Fence Regulations in Honolulu County, HI (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 11 cities in Honolulu County, Hawaii.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Honolulu County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Height Limits

Honolulu's Land Use Ordinance Section 21-4.60 limits fence, wall, and hedge heights across zoning districts and imposes additional setback or landscape screening requirements when barriers exceed 36 inches along street frontages.

ROH Sec. 21-4.60 Fence Heights

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Permit Requirements

Honolulu County requires building permits for most fences and walls under ROH 18-3.1, though retaining or riprap walls not exceeding 30 inches in height are exempt from the permit requirement.

ROH Sec. 18-3.1 Fence Permits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Neighbor Fence Rules

Honolulu's Land Use Ordinance Section 21-4.30 defines required yards and street setbacks, including what fences and structures may occupy property lines shared with neighbors across Oahu.

ROH Sec. 21-4.30 Yard Setbacks

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Retaining Walls

Honolulu's LUO Section 21-4.40 limits retaining wall heights in required yards to 6 feet when containing fill and combines terraced wall heights for measurement purposes island-wide.

ROH Sec. 21-4.40 Retaining Walls

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Pool Barriers

Honolulu County's Building Code Section 16-6.2 requires residential swimming pools on Oahu to be enclosed by compliant fences or protective barriers to prevent unauthorized access and drownings.

ROH Sec. 16-6.2 Pool Barriers

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Material Restrictions

Honolulu's LUO Section 21-4.60 defines 'fence' and governs allowed materials including wrought iron, wire, wood, vinyl, and plastic supported by post foundations across all Oahu zoning districts.