East Honolulu, HI Fence Regulations: Material Restrictions (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- ROH Sec. 21-4.70-1(d); Sec. 21-5.70-2/-7/-9/-10
- Ordinary residential fence material
- Not generally restricted
- Required buffer fences
- Chain link excluded
- Apartment precinct dwelling fences
- Open material (wrought iron/lattice), not chain link
Summary
The Honolulu Land Use Ordinance does not restrict materials for ordinary residential fences, but where a solid wall or fence is required as a buffer between commercial/industrial and residential uses, chain link is expressly excluded. In certain special districts and the apartment precinct, dwelling fences must use open material such as wrought iron or lattice, not chain link.
Any meeting facility, child daycare, adult daycare, large group living, parking facility, commercial use, industrial use, or similar use, located in any zoning district other than those already addressed under subsections (a), (b), and (c), must be screened from any adjacent zoning lot in a country, residential, apartment, apartment mixed-use, or resort zoning district by:
(1) A solid wall or fence, excepting chain link, six feet in height; or
(2) An equivalent landscape buffer such as a six-foot-high screening hedge. The solid wall or fence, or equivalent landscape buffer, must be erected and maintained along the common property line.
Full Breakdown
For typical East Honolulu residential fences, the Honolulu Land Use Ordinance (ROH Chapter 21) imposes no general material restriction, so wood, masonry, vinyl, and metal are all allowed within the six-foot height limit. Material rules appear where fences serve a screening or buffering function. 70-1(d) requires a six-foot solid wall or fence, excepting chain link, or an equivalent landscape buffer where certain non-residential uses adjoin a country, residential, apartment, apartment mixed-use, or resort zoning lot. 70-10). In the apartment precinct, walls and fences for dwelling uses up to six feet shall consist of an open material, preferably wrought iron or lattice work, but not chain link, and solid walls are discouraged unless built of an acceptable material such as wood, moss rock, or stucco-finished masonry. Special-district rules (Article 9) may impose additional material standards.
Violations & Fines
Installing a prohibited material where a non-chain-link buffer wall or fence is required, or a non-conforming dwelling fence material in a regulated precinct, is enforced by DPP through notices of violation, civil fines, and orders to replace the fence with conforming material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a chain-link fence at my house in East Honolulu?
What material is required for a screening wall between a business and homes?
Are there material rules in apartment areas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in East Honolulu
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