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πŸ“ Building Setbacks & Zoning/Lot Coverage Limits

Lot Coverage Limits: East Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu

How do lot coverage limits rules compare between East Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?

East Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.

East Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Urban Honolulu, HI

Honolulu County

Some Restrictions

Urban Honolulu caps impervious surface at 75 percent of lot area for residential dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019, under ROH 21-3.70-1 to manage runoff into the city's storm drains.

View full Urban Honolulu rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactEast HonoluluUrban Honolulu
Impervious cap75 percent75 percent
Effective dateMay 1, 2019May 1, 2019
Code sectionROH 21-3.70-1ROH 21-3.70-1
Drainage overlayChapter 14 applies-
Flood concern-Ala Wai drainage

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.

Urban Honolulu FAQ

How much of an Urban Honolulu lot can be paved?

For residential dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019, ROH 21-3.70-1 limits impervious coverage to 75 percent. Older homes follow the standards in effect when they were permitted.

Do pool decks count toward Honolulu lot coverage?

Generally yes. Pool decks, patios, driveways, and roofed accessory structures count toward the 75 percent impervious cap under ROH 21-3.70-1. Pervious pavers with approved drainage can earn partial credit.

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