Brush Clearance: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do brush clearance rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu's Fire Code requires property owners in hazardous fire areas to maintain a 30-foot defensible space around structures by removing flammable vegetation and combustible growth at all times.
View full Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu parcels adjoining hillsides or open space may lie within Hazardous Fire Areas under ROH Chapter 20, requiring 30-foot defensible space and possibly more when HFD orders.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum clearance | 30 feet from structure | - |
| Extended clearance | Up to 100 feet if ordered by HFD | Up to 100 feet |
| Applies to | Hazardous fire area properties | - |
| Enforcing agency | Honolulu Fire Department | - |
| Standard | - | NFPA 1 Sec. 10.18 |
| Base clearance | - | 30 feet |
| Typical zones | - | Makiki, Manoa slopes |
| Authority | - | Honolulu Fire Chief |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Do I need to remove all plants within 30 feet of my house?
Not all plants. Single ornamental trees or ground covers that do not transmit fire to native growth are exempt; flammable brush and dry vegetation must be cleared.
Can the Fire Department require me to clear more than 30 feet?
Yes. In areas with hazardous fire conditions the HFD can require clearance from 30 up to 100 feet from structures.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Does brush clearance apply to flat downtown Urban Honolulu lots?
Usually no. The rules target parcels in or adjoining designated Hazardous Fire Areas, typically hillsides or open-space borders. Flat downtown urban lots generally fall outside these designations.
What happens if I ignore an HFD brush clearance order?
The Honolulu Fire Department can abate the hazard and bill the owner, attach a lien to the property, and impose civil penalties under Chapter 20 for continuing violations.
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