Do I need a permit for a window or door replacement in San Diego, CA?

Short answer: It depends on the details for a window or door replacement in San Diego, CA (for example: Same openings, no envelope change: no permit).

Last verified: 2026-10-19 · Confidence: high · Status: Verified from official source

Not legal advice. Always confirm with your local building department. Rules change, and your parcel's zoning, HOA, historic district, floodplain or utility work can change the answer. We show the official source and the date we last checked it so you can verify for yourself.

Depends on your project Confidence: high

Replacing exterior windows and doors in the same openings at a house or townhouse is exempt if the wall envelope and rough openings are not changed and they need not be fire-resistive. Otherwise use a no-plan permit.

What changes the answer

Same openings, no envelope change: no permit

Cost

Fee not extracted; see San Diego Development Services. Unverified, confirm locally

Fee source: https://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/what-permits-do-i-need

Where to apply

City of San Diego Development Services Department (online permits)

Permitting authority: City of San Diego Development Services Department. Applies inside the City of San Diego. Exemptions do not apply to designated historical resources, historic districts, or work that needs a development permit (for example environmentally sensitive lands). See also: how to apply for a building permit.