FEMA flood zone rules in Kailua, HI — also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules — determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.
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.
Chapter 21A adopts FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps under Sec. 21A-1.5 and imposes specific construction standards on properties in special flood hazard areas, including the areas around Kaelepulu Pond, Enchanted Lake, and the back-beach neighborhoods of Kailua. Section 21A-1.8 requires structures in flood fringe areas to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation, with additional requirements for venting, anchoring, and flood-resistant materials. Variances under Sec. 21A-1.12 are narrowly available. LUO Sec. 21-9.10 cross-references flood hazard standards for development approvals. Elevation certificates are typically required at permitting and closeout.
Building below base flood elevation without a variance, missing elevation certificates, or non-compliant materials can lead to permit revocation and insurance issues.
Kailua, HI
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Kailua, HI
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Kailua, HI
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Honolulu County.
See how other cities in Honolulu County handle flood zones.
See how Kailua's flood zones rules stack up against other locations.
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