San Bernardino • Foothill fire zone window rules
Window Replacement in San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino's building permit application has a window change-out line, and its city code sets specific vinyl window requirements in foothill fire zones. This page covers the City of San Bernardino, not county rules. 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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San Bernardino specifics
Four things to know before a San Bernardino window project.
A window change-out line on the permit application
The Building & Safety Division's page says building permits are required for all structural, electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning work, with minor exceptions, and its no-permit list names sheds under 120 square feet, fences under 7 feet, painting, carpet, countertops and small decks, not windows. The city's building permit application has a Window Change-out (quantity) field. We found no window handout, exemption or expedited route, and plans are submitted in person only.
Vinyl window rules in foothill fire zones
City code Chapter 15.10 applies state wildland building standards in the city's Foothill Fire Zones A, B and C and in state-designated Very High zones. For vinyl windows it requires welded corners with metal reinforcement in the interlock, dual-pane glazing with at least one tempered pane, and AAMA certification. The version we read is a 2009 revision; the code was amended since, and a search extract of the current text matched the window wording.
A retrofit trigger, and a new-construction wind rule
The same chapter says retrofit of an element is required when more than 60% of it is replaced, so a whole-house window replacement in a foothill zone may trigger the standards; that's our reading, so confirm with the city. Chapter 15.11 addresses wind-driven urban fires with tempered or multi-layer glazing, but only for new construction outside the foothill zones, so it isn't a rule for an ordinary replacement.
A Mills Act program
The city's Mills Act page describes a 10-year initial contract with reduced property tax for owners who restore and maintain a property on a national, state, county or city register, with an application and a 10-year rehabilitation plan template. Its visible application deadline has passed, so ask the city about the current cycle. We found no Certificate of Appropriateness rule that mentions windows.
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$3,000 to $10,000
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Midpoint of published ranges: $6,500
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Permits & fire rules
What to confirm before ordering
We found no confirmed exemption or requirement for like-for-like replacement, so we don't claim either.
Permit steps
Ask Building & Safety whether your replacement needs a permit and bring the window quantity and sizes. Don't use the county's window policy for a city address; it doesn't apply.
- Ask your installer who pulls the permit
- Plans are submitted in person only
- Check bedroom escape sizes before choosing a window
Foothill and fire-zone addresses
If you're near the foothills, ask whether Chapter 15.10 applies to your parcel and ask for vinyl frames that meet its specifications. The city is served by San Bernardino County Fire. A city ordinance amending the foothill standards was adopted in September 2025 per a search extract, but we couldn't read it or confirm it adopts the 2025 state maps.
- Check the State Fire Marshal's fire hazard severity zone viewer
- Ask what the 60% rule means for your project
What this means for your windows
Practical steps for a San Bernardino window project
Combine these with our general checklist for vetting a window installer.
Ask your installer about foothill frame specs
Welded corners, reinforced interlocks and a tempered pane matter there. See our vinyl windows guide.
Plan for in-person plan submittal
Our retrofit vs. full-frame guide explains how install method changes scope.
Compare warranties
We found no window rebate. See our brand comparison and tax credit explainer.
Pricing varies widely by home, product and installer. For national price ranges see our 2026 window replacement cost breakdown.
FAQ
San Bernardino window replacement questions
Do I need a permit to replace windows in San Bernardino?
The city's Building & Safety page says permits are required for structural and other work with minor exceptions and doesn't list windows as exempt, and the city's permit application has a window change-out line. We found no window handout, so confirm with the division.
Are there special window rules in San Bernardino's foothill fire zones?
City code Chapter 15.10 requires vinyl windows in those zones to have welded corners with metal reinforcement, dual-pane glazing with at least one tempered pane and AAMA certification. It also requires retrofit when more than 60% of an element is replaced, so ask the city whether your project triggers it.
Does San Bernardino County's window rule apply to the city?
No. San Bernardino County Land Use Services has its own policy for unincorporated areas. Use the City of San Bernardino's Building & Safety Division for a city address.
Does San Bernardino have a Mills Act program?
Yes. The city's page describes a 10-year contract with reduced property tax for owners who restore and maintain registered properties. The deadline visible on its page has passed, so ask about the current cycle.
County guide
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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