Honolulu County

Honolulu County, HI Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, you should plan on a building permit for a carport on Oahu, since ROH 18-3.1 covers erecting any building or structure and the DPP's posted exemptions do not mention carports. The nearest exemption is for tool or storage sheds accessory to a dwelling, capped at 120 square feet. Honolulu also has its own zoning path for a carport that has to sit in a front or side yard. If your project cannot use an Instant Online Permit, plans go in electronically.

Permit office: City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP)
Address: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: (808) 768-8000
Official county page

When a permit is required

Erecting, enlarging, altering, moving or demolishing any building or structure (ROH 18-3.1(a))
Electrical or plumbing work that is not exempted
Site or retaining walls taller than 30 inches
Exempt: tool or storage sheds up to 120 sq ft accessory to a dwelling (combined floor area, per the DPP FAQ)
Exempt work still has to comply with all other laws and ordinances

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning is reviewed under the Land Use Ordinance (ROH Chapter 21). The residential standards table (21-3.2) lists yards of 10 ft in front and 5 ft on the sides and rear for dwellings, and 30 ft and 15 ft for other uses. Confirm which number applies to your lot and structure with the DPP. If a one- or two-car carport or garage has to encroach into a front or side yard, the Zoning Adjustment may help, but only if no other site is viable because of a dwelling legally built before October 22, 1986 or the lot's topography. Size is generally limited to 20 by 20 ft, and the review fee is $200 plus a $400 processing fee.

What to bring

Application through the HNL Build portal
Plans uploaded through ePlans (paper is not accepted), following the Building Permit Plan Format Checklist
Tax Map Key, application number or permit number for status checks
Stamped plans when required, including work with structural steel principal members, one-story building work over $40,000, and work in a flood hazard area or special management area
Cost breakdown per structure if one plan set covers several

Farm buildings

DPP says agricultural structures built under HRS 46-88 are exempt from building permits but must be declared with the City. You submit a Declaration of Compliance, a plot plan on paper at least 8-1/2 by 11 showing location, property lines, other structures, setbacks and dimensions, and a certification for Exemption #12 when required. The DPP page says exempt structures may not include any plumbing or electrical work. If you later alter the building so it no longer meets HRS 46-88, you need a building permit. The statute does not apply on state urban district land.

Good to know

Ask early about the structural steel stamp rule, since it can decide whether your job needs a licensed professional's seal. Instant Online Permits cap at $75,000 in value, and a flood zone other than D, X or XS may disqualify a property. DPP's page does not state in text whether a carport qualifies. Permit Center lines are (808) 768-8220 and (808) 768-3126, and plan questions go to eplans@honolulu.gov. Other approvals can include the Board of Water Supply, the Civil Engineering Branch for drainage, and State Historic Preservation for parcels with structures 50 years or older. You can start in HNL Build.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Honolulu County?
Most likely. ROH 18-3.1 covers any structure, and the exemptions posted by DPP leave carports out. Their posted list points to the ordinance for the full version, so confirm with DPP at (808) 768-8000 if you think yours is exempt.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Honolulu County?
A garage, yes, plan on it. A one-story detached shed accessory to a house can skip the permit if combined floor area stays at 120 sq ft or less. Over that, it needs a permit.

Can a carport go in my front yard setback on Oahu?
Only with an approved adjustment, and only when no other viable site exists because of a pre-October 22, 1986 dwelling or the lot's topography. Size generally stays within 20 by 20 ft, and it can only be used as a carport or garage.

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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