Building near Oahu's shoreline requires both a certified shoreline survey and compliance with the 60-foot (or larger) setback under ROH chapter 23 plus state coastal review.
ROH Chapter 23 implements Hawaii's coastal zone management program at the local level. New principal structures must sit landward of a shoreline setback, generally 60 feet from the certified shoreline, with larger setbacks (up to 130 feet or more) on lots with deep frontage or known erosion. A certified shoreline survey from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources is required before DPP processes the building permit. Variances are reviewed by the Planning Commission and must consider sea level rise, erosion, public beach access guaranteed by Hawaii Constitution Article XI section 5, and Native Hawaiian gathering rights.
Building inside the setback or without a certified shoreline can result in stop-work orders, demolition orders, daily fines, and forfeiture of nonconforming protections.
Honolulu, HI
Most development within Honolulu's Special Management Area (SMA) along Oahu's shoreline requires a special permit reviewed by DPP under HRS chapter 205A and ...
Honolulu, HI
Honolulu enforces FEMA flood zone construction standards under ROH chapter 21A and uses the city's Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Viewer to guide permits in lo...
See how Honolulu's coastal zone permits rules stack up against other locations.
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