Building Setbacks & Zoning in Hawaii (2026)
12 rules on the books across Hawaii, 4 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Setback Rules
How far structures must be from property lines, streets, and other buildings. Different setbacks apply to front, side, and rear yards.
Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsSetbacks vary by zoning district and lot size. In the common RS single-family district, front and rear yards run 15 to…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsThe City and County of Honolulu requires a minimum 10-foot front yard and 5-foot side and rear yards for single-family…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance sets minimum yard setbacks for every Residential District structure: a…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County sets minimum yard setbacks for single-family homes in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 districts under Maui County Code…
Read full rule →Structure Height Limits
Maximum building heights allowed by zoning, including how height is measured and exceptions for chimneys, antennas, and rooftop equipment.
Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County caps single-family homes in the RS residential district at thirty-five feet under Hawaii County Code §…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsHouses in Honolulu's residential zoning districts, R-3.5 through R-20, must fit inside a building envelope that tops…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County caps single-family homes and accessory structures in Residential Districts at two stories above and one…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County caps single-family building height at 30 feet across the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts under Maui…
Read full rule →Lot Coverage Limits
The maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces like driveways and patios.
Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawaii County zoning does not cap lot coverage by a percentage. Instead it controls how much you can build through…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsNew Oahu dwellings built under permits filed after May 1, 2019 cannot cover more than 75 percent of the zoning lot with…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County caps how much of a residential lot can be covered by buildings and pavement: 60% in the R-1 to R-6…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County doesn't set a separate lot-coverage percentage for single-family lots; instead, Maui County Code Section…
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