Lot Coverage Limits: East Honolulu vs Kaneohe
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI?
East Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Kaneohe.
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 →Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Kaneohe residential lots must meet ROH Sec. 21-3.70-1 impervious-surface caps. Dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019 are limited to 75 percent impervious coverage to manage runoff into Kaneohe Bay.
View full Kaneohe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Honolulu | Kaneohe |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can I build a larger driveway by using pavers?
Yes, many pervious paver systems count as partially or fully pervious, allowing more hardscape area within the cap.
Does a swimming pool count as impervious?
Yes, pools and their surrounding decks typically count as impervious for coverage calculations.
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