To support faster recovery following Tropical Storm Lala, 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.
DPP is also conducting residential damage assessments this week in areas impacted by Tropical Storm Lala. DPP inspectors will visit affected properties to document storm-related damage and help determine the extent of impacts to residential structures. These assessments are a critical part of the disaster recovery process. Information collected through damage assessments will help determine the scope and severity of the disaster and supports efforts to seek federal disaster assistance. It is important that residents report any home damage today. They can do this by going to: https://www.honolulu.gov/dem/homedamage/
Important: Before starting emergency work, check to see if you are in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). These are zones A, AE, AEF, AH, AO, V, and VE. Work in any of these areas may require a permit. Click the button to the right to check your flood zone. Contact DPP if you are located in one of these zones.
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. For a more visual overview, we’ve also created a flyer with the same information. If you have additional questions, please contact us at dpp@honolulu.gov.
If you are not located in a SFHA flood zone, please follow the emergency repair guidelines below.
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.
If you are applying for permit related to Tropical Storm Lala, please follow the Tropical Storm Lala Permit Application Instructions.
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 permit fees directly related to storm-damage cleanup and repair work in an effort to accelerate recovery efforts.
5. Building in a Flood Zone:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Oʻahu following a multi-year flood risk study conducted from 2019 to 2024. The updated maps identify flood zones and high-risk flood areas, including many streams that had not previously been studied.
The new FIRMs are now in effect along with updated flood insurance and regulatory requirements.
If your property was damaged from Tropical Storm Lala and is located in a newly designated flood zone, you may be required to comply with additional floodplain regulations. This applies to properties that will soon be within Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones A, AE, AEF, AH, AO, V, and VE).
The extent of the damage may also determine whether proposed repair or improvement work is subject to FEMA’s Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage (SI/SD) requirements. If a structure meets the SI/SD criteria, it may be required to be brought into compliance with Honolulu’s local floodplain management ordinance.
Below are the definitions of Substantial Improvement and Substantial Damage. Additional information can be found on FEMA’s website.
Substantial Improvement:
- This means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure (or smaller percentage if established by the community) before the “start of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred “substantial damage,” regardless of the actual repair work performed.
Substantial Damage:
- This means damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Work on structures that are determined to be substantially damaged is considered to be substantial improvement, regardless of the actual repair work performed.
If a building is in a Special Flood Hazard Area and is determined to be SI/SD, it will have to be in compliance with current flood ordinance. This may involve:
- Elevating or modifying a structure to meet floodplain standards
- Relocating or demolishing a structure
- Floodproofing non-residential or historic buildings
For more information on what permits are required for these types of work, head to www.honolulu.gov/dpp/permitting/building-permits-home/building-permit
You can also email DPP for any further questions: dpp@honolulu.gov.
6. 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.
7. Notice of Violation (NOV) Extensions:
If you are unable to meet a deadline of correction for a Notice of Violation due to Tropical Storm Lala, please email us at dpp@honolulu.gov with your name, NOV number, inspector name, the justification for an extension, and your contact information.
8. 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.
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.