Terms and Conditions for Exterior Window/Door Replacement

Work on an existing building or structure

Work authorized by this permit must comply with the General Terms and Conditions for Work on Existing Buildings and Structures.

Ineligible work

The following types of exterior windows and doors are usually required to be fire-rated and cannot be replaced using this permit unless specifications prepared by an Illinois-licensed architect or structural engineer were submitted with the permit application:

• Windows and doors that currently contain fire-rated glass (installed in 2019 or later)
• In buildings without a full automatic sprinkler system, windows and doors within 10 feet of any portion of a fire escape
• In buildings with more than 3 stories above grade, windows and doors that are in a wall that is less than 2 feet away from a lot line shared with another property

Existing openings

This permit only authorizes installation of replacement skylights, windows, and doors in existing openings in the exterior walls or roof of the building. This permit does not authorize creation of any new openings in the exterior walls or roof. This permit does not authorize any increase or decrease in the size of existing wall or roof openings.

Operation of replacement doors

A door installed under this permit must operate in the same way (in-swing, out-swing, sliding, etc.) as the door it replaces.

Clear opening for replacement doors

A door installed under this permit may not reduce the clear opening dimension of the existing doorway. For hinged doors, the clear opening dimension is measured from the door jamb to the face of the door leaf, with the door leaf open 90 degrees.

Operation of replacement windows and skylights

A window or skylight installed under this permit is not required to operate in the same way as the window or skylight it replaces. New out-swinging windows installed under this permit, however, cannot block an exterior walking path or extend beyond the property line.  

Glazed area for replacement windows and skylights

A window or skylight installed under this permit must have an equal or greater area of transparent or translucent glazing as the window or skylight it replaces.

Openable area for replacement windows and skylights in residential buildings

In a residential building, a replacement window installed under this permit may not have less openable area than the widows it replaces. Openable area is determined by measuring the area of the window that can be opened, assuming any opening limiters are disabled or removed. For a sliding window or single- or double-hung window, it is the area of the smallest operable sash. For a casement or hopper window, it is the surface area of the entire operable sash.

Energy efficiency

Replacement windows and doors installed under this permit must meet the U-value and solar heat gain requirements of the Chicago Energy Transformation Code.

Safety glazing

Glazing in replacement windows and doors installed under this permit must be safety glazing at locations where safety glazing is required by Chapter 24 of the Chicago Building Code.

Opening restrictors

In a residential building, a replacement window installed under this permit must include opening control devices that limit the opening to less than 4 inches within 42 inches above the floor when the windowsill is less than 36 inches above the floor, or otherwise comply with the requirements of the Chicago Building Code for new windows.

Insect screens

A replacement window installed under this permit that is openable and 50 feet or less above the ground must be provided with either permanent insect screens or removable insect screens.

Rodent protection

A replacement window installed under this permit that is openable and less than 24 inches above the ground must be provided with a heavy wire screen or hardware cloth to protect against entry of rodents.