East Honolulu Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for East Honoluluyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 47,868
- County:
- Honolulu County
- State building code:
- 2018 IBC with Hawaii amendments(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- Yes — Act 39 (SB 3202, 2024), signed May 28, 2024, requires Hawaii counties to adopt or amend ordinances allowing at least two ADUs on all residentially zoned lots no later than December 31, 2026.
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City & County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View city zoning map
Verify these locally
- Call the City & County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting: (808) 768-8000
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the city zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in East Honolulu and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Regulatory Layers That Apply in East Honolulu
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
County — Honolulu County
- Role: Zoning is managed by the City & County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Statewide Context (Hawaii)
Local data for East Honolulu is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Hawaii and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- 2018 IBC with Hawaii amendments
- State ADU Preemption
- Yes — state law overrides local rules
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
ADU Rules in East Honolulu
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required on either the primary or accessory dwelling
- Permit Timeline
- 60–120 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for East Honolulu are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check East Honolulu permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific