Hawaii County

Hawaii County, HI Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Most carports in Hawaii County need a building permit, because the only size-based exemption stops at 200 square feet with no electrical or plumbing work. The county's permit rules are in Chapter 5 of its code, and applications go through its online EPIC system. A 12 by 20 carport is 240 square feet, so it is already past that line. Average residential approval runs about 3 months, according to the Building Division.

Permit office: County of Hawaii Department of Public Works, Building Division
Address: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7, Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 961-8331
Official county page

When a permit is required

New construction, additions, alterations and moving a building, even on the same property (Section 5-3-1)
Any building, electrical or plumbing work that is not on the exempt list
Possible exemption: detached one-story U-occupancy accessory structure on residential land, up to 200 sq ft, up to 15 ft high and 10 ft from property lines and other structures, with no electrical or plumbing work (Section 5-3-22)
Even exempt work can require a declaration confirming exemption, flood control and special management area compliance (Section 5-3-21)

Zoning and setbacks

The Planning Department handles zoning and setbacks, and the Building Division tells applicants to check with it before drawing plans. The county's setback brochure says accessory buildings, and it names sheds and carports, must keep the same yards as the main building. Its RS-10 example (lots of 10,000 to 19,999 sq ft) shows a 20 ft front setback and 10 ft side setbacks. Other districts differ, so get your own numbers from Planning in Hilo at (808) 961-8288 or in West Hawaii at (808) 323-4770. Flood requirements are checked with the Engineering Division.

What to bring

EPIC account and online application
Building Permit Applicant Checklist
Tax Map Key (TMK) that matches the property tax records
Property Owner Declaration Form and Project Declaration Form
Site plan showing the whole TMK parcel, easements, abutting streets, all structures and all setbacks
Plans, stamped by a licensed professional when required
Plan review fee, which the 2025 county audit lists as 20% of the permit fee with a $50 minimum

Farm buildings

Hawaii County lists agricultural buildings exempt under HRS 46-88 among its permit exemptions, and it handles them with an Act 203 declaration filed on paper. Email and fax are not accepted. Its form lists one-story masonry or wood-framed buildings with a span under 25 ft at 1,000 sq ft or less, and 1,001 to 8,000 sq ft when built to prescriptive standards. Pre-engineered commercial buildings fall under separate items that need written county pre-approval, which is the line to ask about for a steel building. You also send proof of farm activity, such as a general excise license or agriculture dedication, plus Planning, Engineering, Fire and Wastewater approvals. Plumbing and electrical permits are not exempted.

Good to know

Paper applications ended when EPIC replaced them, but the Hilo and Kona Building offices have kiosks to help you submit. The West Hawaii office is at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Building E. Permits issued after August 17, 2020 expire six years after issue. Applications have 180 days from submission to turn into a permit, so answer review comments quickly. Start with the county's permit information page.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Hawaii County?
Plan on yes. The exemption for detached accessory structures stops at 200 sq ft and rules out electrical or plumbing work. The exempt list does not name carports, so ask the Building Division at (808) 961-8331 if yours is smaller than that.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Hawaii County?
Above 200 sq ft, yes. At or under that size, one story, 15 ft high, 10 ft from lines and other structures, with no wiring or plumbing, it can be exempt, but it must still meet the yard rules.

Can I pull the permit myself in Hawaii County?
An owner-builder under HRS 444-2.5 may obtain a building permit. Otherwise a licensed contractor does. Only the permit holder's employees may do the work.

Sources

Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.

See the full Hawaii permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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