East Honolulu, HI Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)

Signage for an East Honolulu home business is tightly restricted by the City and County of Honolulu Land Use Ordinance. The home occupation provision in effect through the recent code update, Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) Section 21-5.350(c), states that 'there shall be no exterior sign that shows the building is used for anything but residential use' and that 'there shall be no exterior displays or advertisements.' The successor provision adopted by Ordinance 25-2, ROH Section 21-5.50(c)(3)(B)(i)(a), carries the same intent by requiring that 'the exterior appearance and character of the dwelling must remain that of a dwelling,' which precludes commercial signage that would announce a business at the residence. Any signage that is otherwise permitted in residential districts is governed by the sign regulations in ROH Article 7 of Chapter 21, which sharply limit signs in residential zones. Because the home-occupation rules forbid business signage outright, a home-based business in East Honolulu generally cannot display a storefront-style sign, banner, or advertisement visible from the street.