accurate.

TO QUALIFY 

The project:

• Must be on a single-family, duplex, or multifamily property 
  
  
• If making changes to exterior walls, you must secure a Planning approval before using the Simple Permits Service. Planning may require you to provide a site plan, building elevations, or photos for review. The process may entail a Permit Adjustment. Speak with a planner or Submit a Help Ticket to Planning.

The property:

• Cannot be in Flood Zone A, AE, AH, or AO. See Flood Hazard Zone Map or call 408-535-7803 or email floodzoneinfo@sanjoseca.gov.
• Cannot be in a Geohazard or Seismic Hazard Landslide zone; view the property information at www.SJPermits.org.
• Cannot be in a Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) area (WUI Policy, page 3)
• Cannot have code violations or a code enforcement case
• For properties in a Planned Development Zoning District (check Zoning Map) or on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory - Obtain a clearance from the Planning Division before using this service. A building permit will not be issued without this clearance.

If the project does not meet each criterion, use the Standard Plan Review Service.

TO APPLY

• Allow at least 30 minutes for this visit and arrive before 3:00 p.m. as counter tickets are not issued thereafter. Upon arrival, go to the self-serve ticket kiosk by the round reception desk and select "Building Walk-In Service." Take the ticket. You will be called to a numbered counter.
  
  
• Be ready to pay the fees for Simple Permit Service; see Building Fees.

Bring:

• Completed Building Permit Application - See instructions.
  
  
• Form 311 Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Bring only if the property owner is the permit applicant.
  
  
• If a historical property or in a Planned Development Zone, bring the required Planning clearance or permit. 
  
  
• If you have secured a Planning approval to changes walls, bring the approved plans.

We look forward to serving you.

Who can prepare plans? While some plans may be prepared by anyone, we recommend working with professionals. Inaccurate plans will require resubmittals and more fees. Accurate plans save time and money. See Plans That Require an Architect or Engineer. 

Forms may require digital signatures. See Digital Forms & Signatures for help.

REQUIRED

> Building Permit Application - See instructions.

> Owner-Builder Acknowledgement and Verification of Information Form - Submit only if the property owner is the permit applicant. 

>  Submittal Checklist - Select the appropriate checklist below. It also outlines relevant forms and plans to include in the permit application package.

> Project Plans - Select the plan instructions according to the type of property:

> Site Plan - Minimum 18” x 24” sheet. Show:

• Lot dimensions, shape of the building, and distances to the property line
• Existing (E) and proposed new (N) window sizes
• The type of room in which the window is located, e.g., bedroom

EXAMPLE SITE PLAN FOR A WINDOW REPLACEMENT PROJECT

> This project may be subject to a refundable Construction and Demolition Diversion Deposit (CDDD). 

TO APPLY

This service uses online platforms. You will first apply at SJPermits and then upload documents through SJePlans. A City plan reviewer will review the plans and send comments to the ePlan Applicant through SJePlans. After the plans are approved and final fees are paid, then the building permit will be issued. Follow these instructions:

* Standard Plan Review Service *

We look forward to serving you.