Lot Coverage Limits: East Honolulu vs Kailua
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
East Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Kailua.
East Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
East Honolulu residential lot coverage follows ROH 21-3.70-1, which caps impervious surface at 75 percent for dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019, impacting Hawaii Kai marina and ridge parcels.
View full East Honolulu rules →Kailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua residential lots follow ROH Sec. 21-3.70-1, which limits impervious surface coverage. Homes permitted after May 1, 2019 are capped at 75 percent impervious coverage to reduce runoff and protect windward watersheds.
View full Kailua rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Impervious cap | 75 percent | - |
| Effective date | May 1, 2019 | - |
| Code section | ROH 21-3.70-1 | - |
| Drainage overlay | Chapter 14 applies | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Honolulu FAQ
What is the Hawaii Kai impervious limit?
Dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019 cap impervious surface at 75 percent of the lot under ROH 21-3.70-1. Pools, driveways, and patios count toward the limit, pushing designs toward permeable surfaces.
Do older Portlock homes have to comply?
Pre-2019 homes that exceed the 75 percent cap are typically legally nonconforming. Substantial redevelopment or expansion can trigger full compliance with the current ROH 21-3.70-1 limit.
Kailua FAQ
Does a gravel driveway count against coverage?
Gravel is generally treated as pervious, helping stay under the 75 percent cap, though compacted surfaces may count differently.
What if my existing home already exceeds 75 percent?
Older lots may be grandfathered, but any major expansion or rebuild will typically require compliance with current caps.
Compare other topics
See how East Honolulu and Kailua compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool