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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone
Construction or reconstruction of up to 2 dwellings with less than 7,500 sq ft of floor area on non-shoreline lots, not in flood zones V or VE, and not susceptible to 0.5 feet of sea level rise per Hawaii Sea Level Rise Viewer
Additions of minor accessory structures up to 300 sq ft to existing dwellings meeting above conditions
Maintenance and repair that does not change intensity or character of use
Emergency repairs as defined in ROH Chapter 25
Other exemptions defined in ROH Chapter 25 and HRS Section 205A
- Exempt Construction or reconstruction of up to 2 dwellings with less than 7,500 sq ft of floor area on non-shoreline lots, not in flood zones V or VE, and not susceptible to 0.5 feet of sea level rise per Hawaii Sea Level Rise Viewer
- Exempt Additions of minor accessory structures up to 300 sq ft to existing dwellings meeting above conditions
- Exempt Maintenance and repair that does not change intensity or character of use
- Exempt Emergency repairs as defined in ROH Chapter 25
- Exempt Other exemptions defined in ROH Chapter 25 and HRS Section 205A
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm property is within SMA boundary (check with DPP or Honolulu GIS system at https://www.honolulugis.org/)
- 02 Determine whether project qualifies for SMA Minor or requires SMA Major review based on valuation and environmental impact
- 03 For SMA Minor: Submit completed SMA Minor application to DPP with all required supporting documents and plans
- 04 Pay initial review fee of $200 (non-refundable)
- 05 DPP reviews application and renders decision within 45 days of receiving completed application
- 06 If approved, pay processing fee of $1,200 before proceeding
- 07 Proceed with DPP building permit application (SMA approval is prerequisite or concurrent requirement)
- 08 For SMA Major: Submit SMA Major application to DPP with all required documents
- 09 DPP reviews application and schedules public hearing no less than 21 and no more than 60 calendar days after application acceptance
- 10 DPP transmits findings and recommendation to Honolulu City Council within 45 calendar days of public hearing
- 11 Honolulu City Council approves or denies application within 60 calendar days of receiving DPP recommendation
- 12 If approved, proceed with DPP building permit application
§ 04
Frequently asked
Common questions about Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone permits
01 How do I apply for a building permit in Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone, HI? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone, HI, follow these steps: 1. Confirm property is within SMA boundary (check with DPP or Honolulu GIS system at https://www.honolulugis.org/) 2. Determine whether project qualifies for SMA Minor or requires SMA Major review based on valuation and environmental impact 3. For SMA Minor: Submit completed SMA Minor application to DPP with all required supporting documents and plans 4. Pay initial review fee of $200 (non-refundable) 5. DPP reviews application and renders decision within 45 days of receiving completed application 6. If approved, pay processing fee of $1,200 before proceeding 7. Proceed with DPP building permit application (SMA approval is prerequisite or concurrent requirement) 8. For SMA Major: Submit SMA Major application to DPP with all required documents 9. DPP reviews application and schedules public hearing no less than 21 and no more than 60 calendar days after application acceptance 10. DPP transmits findings and recommendation to Honolulu City Council within 45 calendar days of public hearing 11. Honolulu City Council approves or denies application within 60 calendar days of receiving DPP recommendation 12. If approved, proceed with DPP building permit application
02 What work is exempt from building permits in Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone, HI? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Special Management Area (SMA) — Coastal Zone, HI. The following work is generally exempt: Construction or reconstruction of up to 2 dwellings with less than 7,500 sq ft of floor area on non-shoreline lots, not in flood zones V or VE, and not susceptible to 0.5 feet of sea level rise per Hawaii Sea Level Rise Viewer; Additions of minor accessory structures up to 300 sq ft to existing dwellings meeting above conditions; Maintenance and repair that does not change intensity or character of use; Emergency repairs as defined in ROH Chapter 25; Other exemptions defined in ROH Chapter 25 and HRS Section 205A. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), City and County of Honolulu — Coastal Permits Division ↗
entry id permits/hawaii/honolulu/sma-coastal
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), City and County of Honolulu — Coastal Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.