Window replacement questions, answered for Long Beach
Last verified: November 11, 2026 · Written and checked by the DuloCore research team
Short answers to the questions Long Beach homeowners ask most about replacing windows. Each answer links to its source; for cost detail, use the estimator on the home page, and for the full permit route see the permits page.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Long Beach?
Yes. The city lists installation of replacement windows among projects that need a permit (City of Long Beach; accessed Nov 11, 2026). A same-size, same-style swap can use the city’s Express Permit, except in the Coastal Zone, a historic district or on a qualified historical building (IB-058; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
What U-factor and SHGC do replacement windows need in Long Beach?
The city’s Express Permit bulletin sets a maximum U-factor of 0.30 and SHGC of 0.23 when more than 75 sq ft of windows are replaced, and 0.40 and 0.35 for 75 sq ft or less (IB-058; accessed Nov 11, 2026). Confirm the current figures with the Permit Center, because the 2025 Energy Code applies to permit applications filed from January 1, 2026 (CEC; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
Which Title 24 climate zone is Long Beach in?
Most Long Beach ZIP codes are in Climate Zone 6; 90805, 90807 and 90808 are in Climate Zone 8, according to the Energy Commission’s ZIP code list (CEC ZIP list; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
Is there a window rebate in Long Beach in 2026?
No utility window rebate is listed today. SCE’s rebates cover appliances (SCE; accessed Nov 11, 2026) and Long Beach Utilities’ 2026 gas rebates cover gas appliances only (Long Beach Utilities; accessed Nov 11, 2026). Income-qualified households can look at free programs on our rebates page.
Can I claim the federal tax credit for windows installed in 2026?
No. The IRS says the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is not allowed for property placed in service after December 31, 2025 (IRS FS-2025-05; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
How much does window replacement cost per window?
Fixr gives a typical range of $450 to $1,200 per window, averaging about $800 (Fixr, updated Jan 21, 2026; accessed Nov 11, 2026). This Old House’s 2026 homeowner survey found an average of $517 per window (This Old House, updated Aug 11, 2026; accessed Nov 11, 2026). Both are national figures.
Do I need approval to replace windows in a Long Beach historic district?
Yes. Exterior changes, including changes to windows, need a Certificate of Appropriateness before work starts, even when no building permit is required (City of Long Beach; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
Do replacement bedroom windows have to meet egress size rules?
Not always. A replacement window is exempt from the minimum size and sill height if it is the manufacturer’s largest standard size that fits the existing opening and is the same operating style, or one with an equal or larger opening (IB-006; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
How much can a window contractor ask for as a deposit?
By law, a down payment cannot exceed 10 percent of the project price or $1,000, whichever is less (CSLB; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
Does Long Beach Airport pay for sound-insulated windows?
The airport’s noise office page does not list a residential sound insulation program today. Ask the office at LGBNoise@longbeach.gov (Long Beach Airport; accessed Nov 11, 2026).
Sources
- City of Long Beach, Do I Need a Permit?: https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/building/permit-center/do-i-need-a-permit/ (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- City of Long Beach, IB-058 Express Permit Service (rev. July 9, 2025): https://longbeach.gov/globalassets/lbcd/media-library/documents/building--safety/information-bulletins/ib-058 (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- California Energy Commission, 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2025-building-energy-efficiency (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- California Energy Commission, Building Climate Zones by ZIP Code: https://www.energy.ca.gov/media/3560 (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- SCE, Rebates: https://www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/rebates (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- Long Beach Utilities, Gas Rebates and Incentives: https://www.lbutilities.org/Gas/Natural-Gas-Efficiency/Gas-Utility-Rebates (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- IRS FS-2025-05, FAQs on Public Law 119-21 (Aug 21, 2025): https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act-obbb (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- Fixr, Window Replacement Cost (updated Jan 21, 2026): https://www.fixr.com/costs/window-replacement (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- This Old House, Window Replacement Cost (updated Aug 11, 2026): https://www.thisoldhouse.com/windows/reviews/window-replacement-cost (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- City of Long Beach, Certificate of Appropriateness: https://longbeach.gov/lbcd/planning/preservation/certificate/ (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- City of Long Beach, IB-006 Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings (rev. Sept 19, 2024): https://longbeach.gov/globalassets/lbcd/media-library/documents/building--safety/information-bulletins/ib-006 (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- CSLB, What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/Hire_A_Contractor/What_Seniors_Should_Know.aspx (accessed Nov 11, 2026)
- Long Beach Airport, Noise and Capacity Management Office: https://www.longbeach.gov/lgb/community-information/noise-office/ (accessed Nov 11, 2026)