Signage Rules: Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu
How do signage rules rules compare between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Honolulu and Urban Honolulu have similar restriction levels.
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Honolulu's Land Use Ordinance prohibits any exterior signage indicating a home is used for a business. Under ROH § 21-5.350, home occupations must be invisible from the street — no signs, displays, or advertising may be mounted on or near the dwelling.
View full Honolulu rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
In Urban Honolulu's mixed-use corridors and residential towers, ROH Chapter 21 Article 7 restricts home-business signage to small non-illuminated nameplates, with additional facade-control rules in Ala Moana, Kakaako, and downtown districts.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Honolulu | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior signs | Prohibited for home occupations | - |
| Residential district sign max | 4 sq ft (non-dwelling use only) | - |
| Illuminated signs | Not permitted in residential zones | - |
| Governing code | ROH § 21-5.350; Ch. 21 Art. 7 | - |
| Enforcing agency | Honolulu Dept. of Planning & Permitting | - |
| Authority | - | ROH Ch. 21, Article 7 |
| Typical max size | - | 1 square foot |
| Illumination | - | Not permitted |
| HCDA overlay | - | Extra Kakaako rules |
| Condo rules | - | Often stricter |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Honolulu FAQ
Can I put a small nameplate on my mailbox for my home business?
No. ROH § 21-5.350 prohibits any exterior signage that indicates the residence is used for non-residential purposes, including nameplates advertising a business.
Can I advertise my home business with a sign in my window?
Interior window signs visible from the street may still violate the intent of ROH § 21-5.350. Consult the Honolulu DPP for guidance on specific situations.
Are there any exceptions for certain licensed home businesses?
The ordinance makes no general exceptions. Any home occupation, regardless of type or license, must comply with the no-exterior-sign requirement under § 21-5.350.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
Can I put a business sign on my Urban Honolulu condo door?
The LUO permits a small nameplate, but almost all Urban Honolulu condominium declarations prohibit exterior signage on unit doors or balconies, which the LUO cannot override.
Are window signs allowed for home offices downtown?
Generally no. Residential and mixed-use zoning in Urban Honolulu restricts commercial window signs on residential units, and Sec. 21-7.30 prohibits illuminated and moving signs.
Compare other topics
See how Honolulu and Urban Honolulu compare on other ordinance categories.
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