Garage Conversions: Ewa Gentry vs Urban Honolulu
How do garage conversions rules compare between Ewa Gentry, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Urban 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 →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu garage conversions must meet ADU rules in ROH Sec. 21-5.720 plus building-permit requirements in Sec. 18-3.2, and lost parking must be replaced on-lot even on tight urban parcels.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ewa Gentry | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| ADU Section | - | ROH Sec. 21-5.720 |
| Permit Section | - | ROH Sec. 18-3.2 |
| Parking Rule | - | Replace on-lot |
| Amnesty Cutoff | - | September 14, 2015 |
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.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Can I convert my carport into a studio in Kapahulu?
Only with a building permit under ROH Sec. 18-3.2. If a kitchen is added it counts as an ADU under Sec. 21-5.720, and you must replace lost parking on the lot.
What if the conversion was done without a permit years ago?
Conversions completed before September 14, 2015 may qualify for an after-the-fact permit. Otherwise the owner must legalize the work or restore the original garage.
Compare other topics
See how Ewa Gentry and Urban Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
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