Exterior Window or Door Replacement
Exterior Window or Door Replacement
The Express Permit Program offers a streamlined way to obtain a building permit for replacement of doors, windows, and skylights in existing exterior wall and roof openings.
Eligibility Summary
Additional terms, conditions, and limitations may apply.
Eligible
- Replacing a window in an existing wall opening in a building up to 7 stories tall
- Replacing an exterior door in an existing wall opening with the same type of exterior door in a building up to 7 stories tall
- Replacing a skylight in an existing roof opening in a building up to 7 stories tall
With drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer:
- Performing similar work in a building taller than 7 stories
Not Eligible
- Creating a new opening in an exterior wall or roof for a new window, door, or skylight
- Replacing a window or door that has or is required to have fire-rated glass
- Replacing a window or door within 10 feet of a fire escape
- In a building with more than 3 stories, replacing a window in a wall that is within 2 feet of a lot line that separates two properties
- Installing a new window, door, or skylight that does not meet minimum energy efficiency requirements of the Chicago Energy Transformation Code
When is a building permit not required?
Before beginning an Express Permit Program application for exterior window or door replacement, please review:
What Types of Work Do Not Require a Building Permit? : Exterior Walls, Windows, and Doors
Important Considerations
Terms and conditions
See the full Terms and Conditions for Express Permit Program : Exterior Window/Door Replacement for further limitations on this type of permit.
Before You Apply
You should gather required documents, select required contractors and professionals (if any), and have their license or registration numbers before starting the online permit application.
Required Documents
All applications
For all applications, you must upload:
- Existing condition photograph (at least 1)
- Energy and water efficiency compliance form
Work in a building taller than 7 stories
If the scope of work includes work in a building taller than 7 stories, you must upload:
- Drawings prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer
The drawings must show the location of work on the building, include installation details, and confirm that the new or replacement elements will meet structural requirements.
Work on condominium property
If the work to be permitted is on property that is part of a condominium association (including work in an individually owned condominium unit) you must upload:
- Condominium association approval letter
This letter must briefly describe the work to be performed (example: interior renovations in unit 9A) and be signed by an authorized representative of the condominium association, such a property manager or officer of the association.
Project owned by a government entity
If the work to be permitted in being undertaken by or for a local, state, or federal government entity (such as Chicago Public Schools) you must upload:
- Government ownership or funding letter
If the government entity has a permit fee waiver ordinance, include a copy of that ordinance as part of this upload.
Project receiving construction funding from a government entity
If the work to be permitted or is receiving construction funding from a government entity (such as a Small Business Improvement Fund grant) you must upload:
- Government ownership or funding letter
The letter must be from the government entity providing the construction funding.
Work required to address fire damage
If work is required to address fire damage, you must have the Department of Buildings assess the scope of fire damage before you apply for a building permit. The Department’s assessment will be documented on a form called the “Tax and Demolition Form,” per the Illinois Insurance Code. You must upload:
- Tax and demolition form
Property owner as general contractor
If the property owner will be acting as general contractor, you must upload:
- Owner as contractor form (Form 401)
- Copy of government issued identification
The government issued identification must show that the property owner lives at the address where work will be performed.
Required Contractors
A licensed general contractor (any class) is always required. In some cases, an owner may act as general contractor.
Required Design Professionals
Drawings and/or calculations prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer are required if:
- The building where work will be performed is taller than 7 stories
That architect or engineer must be identified in the Additional Applicants section of the application.
Ordinances and Rules
Chicago Construction Codes Administrative Provisions, Section 14A-12-1204.2 (Stand-alone permit fees)
2019 Chicago Building Code, Section 14B-24-2401 (Safety glazing)
2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Chapter 14N-C5 (Commercial buildings—Existing buildings)
2022 Chicago Energy Transformation Code, Chapter 14N-R5 (Residential buildings—Existing buildings)
2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, Section 14R-4-402.1 (Repairs—Glazing in hazardous locations)
2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, Section 14R-4-409.1 (Repairs—Light and ventilation—General)
2019 Chicago Building Rehabilitation Code, Section 14R-7-702.4 (Window opening control devices on replacement windows)
2019 Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings, Section 14X-3-303.16 (Insect screens)
2019 Chicago Minimum Requirements for Existing Buildings, Section 14X-3-303.19 (Guards for basement windows)