Design Review for Egress Windows

Landmark Preservation reviews applications for egress windows on all individual landmarks and properties within a historic district to ensure consistency with the appropriate design standards and guidelines.

Design Guidelines

Landmark Preservation staff, the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC), and the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC) use guidelines to review all egress windows. Site specific conditions determine how well the proposed egress window fits the surrounding historic context. Most egress windows reviewed by the LPC will be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB). Most egress windows reviewed by the LDDRC will also be reviewed with Chapter 2: Guidelines for Preserving Historic Buildings(PDF, 2MB) as the Design Guidelines for the Lower Downtown Historic District(PDF, 15MB) are supplemental to the main guidelines. For more information, visit the Landmark Preservation design guidelines webpage.

E-permits Application

Submit your application materials via E-permits:

• Create an account or log in to an existing account
• Click the "Development Services" tab
• Click "Apply for a Permit"
• Select "Landmark Certificate of Appropriateness" and follow the instructions.

For assistance with e-permits, visit the FAQ page.

Required documents

Design review applications must adequately describe the project and provide sufficient information to evaluate the proposal. Documentation must clearly illustrate the existing conditions as well as any proposed work.

All applications for egress windows must include the following information:

• A completed Landmark design review application and checklist(PDF, 1MB)
• Current color photographs of the area of project scope and street fronting façade(s)
  • Photos must be at least 300 dpi or at least 4” X 6”
  • Photographs must be labeled with the cardinal directions (ex. north, south, east, west). Photographs labeled front, side, and rear will not be accepted
  • Photos must be included as a page or pages within the drawing set or attached as jpeg or pdf. (Thumbnail photos, photos embedded within emails, and photos linked to a file sharing system will not be accepted) Roof Plans that include existing, if applicable, and proposed roof. Plans to be scaled and dimensioned with roof pitch(es) noted.
• Existing and proposed site plans that include:
  • Address with street name
  • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
  • Zone lot and Property lines (include both if different)
  • Zone lot depth (e.g., 65/35 or 80/20)
  • Orienting features such as streets, alleys, sidewalks, and adjacent structures
  • Location of hardscaping elements such as fences, site walls, patios, exterior stairways, driveways, etc.
  • North direction arrow
  • Zoning setback requirements
  • Original grade elevation at intersection of side interior zone lot lines and minimum setback to primary setback
  • Identify all proposed and existing site elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
• Existing and proposed building elevation drawings that include:
  • Scale and dimensions (at least 1”=20’)
  • Overall height of building from base planes
  • Height of additions/new structure, if applicable, from base plane
  • Window and door dimensions, if applicable
  • Porches, awnings, other façade and elevation details
  • Location of all existing and new vents louvers, electrical boxes, lighting, etc.
  • Bulk plane and height
  • Material legend and notes
  • Elevations labeled with the cardinal directions (front, side, and rear labels will not be accepted)
  • Identify all proposed and existing building elements that violate zoning regulations for which you will be seeking relief through the Administrative Adjustment process
• Enlarged/Detail elevation drawings that include:
  • Area where egress window and window well will be added
  • Material legend and notes
  • Elevations labeled with the cardinal directions (front, side, and rear labels will not be accepted)
• Existing and proposed floor plans that include
  • Labels of all existing and proposed rooms. Use simple room labels (e.g., living room, bedroom)
  • All existing and proposed floors, if applicable, indicating all proposed changes at each floor
  • Do not include furniture, reflected ceiling plans, interior finish plans, or other interior work (unless otherwise required for a building or zoning permit)
• Section drawings that include detailed sections at egress window and window well
• Details of construction that include:
  • All construction materials clearly labeled in elevation
  • A material schedule or keynotes  Window schedule with material, size, and operation clearly noted
  • For all glazing provide transparency calculations

Ready to apply?

View design review application instructions