Hawaii building departments

How permitting works in Hawaii

County permits under state and county codes. In Hawaii the county, or the City and County of Honolulu, issues every building permit. State codes are based on the 2018 International Codes, and each county adopts and amends its own building code.

A county name is only a geographic starting point. Depending on the address, a city, town, borough, township, or county office may issue your permit. How to check who issues your permit.

Hawaii building codes and licensing

Residential code

2018 IRC as the State Residential Code (adopted by the State Building Code Council); counties adopt and amend their own county building codes

Commercial code

2018 IBC as the State Building Code, with 2018 IECC, 2018 UPC, 2018 NFPA 70 and 2024 NFPA 1 (State Fire Code)

Adopted by

Hawaiʻi State Building Code Council (Department of Accounting and General Services) (opens in a new tab)

Outside city limits

Building permits and inspections are handled by the counties, and each county sets its own rules for when a permit is required; owner-builder projects are inspected by a county building inspector.

Contractor licensing

A contractor license is required for any project where labor and materials exceed $1,500, or for any project that requires a building permit regardless of cost. Electrical and plumbing work may also require a licensed electrician or plumber. Hawaiʻi Contractors License Board (DCCA Professional and Vocational Licensing) (opens in a new tab)

What is different in Hawaii

• Owner-builders who pull their own permit act as the general contractor: they must supervise the work, use licensed subcontractors, and keep permits, contracts and payment records for three years.
• A home built or renovated under an owner-builder permit cannot be sold or leased for one year after final inspection; violations can bring fines up to $5,000 or 50% of the permit value, whichever is greater.
• The Governor's emergency proclamation on affordable housing (signed September 23, 2025) suspended the State Building Code Council's ability to update the state codes; counties may still update county building codes.

Hawaii department guides

Browse Hawaii counties

Bold counties have at least one researched department guide.

Planning a project in Hawaii?

Start with what the model codes say, then confirm local rules with the department that serves your address.

• Do I Need a Permit for a Deck
• Do I Need a Permit for a Fence
• Do I Need a Permit for a Shed
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Roof
• Do I Need a Permit to Replace a Water Heater
• Do I Need a Permit for a Kitchen Remodel
• How Much Does a Building Permit Cost
• Building Inspection Stages Explained

Sources

1. Hawaiʻi State Building Code Council
2. Hawaiʻi Building Code Council – Home
3. DCCA RICO – Risks and Responsibilities of Being an Owner-Builder
4. DCCA PVL – Contractors License Board

State facts checked October 21, 2026. Local amendments can change these rules; the department serving your address has the final word.