City and County of Honolulu, HI - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM–4:30 PM

Department

Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), City and County of Honolulu

Address

Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building, 650 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

Phone

(808) 768-8220 (residential permits); (808) 768-8000 (main); (808) 768-3185 (inspections); (808) 768-8240 (electrical); (808) 768-8242 (mechanical/plumbing)

Email

dpp@honolulu.gov

Website

https://www.honolulu.gov/dpp/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type: Quick Permit (no plans, eligible simple scopes) or Building Permit with Plans (full review)
2. Create account in HNL Build at https://honolulu.my.site.com/s/
3. Gather all required documents before starting application (incomplete submittals rejected at prescreen)
4. Ensure plans comply with Building Permit Plan Format Checklist (available on DPP website)
5. Submit application and documents through HNL Build with project name, owner name, address, Tax Map Key (TMK), and project description
6. DPP prescreens application (as little as 5 days as of 2024 improvements); incorrect applications sent back for revision
7. If prescreen passes, building examiner and all reviewing agencies (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire) conduct concurrent plan review
8. If all agencies approve, review coordinator sends final approval to applicant
9. If any agency has comments, applicant receives consolidated comments to address
10. Applicant addresses comments and resubmits for second review cycle (multiple cycles allowed for standard process)
11. Once all agencies approve, submit remaining required documents and pay permit fees through HNL Build
12. Permit is issued; post permit at job site before starting work
13. Contact appropriate DPP inspector to schedule required inspections throughout construction
14. Pass all required inspections; inspector closes permit upon final inspection
15. Permit is closed and certificate of occupancy issued where required
16. Expedited Option (OTR-60): Available for single/two-family dwellings; 60-day processing if prepared by licensed professional; ineligible for flood certifications, shoreline setbacks, affordable housing, or discretionary land use approvals

Source: Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), City and County of Honolulu

General Requirements

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Temporary construction sheds and fences associated with a permitted construction project
• Reroofing of single-family dwellings (R-3) and utility occupancies (U) where work does not affect structural components
• Installation of siding to existing exterior walls of R-3 and U occupancies where work does not affect structural components or fire protection
• Temporary tents or coverings for private family parties or camping for 14 consecutive days or less
• Temporary tents for commercial purposes erected for up to 3 consecutive days
• Fences and planter boxes not exceeding 6 feet in height (not on street corners or in flood zones)
• Retaining walls and riprap walls not exceeding 30 inches in height (not on street corners or in flood zones)
• Interior remodeling (painting, flooring, cabinets, fixtures) not exceeding $10,000 in valuation within 12 months and not involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Exterior painting of buildings
• Replacement of kitchen cabinets (like-for-like, within valuation limits)
• Exterior screen doors for single-family dwellings or residential units
• Work on federal property (except when requested by federal agency)
• Work performed for government agencies (except when specifically requested)
• Minor repairs to sidewalks, curbs, and driveways in public right-of-way
• Weather-protected outdoor storage structures meeting size thresholds

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

• License lookup guide: Hawaii Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Hawaii Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Hawaii hub: Hawaii Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

City and County of Honolulu Building Permit FAQ

How do I apply for a building permit in City and County of Honolulu, HI?

1. Determine permit type: Quick Permit (no plans, eligible simple scopes) or Building Permit with Plans (full review) 2. Create account in HNL Build at https://honolulu.my.site.com/s/ 3. Gather all required documents before starting application (incomplete submittals rejected at prescreen) 4. Ensure plans comply with Building Permit Plan Format Checklist (available on DPP website) 5. Submit application and documents through HNL Build with project name, owner name, address, Tax Map Key (TMK), and project description 6. DPP prescreens application (as little as 5 days as of 2024 improvements); incorrect applications sent back for revision 7. If prescreen passes, building examiner and all reviewing agencies (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire) conduct concurrent plan review 8. If all agencies approve, review coordinator sends final approval to applicant 9. If any agency has comments, applicant receives consolidated comments to address 10. Applicant addresses comments and resubmits for second review cycle (multiple cycles allowed for standard process) 11. Once all agencies approve, submit remaining required documents and pay permit fees through HNL Build 12. Permit is issued; post permit at job site before starting work 13. Contact appropriate DPP inspector to schedule required inspections throughout construction 14. Pass all required inspections; inspector closes permit upon final inspection 15. Permit is closed and certificate of occupancy issued where required 16. Expedited Option (OTR-60): Available for single/two-family dwellings; 60-day processing if prepared by licensed professional; ineligible for flood certifications, shoreline setbacks, affordable housing, or discretionary land use approvals

What work is exempt from building permits in City and County of Honolulu, HI?

The following work is generally exempt: Temporary construction sheds and fences associated with a permitted construction project; Reroofing of single-family dwellings (R-3) and utility occupancies (U) where work does not affect structural components; Installation of siding to existing exterior walls of R-3 and U occupancies where work does not affect structural components or fire protection; Temporary tents or coverings for private family parties or camping for 14 consecutive days or less; Temporary tents for commercial purposes erected for up to 3 consecutive days; Fences and planter boxes not exceeding 6 feet in height (not on street corners or in flood zones); Retaining walls and riprap walls not exceeding 30 inches in height (not on street corners or in flood zones); Interior remodeling (painting, flooring, cabinets, fixtures) not exceeding $10,000 in valuation within 12 months and not involving electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work; Exterior painting of buildings; Replacement of kitchen cabinets (like-for-like, within valuation limits); Exterior screen doors for single-family dwellings or residential units; Work on federal property (except when requested by federal agency); Work performed for government agencies (except when specifically requested); Minor repairs to sidewalks, curbs, and driveways in public right-of-way; Weather-protected outdoor storage structures meeting size thresholds.