Are You Required to Get a Building Permit?

According to the City & County of Honolulu, Department of Planning & Permitting

Building Permits are NOT Required For:
        1. Curbs, planter boxes, retaining walls, and fences 30 inches or less in height.
        2. Individual residential television & radio antennas (excluding dish type             antennas).
        3. Painting, cabinet work, or floor covering.
        4. Tool & storage sheds of 120 sq. ft. or less.
        5. Repairs using the same or similar materials for the purpose of maintenance &             which are not electrical or plumbing installations and not more than $1000 in             valuation in any 12-month period.

This is a partial list provided in the City & County of Honolulu, Department of Planning & Permitting's booklet. For a complete list of items not requiring a permit, please refer to section 18-3.1, Chapter 18, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu, 1997.

Building Permits are Required:
        1. To erect, construct, alter, remove, or demolish any building or structure             including fences, retaining walls and swimming pools.
        2. For any plumbing or electrical work. In addition, work shall be performed by a             licensed electrical/plumbing contractor.
       3. To construct or alter any sidewalk, curb or driveway in public rights-of-way.

When applying for a permit you should bring:
       1. Four sets of plans.
           NOTE: An Architect's or Engineer's stamp & signature is required when:
                  a. construction costs on a single level home is greater than $40,000.
                  b. construction costs on a two level home is greater than $35,000
                  c. material used for the structural elements are reinforced concrete or                       structural steel.
                  d. Plans or retaining walls 60 inches or higher must be stamped and signed                       by an architect, structural engineer, or civil engineer.

                      For more information see; Hawaii Revised Statues, Chapter 464.

       2. The appropriate Permit Fee based on the value of the improvements to be            completed.

Location:
The Department of Planning & Permitting
Honolulu Municipal Building, ground floor
650 South King Street
808-523-4505

Office Hours:
M-F 7:45 am to 4:30pm

Depending on your project, you may need to get additional permits or approvals from the following agencies:

Civil Engineering
808-523-4922
Review of drainage, grading and construction near streams and/or drainage easements.

Wastewater Branch
808-523-4429
Check for sewer availability and for construction near sewer easements.

Zoning
808-523-4131
Review for special districts, shoreline setbacks, and zoning adjustments or variances.

Board of Water
808-527-6189
Review for water use & adequacy.

This information has obtained from the Department of Planning and Permitting's booklet. It is for informational purposes only & is not intended to be an all inclusive guide. For more information, please contact the department directly.