To support faster recovery following last week’s Kona Low storm, the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) wants the community to know that emergency repair work may proceed without first obtaining a building permit, provided that a permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins. These allowances apply only to specific types of work and must meet established eligibility criteria.
For full details on DPP’s updated permit waivers and information on which types of work do not require a permit, please review the FAQs below. If you have additional questions, contact us at dpp@honolulu.gov.
1. Emergency Building Permit Repair Work:
Emergency repair work may commence without a permit provided that a permit application is submitted on the next working day after work begins, and must meet the following conditions:
- Work must not expand the size, height, or area of the structure;
- Repairs must not make the structure less safe than it was prior to the damage;
- Materials used must be similar to the original construction; and
- All work must comply with applicable city ordinances and building code safety requirements.
Building permit applications should be made through HNL Build. More info here to apply: https://honolulu.my.site.com/s/
- Please use licensed contractors for any repair work.
2. What types of repair work do not require a permit?
- Reroofing work that will not adversely affect the structural components for Residential and Accessory (Groups R-3 or U occupancies) uses.
- Installation of siding to existing exterior walls that will not adversely affect the structural components or fire protection of the walls of Residential and Accessory (Groups R-3 or U occupancies) uses.
- The following structures, provided that the structures are not located on a street corner or in a flood zone:
- Fences and planter boxes that are not more than 6 feet (1829 mm) in height;
- Retaining walls and riprap walls that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) in height; or
- Walkways and outside paving that are within private property.
- Individual residential television wireless cable, radio antennas, and dish-type antennas that are less than 39.37 inches (one meter) in diameter or diagonal dimension.
- Window awnings supported by the exterior walls of Residential and Accessory (Groups R-3 or U occupancies) uses, when projecting not more than 4 feet 6 inches (1372 mm)
- Installation of wallpaper or wall covering that is exempted under ROH Chapter 16
- Repairs and labor that:
- Involve the replacement of component parts of existing work with like-for-like materials for the purpose of maintenance;
- Do not exceed $10,000 in valuation in the aggregate in any 12-month period; and
- Do not involve any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installations
- Interior remodeling that:
- Does not affect building square footage or the number of rooms or bathrooms;
- Does not modify the location of rooms, walls, or windows; and
- Does not involve any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical installations; including but not limited to painting, installation of floor covering, cabinet and countertop work, and replacement of existing fixtures (such as windows, doors, and appliances); provided that the value of the interior remodeling must be included as part of the value of any new construction for which a permit is required by this code, for the purpose of determining the amount of the fee to be paid for such permit.
3. Emergency Grading Work:
Emergency grading work due to the storm may occur in order to provide immediate clearing, site access, and/or drainage. The grading work should not create hazardous conditions, and should not alter the general drainage pattern or cause significant damage with respect to abutting properties. However, an application for a grading permit for the work shall be submitted on the working day immediately following the day work is commenced.
4. Waiver of Permit Related Fees:
DPP is waiving all permit fees related to storm-damage cleanup and repair work in an effort to accelerate recovery efforts.
5. Shoreline Property Damage:
If you have property damage in or around the shoreline area or on a shoreline lot, or have a commercial property or a lot with several dwellings within the Special Management Area, and are looking to do repairs, DPP staff will work with you regarding any existing SMA Permit approvals, conditions or requirements. Please contact our Land Use Permits Division at (808) 768-8015.
6. Notice of Violation (NOV) Extensions:
If you are unable to meet a deadline of correction for a Notice of Violation due to the Kona Low Storm, please email us at dpp@honolulu.gov with your name, NOV number, inspector name, the justification for an extension, and your contact information.
7. Failed/Damaged Cesspools and Septic Tanks:
To report cesspool damage or failure, contact the Hawaii State Department of Health Wastewater Branch for repairs and replacements. Please call (808) 586-440 or email morikami@doh.gov.
8. Residents Are Encouraged to Report Storm Damage to Homes:
The City is collecting damage reports that will help county officials and our partners better understand the damage that occurred and impacts in our community. Submit reports at https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/homedamage/.
For more details: https://alert.hnlalert.gov
For more info https://evbg.co/vtm0vm
9. Other Resources:
For more information on the FAQs above, please visit our website at https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/ or email us at dpp@honolulu.gov.