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🌍 Environmental Rules/Flood Zones

Kailua vs Pearl City

How do flood zones rules compare between Kailua, HI and Pearl City, HI?

Kailua and Pearl City have similar restriction levels.

Kailua, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Much of low-lying Kailua sits in FEMA-mapped flood zones, and ROH Chapter 21A sets elevation, foundation, and variance standards for development in these areas.

View full Kailua rules β†’

Pearl City, HI

Honolulu County

Heavy Restrictions

Development in Pearl City's FEMA-mapped flood zones must comply with ROH Chapter 21A, which governs special flood hazard areas, elevation standards, and flood variance procedures.

View full Pearl City rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactKailuaPearl City
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Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Kailua FAQ

Do I need flood insurance in Kailua?

Many Kailua properties are in flood zones where federally backed mortgages require flood insurance; check the FEMA map for your parcel.

Can I finish a ground floor below base flood elevation?

Only limited, flood-resistant uses are allowed below base flood elevation; habitable finishes generally are not permitted without a variance.

Pearl City FAQ

Is my Pearl City home in a flood zone?

Check the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps adopted under Sec. 21A-1.5 via the city's GIS or the FEMA map portal to determine your specific flood zone designation.

What does base flood elevation mean?

Base flood elevation is the water surface level expected during a one-percent-annual-chance flood. Under Sec. 21A-1.8, new flood fringe construction must elevate to or above this level.

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