Salt Lake City • Permits, historic review & energy code
Window Replacement in Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City requires a permit to replace windows, and homes in local historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness first. Here's how permits, Utah's energy code, ENERGY STAR's Northern-zone criteria and utility incentives fit together, with sources.
Last updated . Facts last checked against sources in October 2026.
No phone number. No sales calls.
Local checklist
What Salt Lake City homeowners should sort out first.
Permit and window schedule
SLC Building Services says permits are required to replace exterior doors or windows, and a window schedule listing size, type and room must be submitted for plan review. Its FAQ lists only cosmetic work and small structures as exceptions.
Historic districts come first
For homes in a local historic district or on a landmark site, SLC Planning must approve exterior work through a Certificate of Appropriateness before a building permit is issued. Minor alterations can get staff-level review, so contact Planning before ordering.
A heating-driven climate
ENERGY STAR places Utah in its Northern climate zone, where the criteria emphasize a low U-factor (0.22 or lower) to hold heat in. Always compare NFRC-labeled U-factors, not just brand names.
Older homes and lead paint
In homes built before 1978, paid window replacement is covered by EPA's lead renovation rule, so the contractor must be an EPA-certified firm using lead-safe work practices.
Price estimator
Estimate your Salt Lake City window project
An estimated range from published prices, adjusted for local installer wages. No phone number or email needed.
Estimate for 84114
$3,000 to $10,000
Estimated range for 10 double-hung windows
Based on national installer wages
Midpoint of published ranges: $6,500
No phone number. No sales calls.
Estimated ranges only, not quotes. How the estimate works
Codes & incentives
Utah's energy code and local incentives
The rules differ between Salt Lake City proper and unincorporated Salt Lake County, which is handled by a separate agency.
Energy code
Utah's residential energy code is the 2021 IECC with Utah amendments, adopted in March 2024 and effective July 1, 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Specific fenestration limits depend on your climate zone and the Utah amendments, so ask SLC Building Services which values apply to your project rather than relying on a general table.
- Ask for the NFRC label values (U-factor and SHGC) on every window you're quoted
- ENERGY STAR Northern-zone windows: U-factor 0.22 or lower, SHGC 0.17 or higher
- Unincorporated county addresses go through the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District; call to confirm its window permit rule
Rocky Mountain Power incentives
Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart Homes program has offered incentives for qualifying ENERGY STAR windows to eligible customers in existing single-family homes. The utility announced changes to the program, including adjustments to window offerings, effective February 27, 2026, so the amount and rules may differ from older articles.
- Confirm current window incentive amounts and eligibility before ordering
- Eligibility depends on your electric provider and heating/cooling type
- Keep invoices and NFRC documentation for the application
Before you sign
Questions to ask Salt Lake City installers
Pair these with our general guide to vetting a window installer.
Who pulls the permit and submits the window schedule?
Because SLC requires a permit and plan review with a window schedule, get the installer to confirm in writing that it's included in the quote and who handles any Planning approval in a historic district.
Is the crew lead-safe certified?
If your home predates 1978, ask for the firm's EPA lead-safe certification before work begins. It's a federal requirement for paid window replacement in older housing.
Compare materials on U-factor, not just price
Our vinyl vs. fiberglass comparison walks through how frame material affects energy performance and long-term cost.
Skip the outdated tax-credit pitch
No federal tax credit applies to windows installed in 2026. Read why in our tax credit explainer and look at utility incentives instead.
Pricing varies widely by home, product and installer. For national price ranges see our 2026 window replacement cost breakdown.
FAQ
Salt Lake City window replacement questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Salt Lake City Building Services says permits are required to replace exterior doors or windows, and a window schedule with size, type and room must be submitted for plan review. Unincorporated Salt Lake County is handled by a separate agency, so confirm with it directly.
What if my home is in a historic district?
Exterior work in a local historic district or on a landmark site needs a Certificate of Appropriateness from Salt Lake City Planning before a building permit can be issued. Some minor alterations qualify for staff-level review; contact Planning before you order windows.
What energy code applies to replacement windows in Utah?
Utah adopted the 2021 IECC with Utah amendments, effective July 1, 2024. Ask Salt Lake City Building Services for the specific window requirements that apply to your project.
What ENERGY STAR criteria apply in Salt Lake City?
ENERGY STAR places Utah in its Northern climate zone, where qualifying windows have a U-factor of 0.22 or lower and an SHGC of 0.17 or higher. Look for the NFRC label and the ENERGY STAR logo.
Is there a rebate for windows in Salt Lake City?
Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart Homes program has offered window incentives, and the utility changed its window offerings effective February 27, 2026. Confirm current amounts and eligibility with the program before you buy.
Does lead paint matter for window replacement?
For housing built before 1978, EPA's lead renovation rule covers paid window replacement, so the contractor must be an EPA-certified firm and use lead-safe practices.
Sources & last checked October 2026
Codes, permits and incentives change. Confirm with your local building department and installer before you sign.
Get a price range for your Salt Lake City windows
Answer a few questions and get an estimated range for your project, free and with zero obligation.
No phone number. No sales calls.