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Hawaii County, HI Fence Regulations: Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Solid fence, no permit
6 feet or less
See-through strand fence
Up to 8 feet
Over 6 feet
Accessory structure; keep out of yards
Corner sight triangle
3-foot max, 25-ft triangle
Governing code
HCC Chapter 25 (island-wide)

Summary

On Hawaii Island a perimeter fence or wall six feet or less needs no yard setback and is not a structure. See-through strand fencing (barbed wire, hog wire, chain link) may reach eight feet. Corner-lot sight triangles cap fences at three feet.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A perimeter boundary fence, wall or similar feature, six feet or less in height shall not be considered a structure and shall be permitted without any front, side or rear yard requirements. In addition, a fence which is constructed of strand material, such as barbed wire, hog wire, or chain link, which allows "see-through" visibility is permitted to a height of eight feet without any front, side, or rear yard requirements.

View official code

Full Breakdown

The County Zoning Code governs fences island-wide (no city government exists). Section 25-4-43(a) lets a solid perimeter fence or wall up to six feet stand on the property line without front, side, or rear yard requirements, and it is not treated as a structure. See-through strand material (barbed wire, hog wire, chain link) is allowed to eight feet. Anything over six feet is an accessory structure that may not project into a required yard (25-4-43(c)). On corner lots, within the 25-foot sight-distance triangle no fence, wall, or hedge may exceed three feet (25-4-42(b)).

Violations & Fines

Zoning violations are handled by the Planning Department; unpermitted over-height walls may require correction, permitting, or removal, plus applicable code-enforcement fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a fence be on the property line?
A solid perimeter fence or wall up to six feet may sit on the line with no yard setback; see-through strand fencing may reach eight feet (HCC 25-4-43).
Does the same rule cover all of Hawaii Island?
Yes. The County of Hawaii is the sole local government, so Chapter 25 zoning applies island-wide, from Hilo to Kailua-Kona.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hawaii County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsRetaining WallsSome RestrictionsMaterial RestrictionsSome RestrictionsNeighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Coyote ManagementHeavy Restrictions

All Hawaii County rules

How Hawaii County compares: Cities That Allow the Tallest Residential Fences·Compare Hawaii County to another location·View the Hawaii fence regulations overview

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