Plan Review Fee
All permits require an approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, which are subject to a review fee of $250 due upon plan submittal, unless the project is classified as “minor development” according to the Rules Relating to Water Quality. If your project has signed tracings “for Director, DPP”, this fee is already paid.
Permit Fee Information
Permit fees are based on project scope of work. Specifically, trenching permit fees are based on estimated lineal feet of trench work in the City’s right-of-way. Grading and stockpiling permit fees are based on estimated earthwork quantities. Grubbing permit fees are based on the amount of area to be grubbed.
Fees are waived for certain governmental projects. Contact us for more information.
Bonding
Trenching Permit Bonds
Grading Permit Bonds
Grading and stockpiling permit bonds, in favor of the City & County of Honolulu, are required when:
- Excavation or embankment quantities exceed 500 cubic yards, or
- the excavation or embankment height exceeds 15 feet in height.
Grading bond requirements are waived for City, State and Federal projects.
If a bond in favor of the city is required, applicants may file a bond:
- guaranteed by a surety company duly authorized to transact business within the State of Hawaii, or
- deposit a letter of credit in lieu of a bond, or
- deposit cash in lieu of a bond
- Cash deposits shall be in the form of a cashier’s check or official bank check and submitted along with a Security Check in Lieu of Bond form. Personal or company checks in lieu of a bond are not accepted.
- No interest shall be paid by the city on such cash deposit.
Bonds guaranteed by a surety company shall be on the appropriate City and County of Honolulu bond form and be notarized by both principal and surety company. Letters of Credit are subject to review and approval by the City’s Department of Budget and Fiscal Services.
Insurance
Insurance is required for all non-City Trenching Permit projects. You can file a blanket Certificate of Insurance covering all projects, or provide one for each individual project.
The City and County of Honolulu must be named as additionally insured and the minimum coverage shall be $100,000 for property damage per occurrence and $500,000 for injury or death. The City and County of Honolulu shall be specified as the certificate holder.
The Certificate of Insurance shall include the project’s address and Tax Map Key. For blanket insurance, include the text “all excavation projects within City and County of Honolulu rights-of-way”.
Sample Certificates
Insurance Schedules
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of bond are accepted?
If a bond in favor of the city is required, applicants may file a bond:
- guaranteed by a surety company duly authorized to transact business within the State of Hawaii, or
- deposit cash in lieu of a bond, or
- deposit a letter of credit in lieu of a bond.
Bonds guaranteed by a surety company shall be on the appropriate City and County of Honolulu bond form and be notarized by both principal and surety company. Or the applicant may deposit cash or letter of credit in lieu of a bond. No interest shall be paid by the city on such cash deposit. Cash deposits shall be in the form of a cashier’s check or official bank check and submitted along with a Security Check in Lieu of Bond form. Personal or company checks in lieu of a bond are not accepted.
When is my bond returned?
Grading permit bonds are returned one year after closure of the grading permit.
Trenching permit bonds are returned one year after final inspection of the completed work.
Please contact us at DppCivilEngineering@honolulu.gov for inquiries related to Grading or Trenching bonds.
Can I use the same bond for multiple projects?
Any bond, letter of credit, or security check in lieu of bond only covers the permit it was initally filed with, or subsequent renewals of that same permit. New projects would require a new form of surety to be submitted.
What types of fee payment are accepted?
Online payments may be made via a Visa or Mastercard credit card. (AMEX and Discover are not accepted at this time) Additionally, checks or cash may be submitted. Checks may be either personal or bank checks. Any checks should be made payable to the “City and County of Honolulu”.
See our interactive Civil Engineering Permit Fee Calculator for fee amounts.
Who do I ask if I have questions that aren't answered above?
Email DppCivilEngineering@honolulu.gov for the most prompt response. Please include any photos if relevant to your question.