Honolulu County, HI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)

For dwelling units constructed pursuant to building permits applied for after May 1, 2019, the impervious surface area of a zoning lot may not exceed 75 percent of the total zoning lot area.

(H)   If the floor area ratio exceeds 0.6, the following additional standards apply:

(i)   Side and rear yards.

(aa)   In the R-3.5 zoning district, side and rear yards must be at least 8 feet; and

(bb)   In the R-5, R-7.5, R-10, and R-20 zoning districts, side and rear yards must be at least 11 feet.

(ii)   Each unit in the dwelling must be owner-occupied, and the occupant shall deliver to the department evidence of a real property tax home exemption for the subject property prior to issuance of a temporary certificate of occupancy.

(iii)   Subsequent inspections.

(aa)   Upon the completion of construction and the determination by the department that the dwelling unit complies with all applicable codes and other laws, conforms to the plans and requirements of the applicable building permit, and is in a condition that is safe and suitable for occupancy, the department may issue a temporary certificate of occupancy that is effective for a period of two years after issuance;

(bb)   During the two-year period that a temporary certificate of occupancy is in effect, the department may, with reasonable notice to the holder of the building permit, conduct periodic inspections of the dwelling unit to confirm that it is in the same structural form as when the temporary certificate of