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🪟 Window / Door Replacement permit in Pennsylvania

Replacing existing windows or exterior doors in the same opening (in-kind swap). Here is the Pennsylvania-specific rule: who issues it, typical fees, timeline, go / no-go, and the official source to verify.

Window / Door Replacement permit in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania rule for a window / door replacement, with fee range, timeline, go / no-go, and the official source.

State

Pennsylvania

Project

🪟 Window / Door Replacement

Exact permit fees are set by the local building department. WikEst shows the published or code-based range where one exists, linked to its official source — verify the final amount at the source before budgeting.

🪟 Window / Door Replacement permit fee in Pennsylvania

ConditionalGenerally allowedcity authority

Permit fee range

Set by local jurisdiction

Typical timeline

Varies

Setback

—

Exempt if

Not size-exempt

Exempt criteria: In-kind window/door replacement in one- and two-family dwellings is exempt (Philadelphia); a change to the opening size requires a permit.

Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.

Official sources: City of Philadelphia — Get a Building Permit · PA Dept. of Labor & Industry — Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

Representative cities for Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh.

All 20 project fee ranges in Pennsylvania

Official-source ranges where published; “By local jurisdiction” means no flat fee is published and the amount is set case by case.

Project	Permit?	Authority	Fee range	Go / no-go
🏠 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)	yes	city	Permit fees set by each municipality; Philadelphia adds a $3 city and $4.50 state surcharge per permit plus plan-review fees. No single statewide fee.	case-by-case
🪵 Deck / Porch	yes	city	Municipal permit fee; Philadelphia EZ Permit available for eligible decks.	allowed
🧱 Fence / Wall	conditional	city	Set by local jurisdiction	allowed
🛖 Shed / Outbuilding	conditional	city	Set by local jurisdiction	allowed
🪜 Basement Finish	yes	city	Municipal building permit fee; varies with scope.	allowed
🚗 Garage / Carport	yes	city	Municipal building permit fee; zoning clearance may be required first.	allowed
☀️ Rooftop Solar PV	yes	city	Electrical/structural permit fee set by municipality.	allowed
🌡️ HVAC Replacement	yes	city	Mechanical permit fee set by municipality.	allowed
🍳 Kitchen Remodel	yes	city	Building permit fee; trade permits (plumbing/electrical) billed separately.	allowed
🛁 Bathroom Remodel	yes	city	Building permit fee; trade permits (plumbing/electrical) billed separately.	allowed
🏗️ Room Addition	yes	city	Building permit fee based on valuation; zoning and plan review apply.	allowed
🪟 Window / Door Replacement	conditional	city	Set by local jurisdiction	allowed
🏘️ Roof Replacement	yes	city	Roof-covering permit fee set by municipality.	allowed
🅿️ Driveway / Parking Pad	conditional	city	Set by local jurisdiction	allowed
🏊 Swimming Pool / Spa	yes	city	Building permit fee; barrier fencing required by code.	allowed
🧱 Retaining Wall	conditional	city	Set by local jurisdiction	allowed
💥 Demolition / Teardown	yes	city	Demolition permit fee set by the municipality; verify locally.	allowed
🚰 Septic System	yes	county	Onlot septic permit fees set by the local agency (municipality or county health department); verify locally.	allowed
🔌 EV Charger	conditional	city	Electrical permit fee set by the municipality; verify locally.	allowed
⚡ Standby Generator	yes	city	Electrical (and often mechanical/gas) permit fee set by the municipality; verify locally.	allowed

Pennsylvania rule at a glance

Needs permit

conditional

Issuing authority

city

Typical fee

Set by local jurisdiction

Typical timeline

Varies

Setback

—

Exempt if

Not size-exempt

Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.

Official sources for this rule: City of Philadelphia — Get a Building Permit · PA Dept. of Labor & Industry — Uniform Construction Code (UCC)

Frequently asked questions

Does a window / door replacement need a permit in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a window / door replacement is conditional / size-dependent. Issuance is at the city level. Confirm the exact threshold with the local building department using the sources on this page.

Who issues the window / door replacement permit in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania permits for this project are handled at the city level — usually the city or county building department. Use the county permit authority lookup to find the exact office for your property.

How much does a window / door replacement permit cost in Pennsylvania?

Fees are set locally in Pennsylvania and are not a single statewide number. Open the official authority link on this page for the current schedule.

What exemptions apply to a window / door replacement in Pennsylvania?

Baseline exemptions (e.g. small detached structures, low decks) may apply but Pennsylvania or your city can amend them. Verify with the local building department.

🗺️ All projects in Pennsylvania

The full Pennsylvania permit guide across 20 home projects.

📊 Window / Door Replacement in every state

Compare the window / door replacement rule across all U.S. states.

Window / Door Replacement in other states

State	Permit?	Authority	Typical fee	Timeline	Go / No-Go	Key notes
California	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often Over-the-Counter.	SF: same-day Over-the-Counter in-kind replacement.	Generally allowed	Changing the opening size or adding egress windows requires a permit; replacement must meet the energy code. Exempt: In-kind replacement (same size/location) typically needs no permit.
Texas	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Same day / Over-the-Counter where required.	Generally allowed	Enlarging openings or adding egress windows requires a permit. Exempt: In-kind same-size replacement generally needs no permit.
Florida	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Same day / Over-the-Counter where required.	Restricted	In the HVHZ (Miami-Dade, Broward) windows within 1 mile of the coast must be impact-rated / Florida Product-Approved. Enlarging openings needs a permit. Exempt: In-kind same-size replacement generally needs no permit.
New York	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Same day / Over-the-Counter where required.	Generally allowed	Enlarging openings or changes to means of egress need a permit (NYC PE/RA filing). Exempt: In-kind same-size replacement generally needs no permit.
Illinois	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is usually permitted via an expedited process; enlarging openings requires a full permit.
Ohio	Conditional	city	Columbus minimum permit fee $125 where a permit is required.	—	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
Georgia	Conditional	city	Atlanta minimum permit cost $150 plus $25 fee where a permit is required.	—	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
North Carolina	Conditional	city	Building permit (alteration) where required; verify with the city.	Often 1–2 weeks; many window jobs are issued without plan review.	Generally allowed	Raleigh lists windows/doors/siding as alterations needing a permit; in-kind replacements in the same opening are commonly exempt. Exempt: In-kind replacement in the same opening is often exempt.
Michigan	Conditional	city	Building permit (alteration) where required; verify with the city.	Often 1–2 weeks; many window jobs are issued without plan review.	Generally allowed	Replacing windows/doors in the same opening is typically exempt; enlarging an opening or cutting a new one requires a permit. Exempt: In-kind replacement in the same opening is often exempt.
New Jersey	Conditional	city	Construction permit where required; verify with the city.	Often 1–2 weeks; many same-opening swaps are exempt.	Generally allowed	Same-size window/door swaps are exempt; enlarging an opening (new header/lintel) requires a UCC permit. Pre-1978 homes trigger EPA Lead RRP rules. Exempt: In-kind replacement in the same opening is exempt (ordinary maintenance).
Virginia	Conditional	city	Building permit where required; verify with the city.	Often 1–2 weeks; many same-opening swaps are exempt.	Generally allowed	Same-size window/door swaps are exempt; converting a window to a door or enlarging an opening requires a permit. Exempt: In-kind replacement in the same opening is exempt (ordinary repair).
Washington	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement windows should meet U-factor requirements when the energy code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Arizona	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Massachusetts	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet energy/stretch-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Tennessee	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged or under stricter local codes.	In-kind swaps typically need no review; Nashville requires a permit for window/door/exterior changes.	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt under the baseline code.
Indiana	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
Missouri	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Varies by municipality — in-kind swaps often same-day.	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit. Kansas City exempts windows not exceeding 4 ft in load-bearing walls from plan review.
Maryland	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging openings requires a permit.
Wisconsin	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Varies by municipality — in-kind swaps often same-day.	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
Alaska	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swaps; a permit is needed if the opening is enlarged.	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet the Alaska energy code when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Alabama	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swaps; a permit is needed if the opening is enlarged.	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet the energy code when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Arkansas	Conditional	city	Valuation-based; Little Rock minimum building-permit fee $50 (work over $5,000 or requiring inspection).	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet the energy code when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Colorado	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swaps; a permit is needed if the opening is enlarged.	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet the energy code when triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Connecticut	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swaps; a permit is needed if the opening is enlarged.	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet the energy code when triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Delaware	Conditional	county	Usually no fee for in-kind swaps; a permit is needed if the opening is enlarged.	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet the energy code when triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind window/door replacement is generally exempt.
Hawaii	Conditional	county	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Verify with the county building department. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Iowa	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Idaho	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Verify with the local building department. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Kansas	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor where an energy code is adopted. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Kentucky	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Louisiana	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review (Baton Rouge now requires a permit for window replacement).	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet wind/impact and energy requirements in Louisiana. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt; Baton Rouge requires a permit for window/door replacement.
Maine	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged or energy code triggered.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Verify with the Code Enforcement Officer. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Minnesota	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Varies by municipality — in-kind swaps often same-day.	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
Mississippi	Conditional	city	Where enforced, a permit fee applies if enlarging the opening; in-kind swap often exempt. Verify locally.	Varies by jurisdiction.	Generally allowed	Enlarging or adding openings requires a permit where a code is enforced. Confirm locally.
Montana	Conditional	city	Where enforced, a permit fee applies if enlarging the opening; in-kind swap often exempt. Verify locally.	Where enforced, in-kind swaps often same-day.	Generally allowed	Enlarging or adding openings requires a permit where a code is enforced. Confirm locally.
North Dakota	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code requirements when the code is triggered. Electrical/structural changes need separate permits. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Nebraska	Conditional	city	Permit fee if changing the opening; in-kind swap is often exempt.	Varies by municipality — in-kind swaps often same-day.	Generally allowed	Swapping windows or exterior doors in the same opening is generally exempt; enlarging or adding openings requires a permit.
New Hampshire	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Licensed contractors pull trade permits. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
New Mexico	Conditional	city	—	—	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code requirements when the code is triggered. CID-licensed contractors pull trade permits. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Nevada	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt (IRC R105.2).
Oklahoma	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code (IECC 2006 state baseline) when the code is triggered; wind-borne-debris glazing may be required in higher hazard areas. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt (IRC R105.2).
Oregon	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged or structurally changed.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet ORSC energy/glazing requirements when the code is triggered. Exempt: Replacing doors/windows with no structural changes is exempt (statewide).
Rhode Island	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for sash-only swap; permit needed for full frame-and-sash replacement or enlarged openings.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products must meet RI energy-code (2024 IECC with RI amendments) U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Replacement window sash installations are exempt; full frame-and-sash replacements require a permit.
South Carolina	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Coastal wind-borne-debris glazing may be required in designated regions; products must meet energy-code when triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt (2021 SC Residential Code R105.2).
South Dakota	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code requirements where the local code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Utah	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet Utah’s amended energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Vermont	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged, where enforced.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet RBES U-factor when the energy code is triggered (RBES is mandatory statewide). Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
West Virginia	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet state energy-code U-factor when the code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.
Wyoming	Conditional	city	Usually no fee for in-kind swap; permit needed if opening is enlarged, where enforced.	In-kind swaps typically need no review.	Generally allowed	Replacement products should meet energy-code requirements where the local code is triggered. Exempt: Same-size, in-kind replacement is generally exempt.

🪟 Window / Door Replacement permit in Pennsylvania