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Highland • Permit guidance & historic district review

Window Replacement in Highland, CA

Highland's homeowner guidance says a permit is needed in many cases for replacing windows, its exempt-work page doesn't list windows, and its historic district requires a Certificate of Appropriateness even where no building permit is required. Here's what the city publishes and what we couldn't confirm, with sources.

Last updated . Facts last checked against sources in October 2026.

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Local rules & permits
Map of Highland

Highland specifics

Four things to know before a Highland window project.

Guidance says a permit is needed in many cases

The city's 2017 "Construction Permit Tips for Homeowners" bulletin says that in many cases a permit is needed for repair or replacement of existing fixtures, such as replacing windows, and tells people to call to find out. The city's Permit Exceptions page doesn't mention window replacement; its only window item is awnings projecting 54 inches or less, and it cites the 2019 code. Highland's 2025 amendments to the exempt-work list don't touch windows. We found no firm yes-or-no rule, so ask the division.

Online or counter, closed Fridays

The Building & Safety Division is at 27215 Base Line, with the counter open Monday to Thursday. A permit portal accepts building and fire permits at any time, with staff review in one to three business days, and most applications processed the same business day. An agent pulling a permit needs a notarized letter. Work without a permit triggers an investigation fee equal to the permit fee, and a residential permit is invalid if work doesn't start within 365 days.

A Certificate of Appropriateness, even without a building permit

City code Chapter 16.32 requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for alteration, rehabilitation or remodeling of designated cultural resources and of properties in historic districts, and says that even where no building permit is required, work on a designated resource needs one. Ordinary maintenance and repair is exempt if it doesn't change design, material or external appearance. The Highland Historic District, whose Old Town area has its own preservation plan, was listed on the National Register in 2001. We found no Mills Act program.

Foothill fire zones: adoption not confirmed

The city's fire page says it's posting the State Fire Marshal's March 2025 map and must adopt it by ordinance within 120 days; it doesn't say adoption happened or list classes. The city code lists an ordinance designating fire hazard severity zones whose date and content we couldn't confirm. The city adopted the 2025 wildland-urban interface code with local amendments, none of which mention windows. Fire protection is by CAL FIRE under contract.

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$3,000 to $10,000

Estimated range for 10 double-hung windows

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Midpoint of published ranges: $6,500

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Permits & historic review

What to confirm before ordering

The city's pages are dated or silent on whole-window replacement, so we don't say a permit is or isn't required.

Permit steps

Call Building & Safety before ordering and apply through the online portal if a permit applies. The city also has handouts on escape and rescue windows and a window flashing detail, both from 2017.

  • Ask your installer who pulls the permit
  • Check bedroom escape sizes before choosing a window
  • Ask whether the 2017 handouts are still current

Historic and foothill addresses

If you're in the Old Town historic area or on a designated resource, get the Certificate of Appropriateness before ordering, even for work you think needs no permit. In the foothills, check the state viewer and ask what applies to a replacement.

  • Ask Community Development whether your parcel is in the historic district
  • Check the State Fire Marshal's fire hazard severity zone viewer

What this means for your windows

Practical steps for a Highland window project

Combine these with our general checklist for vetting a window installer.

Pricing varies widely by home, product and installer. For national price ranges see our 2026 window replacement cost breakdown.

FAQ

Highland window replacement questions

Do I need a permit to replace windows in Highland?

The city's homeowner bulletin says a permit is needed in many cases for replacing windows, and its Permit Exceptions page doesn't list window replacement as exempt. The bulletin is from 2017, so confirm with Building & Safety.

Do I need approval to change windows in Highland's historic district?

Yes. City code requires a Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations to designated resources and properties in historic districts, and says it's required even where no building permit is needed. Ordinary maintenance that doesn't change design, material or appearance is exempt.

Is my Highland home in a fire hazard zone?

The city's page says it's posting the State Fire Marshal's March 2025 map and must adopt it by ordinance, without listing classes or confirming adoption. Check your address in the State Fire Marshal's viewer.

Can I apply for a Highland permit online?

Yes. The city's permit portal accepts building and fire permits at any time, with staff review in one to three business days.

County guide

Window replacement in San Bernardino County

Nearby cities

Sources & last checked October 2026

Codes, permits and incentives change. Confirm with your local building department and installer before you sign.

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