Redlands • Historic districts & Certificates of Appropriateness
Window Replacement in Redlands, CA
Redlands has eight local historic districts and a Certificate of Appropriateness process that applies before altering designated landmarks, historic resources and properties in those districts. Here's what the city says about historic review, permits and the 2025 fire map, and what we couldn't confirm, with sources.
Last updated . Facts last checked against sources in October 2026.
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Redlands specifics
Four things to know before a Redlands window project.
Certificate of Appropriateness
The city's historic preservation page says a Certificate of Appropriateness is required before altering, demolishing, moving or subdividing a designated Landmark or Historic Resource, or a property inside a City Council-designated Historic District. Exterior changes must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, and a building permit may also be required.
Eight local districts and wooden-window guidance
The page says the city has eight local historic districts plus two National Register districts, and it references the National Park Service's Preservation Brief on repairing historic wooden windows. Major certificates go to the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission and minor ones are approved by the Director.
Window replacement is a permit item
A search extract of the city's building pages says non-structural window replacement is listed as a residential permit item. Building & Safety is at the One Stop Permit Center, 35 Cajon St., Suite 15-A, and we found no exemption, handout or code section.
The 2025 fire hazard map
The city's page says state law requires adopting the Cal FIRE zones by ordinance within 120 days, with public comment ending June 15, 2025 and adoption anticipated in July 2025. A news report says the council acted July 1, 2025 on an ordinance amending the municipal code, which staff said applies to new construction in the zones.
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$3,000 to $10,000
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Midpoint of published ranges: $6,500
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Historic review & permits
How a Redlands window project works
We couldn't read the city's architectural guidelines on window materials, so we don't state a wood versus vinyl rule.
Historic properties and the Mills Act
Ask Planning whether your property is a Landmark, Historic Resource or inside a historic district before you order anything. The city also describes the Mills Act, a state program that reduces property taxes in exchange for an agreement to restore and preserve the property.
- Major certificates go to the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission; minor ones to the Director
- Exterior changes must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards
- Check current fees with the city before applying
Permits and fire zones
Treat window replacement as permitted work until Building & Safety says otherwise. We couldn't verify whether wildfire glazing requirements apply to replacements in a mapped zone, so check your address on the city's fire map and ask.
- Building & Safety: (909) 798-7551
- Ask your installer who pulls the permit
- Ask whether glazing rules apply in your fire zone
What this means for your windows
Practical steps for a Redlands window project
Use these with our general guide to vetting a window installer.
Check historic status before requesting quotes
A certificate comes before alteration in a district. Compare materials in our vinyl vs. fiberglass guide, and consider repair, since the city points to guidance on repairing wooden windows.
Keep the opening the same where you can
Consistency with the Standards usually means preserving openings. Our retrofit vs. full-frame guide explains how install method changes the opening.
Get the permit answer in writing
Ask your installer who handles the permit. See our vinyl windows guide for what a quote should include, and compare warranties in our brand comparison.
Pricing varies widely by home, product and installer. For national price ranges see our 2026 window replacement cost breakdown.
FAQ
Redlands window replacement questions
Do I need a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace windows in Redlands?
If your property is a designated Landmark or Historic Resource, or inside a City Council-designated Historic District, yes: the city requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before altering it, and exterior changes must be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
How many historic districts does Redlands have?
The city's historic preservation page says it has eight local historic districts plus two National Register districts. The page gives counts, not a list, so ask Planning whether your property is in one.
Do I need a building permit to replace windows?
Likely. A search extract of the city's building pages lists non-structural window replacement as a residential permit item, and we found no exemption, so confirm with Building & Safety at (909) 798-7551.
Is there a Mills Act program?
The city's historic preservation page describes the Mills Act as a state program that reduces property taxes in exchange for an agreement to restore and preserve a historic property.
Is my Redlands home in a fire hazard zone?
State law requires the city to adopt the Cal FIRE zones by ordinance, and a news report says the council acted July 1, 2025. Check your address on the city's fire map; staff said the ordinance applies to new construction, and we couldn't confirm any rule for replacement windows.
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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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