Public Architects Committee

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Public Architects Committee and Historic Resources Committee .
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What is your community's policy on building permits for window replacements ? What about in Historic Districts ?

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Margy Parisella AIA
Architect
AZ State Parks
Phoenix AZ
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The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee requires a permit for the replacement of windows.  We have found, especially in older homes, some of the windows do not meet the emergency escape requirements.  Therefore, we require the permit so the inspector can review the emergency provisions of the Code.

As far as historic properties are concerned, the same rules apply.  Permits are required, and if the residence is on the National Register or located in a National Register District, a review by the Historic Preservation Planner is required.  There is, by code, a limit to what the Historic Preservation Planner can staff approve.  If the scope of the project is beyond the level at which it can be staff approved, the client must apply to the Historic Zoning Commission of the City of Chattanooga.  That board can then make the determination as to what is appropriate.

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Gary Hilbert AIA
Director, Land Development Office
City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gary B. Hilbert, AIA
Chattanooga TN
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I am also the chief inspector in my home town.   We do reqire permits for window replacement.  This is considered a level 1 alteration under the residential code of new york state 2010.  Windows can be replaced with minor reductions in the clear opening dimensions.  Replacement of emergency escape and rescue windows is in conformance with the code in effect at the time of construction shall not require compliance with the current code.

The same rules apply to historic properties.
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Thomas Viani AIA
Firm Owner/Architect
Thomas L. Viani Architect
Valley Stream NY
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2011 07:24
From: Gary Hilbert
Subject: Window replacements

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee requires a permit for the replacement of windows.  We have found, especially in older homes, some of the windows do not meet the emergency escape requirements.  Therefore, we require the permit so the inspector can review the emergency provisions of the Code.

As far as historic properties are concerned, the same rules apply.  Permits are required, and if the residence is on the National Register or located in a National Register District, a review by the Historic Preservation Planner is required.  There is, by code, a limit to what the Historic Preservation Planner can staff approve.  If the scope of the project is beyond the level at which it can be staff approved, the client must apply to the Historic Zoning Commission of the City of Chattanooga.  That board can then make the determination as to what is appropriate.

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Gary Hilbert AIA
Director, Land Development Office
City of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Gary B. Hilbert, AIA
Chattanooga TN
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The City of Aurora, Illinois requires a permit for window replacement in residential single family/townhomes only if the size of the opening changes and/or the structure/walls, etc. need to change. If the window is the same size and has the same egress capacity, we do not require it. With the new energy codes we may consider it in the future. They still need to make sure they meet egress for residential projects. Commercial projects will need to get a permit and comply with energy codes, etc.

In regard to historic properties, we do require the applicant to provide documentation to the employee in charge of reviewing historic properties and it may need to get approval through a design committee associated with historic preservation or downtown properties.
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Herman Beneke AIA
City of Aurora, Illinois
Aurora IL
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