Do I Need a Permit to Replace My Windows in Surrey?

  November 9, 2025

So, you’re all set to tackle that window project.

You’re ready to finally fix that annoying cracked pane, replace the foggy glass that ruins your view, or maybe even upgrade the whole storefront of your business.

But then, someone says the dreaded word: “permit.”

Suddenly, your simple project feels complicated. You start picturing piles of paperwork, confusing city rules, and unexpected delays. It’s enough to make you want to put the whole thing off.

It all boils down to one big question: do I really need a permit to replace my windows in Surrey?

Let’s clear this up. It’s actually simpler than you think.

For Your Home, The Simple Answer is Usually “No”

Let’s start with the good news, because this covers most people.

For a simple, straightforward glass replacement at your house, you typically do not need a building permit.

It’s because you’re doing a direct repair, not a major renovation.

What does “like-for-like” mean?

• You’re swapping a broken piece of glass with a new piece of the exact same size.
• You’re not changing the window frame at all.
• You’re not changing the size of the hole in your wall.

So, if your kid threw a baseball through the living room window and you’re just getting the glass unit replaced? You’re good to go. No permit needed.

If the seal on your double-pane window has failed and it’s all foggy inside? Just replacing that sealed unit is a simple repair. You can go right ahead.

When a Permit IS Needed for Your Home

Okay, so when do you need to get the city involved?

The short answer is: you need a permit the moment you start making bigger changes to the structure or safety of your house.

Here are the times you’ll definitely need to check about a permit to replace your windows in Surrey:

1. You’re Changing the Size or Location

If you want to make a window bigger or smaller, you need a permit. The same goes for cutting a brand-new hole in a wall to add a window where there wasn’t one before.

Why? Because you’re changing the structure of your house. The city wants to make sure it’s done safely so it doesn’t cause problems down the line.

2. You’re Changing the Window Type and It Affects Your Escape Route

Imagine there’s a fire. You need to be able to get out of your bedroom window. Fast. That escape route is called an “egress” window.

The building code has rules about how big that opening needs to be. If you replace a big sliding window with a smaller crank-out window, you might accidentally make your escape route too small. A permit ensures your new window is safe and up to code.

3. You’re Doing a “Full Frame” Replacement

Replacing just the glass is like changing a tire.

Replacing the entire window – frame and all – is like changing the whole wheel and suspension. It’s a much bigger job. This often requires a permit because it can affect your home’s structure and weather-proofing.

4. The Job Affects Your Home’s “Raincoat”

Think of your house as wearing a high-tech raincoat that keeps water and wind out. This is called the “building envelope.”

When you do a big window installation, you can poke a hole in that raincoat. A permit process makes sure everything is sealed up properly again so you don’t end up with nasty leaks or drafts.

What About for a Business or Commercial Property?

Okay, if you’re a business owner, the rules are different.

And they’re much stricter.

For almost any kind of commercial glass work, it’s safest to assume you will need a permit. This is all about public safety.

This includes things like:

• Changing a storefront or the main glass on your building.
• Installing big glass walls, partitions, or railings inside.
• On top of a city permit, you’ll almost certainly need permission from your strata council or property manager. They have their own set of rules you need to follow.

Don’t Stress About It. That’s Our Job.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t be.

You don’t have to become an expert on building codes. That’s what you hire a professional for. Navigating the permit process is a normal part of our job.

The basic rule is simple: a straight swap is usually fine. A big change needs a permit.