Do I need a permit for window or exterior door replacement in Savannah?
It depends. Whether window or exterior door replacement needs a permit in Savannah comes down to the details of your project.
Like-for-like replacement in an existing opening is often permitted more simply, but changing the opening size, adding a header, or altering egress typically requires a permit and plan detail. Bedroom windows must still meet IRC emergency escape and rescue (egress) sizing when replaced. The City of Savannah lists window replacement with a change in size as work that needs a building permit; a straight like-for-like swap in the same opening is not on the list, but confirm your specific scope with Development Services at 912-651-6530. Exterior window and door changes in a Savannah historic district must have Historic Review Board approval before any permit, and replacements often must match the original style and materials. Enlarging or relocating an opening can trigger structural and header review, so keep documentation clear if you want it treated as a simple replacement. Enlarging an opening, moving it, or cutting a new one is structural work. Exemptions that cover replacing a unit in its existing opening do not reach it, so a permit is required. Changing an opening usually means a new or resized header, and many jurisdictions want a beam detail or engineering before they will issue, so allow for that in the schedule. Chatham County's own permitting office is the Chatham County Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services, reachable on (912) 201-4300 at https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/. Its online permit portal is https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/PermitsInspections/ApplyForPermit. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Georgia municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. Ask whether a like-for-like swap is exempt at your address, since changing the size of an opening is structural work and is treated differently.
Documents you may need
- Permit applicationrequired
- Window and door product / energy specificationsLikely required
- Contractor license and insurance informationSometimes required
- Signed building permit application through the eTRAC portal at eTRAC.savannahga.gov when a permit appliesLikely required
- Completed Application Checklist describing the openings affected and any change in sizeLikely required
- Historic Review Board approval (Certificate of Appropriateness) if the property is in a Savannah historic district and the change is visible from the public right-of-waySometimes required
Possible inspections
- Rough / installation inspection when openings are altered
- Final inspection
- Building inspection where a new or enlarged opening is created, scheduled through Development Services
- Final inspection where a permit is issued
- Framing inspection for the altered opening
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit for window or exterior door replacement in Savannah?
- It depends. Whether window or exterior door replacement needs a permit in Savannah comes down to the details of your project. Like-for-like replacement in an existing opening is often permitted more simply, but changing the opening size, adding a header, or altering egress typically requires a permit and plan detail. Bedroom windows must still meet IRC emergency escape and rescue (egress) sizing when replaced. The City of Savannah lists window replacement with a change in size as work that needs a building permit; a straight like-for-like swap in the same opening is not on the list, but confirm your specific scope with Development Services at 912-651-6530. Exterior window and door changes in a Savannah historic district must have Historic Review Board approval before any permit, and replacements often must match the original style and materials. Enlarging or relocating an opening can trigger structural and header review, so keep documentation clear if you want it treated as a simple replacement. Enlarging an opening, moving it, or cutting a new one is structural work. Exemptions that cover replacing a unit in its existing opening do not reach it, so a permit is required. Changing an opening usually means a new or resized header, and many jurisdictions want a beam detail or engineering before they will issue, so allow for that in the schedule. Chatham County's own permitting office is the Chatham County Department of Building Safety and Regulatory Services, reachable on (912) 201-4300 at https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/. Its online permit portal is https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/PermitsInspections/ApplyForPermit. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Georgia municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. Ask whether a like-for-like swap is exempt at your address, since changing the size of an opening is structural work and is treated differently.
- Who issues the permit in Savannah?
- The local building department for Savannah handles permitting. This page lists its contact details and online portal. Your mailing city is not always the permitting authority, so confirm the jurisdiction before you apply.
- How do I find out the exact requirements for my project?
- Run the free PermitRoadmap check for your specific project and answers. It returns the likely permits, documents, inspections, and next steps, each linked to its official source.
PermitRoadmap is an independent informational service and is not affiliated with any city, county, state agency, or permitting authority. Results are informational and do not replace confirming requirements with the local permitting authority.