Department of Planning and Permitting

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Department of Planning and Permitting

Ka ʻOihana Hoʻolālā A Me Nā Palapala ʻAe

Building Permits

Do You Need a Building Permit?

A Word of Caution: This is a general guide.

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When Are Building Permits Required?

Refer to ROH 18-3.1(a).

  1. To erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure.
  2. Any electrical work or plumbing work that is not exempted.
  3. To construct or alter any sidewalk, curb, or driveway in any public street right-of-way.
  4. To install, construct, alter, relocate or reconstruct any sign.
  5. To erect any temporary tent or similar structure to be used for religious or commercial purposes such as rallies, festivals or carnivals.
  6. Site or retaining wall that will exceed 30″ in height.

Building Permit Exemptions 

Commonly Applicable Items. A complete list of permit exemptions can be found here. Refer to ROH 18-3.1(b).

 

Although a permit may not be required, all work shall be in accordance with the laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

  1. Fences or planter boxes which are not more than 6′ in height and are not located in a flood zone or street corner. (Fences constructed shall also adhere to deed restrictions and fence design criteria by home owner’s association)
  2. Retaining walls which are not more than 30″ in height.
  3. Repairs using similar or same materials for the purpose of maintenance which are not more than $10,000 in valuation in any 12-month period, and do not affect any electrical or plumbing installations.
  4. Painting, cabinet work, floor covering and replacement of windows or doors.
  5. Tool or storage sheds not exceeding 120 square feet as accessories to dwellings.
  6. Individual residential television and radio antennas, excluding dish-type antennas.
  7. Electrical repair work performed by a licensed electrical contractor not involving service entrance equipment and does not exceed $2,500 in any 12-month period.
  8. Plumbing repair work performed by a licensed plumbing contractor which does not exceed $2,500 in any 12-month period.

To Apply for a Permit

  1. Determine if your permit may be obtained via an Instant Online Permit or if Plans are Required.
  2. Apply for appropriate type of permit. Please follow the online instructions to submit your permit applications.
  3. Once your online application has been completed, you are to submit your plans to the DPP via ePlans. You should receive an email after you have applied for the permit with a direct link to upload plans. 

Should you have any questions, please call the Permit Center at 808-768-8220 or 808-768-3126 or email eplans@honolulu.gov.

Are Plans Required?

  1. Any project that does not qualify for Instant Online Permits, requires plans.

    • Plans provided shall meet the Building Permit Plan Format Checklist
    • Plans shall be properly stamped and signed by an licensed professional when:
      • Work on one-storied buildings exceeds $40,000
      • Work on two-storied buildings exceed $35,000
      • Work on one-storied residence exceeds $180,000
      • Work on two-storied residence exceeds $162,000
      • Work is located in a special management area, flood hazard area or special design district
      • Work results from a conditional use or discretionary zoning permit, code compliance or variance or building permit expediting procedures
      • Principal structural members are of reinforced concrete or structural steel
    • Plans for retaining walls of 5′ or more shall be stamped by an architect, structural engineer or civil engineer.
    • See HRS Chapter 464 for additional information.

Permit Fees

Building permits are subject to plan review and building permit fees. Use our calculator to see the estimated fees. (Refer to ROH 18 Table 18-A for the fee schedule)

To Search or Inquire Permit Status

  1. Have your Application Number (AYYYY-MM-####), Building Permit Number (BP######) or Tax Map Key (#-#-###:###) available.
  2. Enter the information here and search.
  3. If you entered an application number or building permit number, it will take you automatically to the job. If you entered the Tax Map Key, you will need to go to the Building/Sign Permits tab to find the permit application number.
  4. The overall status is located in the green area
  5. Any outside approvals required will be checked off in the approvals tab.
  6. All plan reviews, dates of plan received, review completed dates (Residential/Building/Mechanical/Electrical/Fire) and outcomes will be found on the Plan Reviews tab.
  7. All inspections with date performed and outcome of inspection will be located on the Inspections tab.

Other Agencies and Approvals

For scopes of work, in addition to a building permit, you may need permits or approvals from the following agencies:

Civil Engineering Branch
Review involves drainage, grading, and project adjacent to streams and drainage easements.

NPDES Branch
Review involves any ground disturbance work.

Wastewater Branch
Review for sewer availability and adequacy and for projects adjacent to existing sewer easements.

Zoning Plan Review Branch
Review for specific zoning regulation per the Land Use Ordinance

Board of Water Supply
Review for water use and adequacy.

Honolulu Fire Department
Review for fire alarm, fire access, etc.

Department of Health – Wastewater
Review involves any private wastewater systems (i.e. septic tank or leach field)

Department of Health – Food Safety
Review involves schools, food service establishments.

Department of Health – AC Ventilation
Review involves any public use space with air conditioning or mechanical ventilation.

State Historic Preservation
Review involves any parcel that has a 50+ year old structure or iwi kupuna. (The affected parcels have an advisory noted)

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