Administrative overview · FIPS 15003
Honolulu County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Building Division
For a project in or near Honolulu County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
808-768-8000
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building, 650 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813
Operating hours
City business hours are generally 7:45 AM-4:30 PM; confirm counter hours with DPP.
Review expectation
The department states that review time is highly variable and depends on completeness, complexity, compliance, backlog, and outside-agency approvals.
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Honolulu County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting, Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 808-768-8000.
How long might review take?
The department states that review time is highly variable and depends on completeness, complexity, compliance, backlog, and outside-agency approvals.
How are inspections scheduled?
Contact the assigned building inspector listed on the permit. Electrical inspection requests must be submitted at least 48 hours (two working days) in advance; general building-permit questions go to 808-768-8000, and permit status is searchable through the department's Building Permit Search.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
The DPP's current public materials reference the 2018 International Building Code adoption and Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Chapter 18; the complete 2026 code set was not identified on the public FAQ. One-story detached accessory storage, tool, playhouse, or similar buildings serving Group R-3 homes are exempt when the aggregate floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Agricultural structures qualifying under HRS 46-88 are exempt but must be declared and may not include plumbing or electrical work.