Official publication from the San Francisco government

San Francisco Window Replacement Rules Drive Up Costs, Nearly $40,000 for Homeowner

Jul 14, 2024, 04:31 PM

San Francisco mandates that homeowners replacing old wood windows must use the same type of material to preserve the city's character. This requirement has significantly increased costs for residents, with one NoPa homeowner almost facing a $40,000 expense. Critics argue that historical windows pose lead hazards and that tenants are adversely affected due to the high replacement costs. There are calls for the city to allow the installation of modern, high-efficiency double-paned windows to address these issues. The San Francisco government published a 14 page document explaining the restrictions. Some believe that historic preservation should be a societal responsibility, with costs shared by the community.