Kauai County, HI Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

Section 8-4.3(b)(6) of the Kaua'i County Code 1987 lets a homeowner build accessory buildings and garden or service shelters, including typical backyard sheds, without meeting the standard setbacks in § 8-4.3(b), as long as the structure is no higher than 7 feet, covers no more than 400 square feet, and does not exceed 20% of the rear property line in the longest dimension facing that line. That setback exemption applies countywide in every Residential District. A stricter, separate rule applies only within the Plantation Camp Wildland Urban Interface established by Article 8A, § 8-8A.5(g)(1): for any newly proposed unattached accessory structure, or substantial improvement to one, within 30 feet of the primary structure and with a footprint of 15 square feet or more, expressly including sheds, gazebos, poultry cages, covered structures with a solid roof, dog houses, and playhouses, no more than 3 total accessory structures are allowed within 30 feet of the primary structure, not counting sealed noncombustible storage units.

Fences within 30 feet of any structure in that WUI zone must be built of noncombustible material under § 8-8A.5(g)(1)(B), and each accessory structure needs its own 5-foot noncombustible zone that cannot overlap the primary structure's zone under § 8-8A.5(g)(2). The Fire Department and Planning Department jointly enforce the Plantation Camp WUI accessory-structure rules, while the Planning Department administers the general § 8-4.3(b)(6) setback exemption.