What does ‘historic’ mean for this property, which exact designation or records apply, and which windows/features are included?
Confirm the property status and review path
Check the property's designation, landmark or district records, preservation documents, and any other records that may control the work. Ask the responsible preservation or planning authority to identify the exact designation, whether the building or windows are included, and what review applies to this address and proposal. Also check whether state, tribal, association, deed, or other property-specific requirements may apply. Do this before signing an order; the answer depends on the actual property and work.
Section 106 is a separate federal example. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation describes it as a review for a federal or federally assisted project that may affect historic properties. If federal involvement may apply to this project, ask the responsible federal agency whether Section 106 applies. That example does not determine the rules for an ordinary private project or identify the local, state, tribal, or private review for this property.
What documented condition and significance assessment could support retaining or repairing the existing windows?
Assess the existing windows before comparing replacements
For historic wooden windows, the National Park Service's 1981 preservation brief recommends understanding significance and condition and considering retention or repair of original windows. It also frames replacement assessment around the existing window's contribution and design character, including its opening and pattern, frame and sash proportions, pane arrangement, muntins, and other details. This is older technical guidance for wood windows; it is not a finding about your property's designation, the condition of a window, current law, or whether a particular replacement will be accepted.
Ask for an assessment that identifies the window material if known, the observed condition, which features contribute to the property's character if that has been assessed, and what repair or retention options were considered. The assessment should distinguish an observation from a conclusion about repairability. If the windows are metal, vinyl, composite, or their material is unknown, request an assessment suited to that material; the wood-specific guidance does not establish a repair method or replacement test for them.