The San Francisco Planning Department just gave many homeowners a reason to celebrate. As of early May, owners of non-historic buildings with older wood windows are no longer required to replace them with costly custom wood versions.
The Board of Supervisors just passed Planning Code Section 136.2, which states that “The Planning Department shall impose no restrictions related to the replacement material of any window frame or sash that replaces an existing window frame or sash.”
Translation? You’re now free to choose more affordable, efficient window materials—without sacrificing style.
But heads up: The legislation doesn’t apply to historically significant buildings designated as “Category A,” as well as to homes where homeownesr are enlarging existing windows or adding new window openings.
This is a big deal. Up to now, homeowners in buildings with original wood windows that don’t operate or provide proper insulation have had no choice but to pay for pricey custom wood ones. Though I have to admit that the wood windows look the best, they are sometimes prohibitively expensive. Dropping the wood requirement paves the way for homeowners to explore other options that can also be visually in line with the original version.
Check out SF Planning’s window guidelines here, where you can learn more about the process of window replacement.