Fence Regulations in Kauai County, HI (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Kauai County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Height Limits
Kaua'i County Code § 10-5A.7(q) caps walls and fences fronting a public right-of-way in the Rice Street Neighborhood Design District at three feet, with post caps, finials and pillars allowed to run six inches taller. Chain link fencing and unfinished concrete block walls are banned outright along any lot frontage, next to public open space, or anywhere visible to the public, and any fence must match the building's architectural style.
Kaua'i's Rice Street Fence Height Limit
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 10-5A.7(q)
Walls and fences fronting a public right-of-way shall have a maximum height of three (3) feet. Fence post caps, finials and pillars may be up to six (6) inches taller. Walls and fences should be compatible with the architecture of the building and the overall style of the area. Chain link fences and unfinished concrete masonry use walls are not permitted along lot frontage, adjacent to public o...
Fence Permit Requirements
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), a fence over 6 feet needs a building permit; Section 105.2 exempts only fences, architectural barriers, and planter boxes measured 6 feet or less from finish grade to top. Section 423.1 also subjects any fence over 6 feet to Fire Department approval for access.
Kaua'i County Fence Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2 (IBC §§ 105.1, 105.2, 423.1)
105.1 Required. ... No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, repair, move, alter, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in the County of Kaua'i, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each such building or structure from the building official. ... A building permit shall not be required for the follow...
Retaining Walls
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), retaining walls up to 4 feet are exempt from a building permit under Section 105.2. Walls 5 feet or taller need a permit, and their plans must be prepared, designed, approved, and stamped by a registered architect or engineer under Section 107.1.
Kaua'i Retaining Wall Height & Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2 (IBC §§ 105.2, 107.1)
Retaining walls, which are not over 4 feet in height, measured from the finish grade to the top of the wall. Rip-rap type retaining walls with a slope of not less than 1:1 and having a vertical dimension not over 4 feet in height, constructed in accordance with Chapter 8, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance; Chapter 15, Article 1 Floodplain Management and Chapter 16, Traffic Code, Kaua'i County Code...
Material Restrictions
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), Section 423.2 bans barbed or razor wire on fences except at utilities, hazardous-material sites, zoos, jails, and agricultural pastures, and even then only above 6 feet with Fire Department approval. Section 423.4 requires electric fences to meet Hawai'i Revised Statutes Section 142-61.
Kaua'i County Barbed Wire & Electric Fence Rules
Significant RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2 (IBC §§ 423.2, 423.4)
423.2 Barbed or razor wire fences. Barbed or razor wire shall not be used for the construction of any fence. Exception: ... Barbed or razor wire may be used in fences enclosing the following premises, if barbed or razor wire shall be placed along or above the height of six (6) feet from the ground, subject to the approval of the Fire Department. ... 423.4 Electric wired fence. Installation of e...
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