Lot Coverage Limits: Kaneohe vs Waipahu
How do lot coverage limits rules compare between Kaneohe, HI and Waipahu, HI?
Waipahu has fewer restrictions than Kaneohe.
Kaneohe, HI
Honolulu County
Kaneohe residential lots must meet ROH Sec. 21-3.70-1 impervious-surface caps. Dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019 are limited to 75 percent impervious coverage to manage runoff into Kaneohe Bay.
View full Kaneohe rules →Waipahu, HI
Honolulu County
Waipahu lot coverage follows ROH 21-3.70-1, capping impervious surface at 75 percent for dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019, straining tight plantation and multi-generational lots.
View full Waipahu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Kaneohe | Waipahu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Impervious cap | - | 75 percent |
| Effective date | - | May 1, 2019 |
| Code section | - | ROH 21-3.70-1 |
| Stream overlay | - | Chapter 14 drainage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Kaneohe FAQ
Can I build a larger driveway by using pavers?
Yes, many pervious paver systems count as partially or fully pervious, allowing more hardscape area within the cap.
Does a swimming pool count as impervious?
Yes, pools and their surrounding decks typically count as impervious for coverage calculations.
Waipahu FAQ
What is the Waipahu impervious limit?
Dwellings permitted after May 1, 2019 cap impervious surface at 75 percent of the lot under ROH 21-3.70-1. Driveways, patios, and pool decks all count toward the limit on narrow plantation lots.
Do older Waipahu homes need to comply?
Pre-2019 homes exceeding the 75 percent cap are typically legally nonconforming. Substantial redevelopment, demolition, or expansion triggers full compliance with the current ROH 21-3.70-1 impervious cap.
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