Retaining Walls: Mililani Town vs Urban Honolulu
How do retaining walls rules compare between Mililani Town, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI?
Urban Honolulu has fewer restrictions than Mililani Town.
Mililani Town, HI
Honolulu County
Mililani Town retaining walls follow ROH Sec. 21-4.40 rules and HOA review. Fill-retaining walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 feet, and terraced walls are measured in combination.
View full Mililani Town rules →Urban Honolulu, HI
Honolulu County
Urban Honolulu limits retaining walls that contain fill within required yards to 6 feet under ROH 21-4.40 and combines terraced wall heights to prevent stacking around hillside lots.
View full Urban Honolulu rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mililani Town | Urban Honolulu |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Max height | - | 6 feet |
| Terracing rule | - | Combined height |
| Permit trigger | - | Over 30 inches |
| Code section | - | ROH 21-4.40 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mililani Town FAQ
Do planter walls count as retaining walls?
If they hold back soil, yes; decorative low planters that don't retain earth are typically not regulated under 21-4.40.
Is HOA approval needed for a 24-inch garden wall?
Usually yes. Even ROH-exempt walls typically still need HOA architectural review in Mililani before construction.
Urban Honolulu FAQ
How tall can a retaining wall be in Urban Honolulu?
Under ROH 21-4.40, retaining walls containing fill within required yards cannot exceed 6 feet. Terraced walls on hillside lots in neighborhoods like Manoa are measured as one combined wall.
Does a hillside retaining wall need a permit in Honolulu?
Yes, if it exceeds 30 inches. ROH 18-3.1 exempts only walls 30 inches or shorter. Honolulu DPP typically requires engineered plans, drainage, and guardrails for larger hillside retaining walls.
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