Garage Conversions: Ewa Gentry vs Honolulu
How do garage conversions rules compare between Ewa Gentry, HI and Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Ewa Gentry.
Ewa Gentry, HI
Honolulu County
A garage conversion in Ewa Gentry is generally treated as creating an accessory dwelling unit under ROH Sec. 21-5.720 and requires a building permit plus replacement parking on the lot.
View full Ewa Gentry rules →Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu's LUO § 21-5.720 allows garage and accessory structure conversions into accessory dwelling units in residential zones, subject to floor area limits, parking requirements, and a building permit from DPP.
View full Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ewa Gentry | Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Minimum lot size | - | 3,500 sq ft |
| Max ADU size (small lot) | - | 400 sq ft (3,500–4,999 sq ft lot) |
| Parking requirement | - | 1 space per ADU (may be waived) |
| Transit waiver radius | - | Within 0.5 mile of rail station |
| Governing section | - | LUO § 21-5.720 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ewa Gentry FAQ
Do I need a permit to convert my garage?
Yes. Any change of use from garage to habitable space requires a building permit and must meet ADU standards.
What happens to my required parking?
You must replace the off-street stalls elsewhere on the lot, such as in a driveway or a new covered stall.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I convert my garage to a rental unit on Oahu?
Yes, if your lot is at least 3,500 sq ft in a residential zone and you owner-occupy the property. You need a building permit from DPP and must meet floor area, parking, and building code requirements under LUO § 21-5.720.
Do I need to add a parking space when converting my garage to an ADU?
Generally yes, one additional off-street parking space is required. It may be waived if your lot is within 0.5 miles of a Honolulu rail station or if topography makes parking infeasible per DPP.
Are there any fee waivers for ADU conversions?
Starting July 1, 2025, qualifying ADU projects are exempt from certain wastewater system facility charges. Regular building permit fees based on project value still apply.
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