Zoning Restrictions: Honolulu vs Kailua
How do zoning restrictions rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI?
Honolulu and Kailua have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
ROH Chapter 21, Β§21-5.350 permits home occupations as accessory residential uses, provided the business is incidental to the dwelling, employs only household members, has no exterior signage, and does not alter the home's residential character.
View full Honolulu rules βKailua, HI
Honolulu County
Kailua residents may operate a home-based business as an accessory use under ROH Sec. 21-5.350, provided the activity remains incidental and subordinate to residential use and does not alter the windward-neighborhood character.
View full Kailua rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Kailua |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted zones | All residential zones | - |
| Employees | Household members only | - |
| Exterior signage | Not permitted | - |
| Client parking required | 1 space per 5 on-site clients | - |
| Key code section | ROH Β§21-5.350 | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I run a hair salon from my home in Honolulu?
Yes, if clients come one at a time and you provide required off-street parking (1 space per 5 concurrent clients), employ only household members, and display no exterior signage indicating a business.
Can I hire a non-family employee for my home-based business in Honolulu?
Generally no. Only household members may work in a home occupation. The sole exception is an emergency child-care substitute for up to 5 days per calendar month.
Is auto repair allowed as a home business in Honolulu?
No. Auto repair and painting are prohibited as home occupations, except for household-owned vehicles; no more than five such vehicles may be repaired or painted per year at the dwelling.
Kailua FAQ
Can I run an Etsy shop from my Kailua home?
Yes, low-impact craft sales that generate no customer traffic, noise, or signage issues generally qualify as a permitted home occupation.
May I hire a non-family employee to help?
Generally no. Only household members may work at the home, except for limited substitute caregivers in licensed home-based child care.
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