Permits by Project
Do You Need a Permit for Window replacement?
Of the 10 areas we checked, no permit is needed in 7, it depends on the scope in 1 and we found no official answer in 2.
Washington, DC
Washington, DC
Depends- When it applies
- In-kind replacement of up to 15 windows (1- & 2-family) via Instant Permit; larger scope or opening changes = standard building permit; historic districts = Historic Property Special Permit
- Permits
- Building
- Faster route
- Instant Permit (≤15 in-kind windows)
- Notes
- Verified live on DOB Instant Permits page.
Source: DOB Instant Permits (verified live), checked 2026-10-07
Maryland
Anne Arundel County, MD
Not confirmed- Notes
- No official answer found. window replacement not addressed on the 'Do I need a Permit?' page.
Ask the permit office: Department of Inspections and Permits
Charles County, MD
Not confirmed- Notes
- No official answer found.
Ask the Department of Planning and Growth Management.
Montgomery County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- 'Windows and doors without changing the opening size and without changing the net clear opening dimensions' = no permit
- Notes
- STALE source (2024 DPS guide).
Source: DPS Home Improvements guide (2024) [STALE], checked 2026-10-07
Prince George's County, MD
No permit- When it applies
- 'Exact window and/or door replacement (no structural alteration) N N'
Source: DPIE Homeowner's Guide to Permits, checked 2026-10-07
Northern Virginia
Arlington County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.1): similar operation and opening dimensions, no change to framed opening, not fire-rated
- Notes
- Historic-district exception: permit may be required.
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
City of Alexandria, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.1)
- Notes
- City fee schedule: window replacements in designated Historic Districts = minimum permit fee (permit required there).
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Fairfax County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.1)
- Notes
- Historic-district exception.
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Loudoun County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- USBC 108.2(14.1)
- Notes
- Historic-district exception.
Source: USBC 13VAC5-63-80 Section 108.2, checked 2026-10-07
Prince William County, VA
No permit- When it applies
- no permit 'when structural alterations are [not] made or required'; permit required when they are
Source: PWC Do I Need a Permit?, checked 2026-10-07
Summarized from each area’s official permit pages and codes, as of October 2026. Some Maryland municipalities issue their own permits, rules change, and many answers depend on the exact scope, so confirm with the permit office before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice.
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