Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH)
The Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (ROH) is the set of local laws passed by the City Council regulating activity within the City and County of Honolulu.
The official version of the ROH is published in hardcopy and is available for public inspection in the Municipal Reference Center. For public accessibility, the Office of Council Services provides monthly updates of newly enacted ordinances that affect the ROH on its What’s New page.
The ROH ONLINE is available on the Office of Council Services’ website. The DPP also maintains some ROH sections, such as Chapter 21, or posts recent ordinances amending the ROH until they are reflected in the ROH, for convenience of use below. Information in the document links below are continually under development and may not include current amendments.
DISCLAIMER; these unofficial versions are only provided as a reference tool. For additional information or clarification as it pertains to DPP permitting, please contact the relevant division accepting your application.
How to read the ROH: section references are generally given in a “CC-AA.SS” format, where “CC” is the chapter number, “AA” is the article number, and “SS” is the section number. For example, “§ 22-7.3″ is Chapter 22, Article 7, Section 3.
ROH Relevant to DPP
Only chapters and articles of the ROH relevant to DPP are included below. See the links above for additional ROH material. These references reflect the ROH 2021 that is now in effect. You can compare prior codes in the ROH cross-reference tables.
Chapter 4 - Additional Powers And Duties Of Council And Legislative Agencies
Chapter 6 - Funds, Fees, And Loan Programs
Chapter 14 - Public Works Infrastructure
Chapter 16 - Building Code
| Modifications not reflected in ALP website | Interim Effective Date | City Amendments Effective | Addendum #1 Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 International Residential Code with State amendments. Interim Residential Coe per HRS 107-28 | 11/17/2022 | 8/9/2024 | 3/11/25 |
| 2018 International Existing Building Code with State amendments. Interim Existing Building Code per HRS 107-28 | 11/17/2022 | 8/9/2024 | 3/11/25 |
| 2018 International Building Code with State amendments. For ADA requirements. See City Amendments item #81 and #82 | 04/20/2023 | 8/9/2024 | 3/11/25 |
- 16-1 – Adoption of the International Building Code & International Residential Code for One-and Two-Family Dwellings (See above for amendment)
- 16-2 – Relocation of Buildings
- 16-3 – Factory-Built Buildings
- 16-4 – Thatched Material on Exterior of Building-Protection Against Exposure Fires
- 16-5 – Energy Conservation
- 16-6 – Swimming Pools
- 16-7 – Public Swimming Pools
- 16-8 – Termite-Infested Lumber
- 16-9 – Adoption of the Interional Existing Building Code
- 16-10 – Violations and Penalties (amended by ORD 24-17)
- 16-11 – Regulations Within Flood Hazard Districts and Developments Adjacent to Drainage Facilities
- 16-12 – Indigenous Hawaiian Architecture
- 16-13 – Hawaii Residential Safe Room
- 16-14 – State- and City-Owned High Occupancy Buildings-Design Criteria
- 16-15 – Baby Diaper-Changing Accommodations
- 16-16 – Automated External Defibrillators
- 16-17 – Shower Facilities
Chapter 16A - Housing Code
Chapter 16B - Building Energy Conservation Code
2018 International Energy Conservation Code with State amendments.
Interim Energy Code per HRS 107-28.
Effective Date: 12/15/2022
With City Amendments.
Effective Date: 11/23/2023
Chapter 17 - Electrical Code
2020 National Electrical Code with State and City amendments are pending.
Effective 03/14/2024
Chapter 18 - Fees And Permits For Building, Electrical, Plumbing, And Sidewalk Codes
As amended by the following Ordinances including but not limited to:
- ORD 20-44: Clean Energy Projects
- ORD 21-4: Building Permits
- ORD 22-8: Administrave Enforcement of Certain Codes
- ORD 22-26: Administrative Enforcement of the Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Sidewalk Codes
- ORD 22-32: Relating to Building Permit Applications
- ORD 23-13: Relating to Permits Required
- ORD 24-3: Relating to False Statements
- ORD 24-17: Relating to Permits
- ORD 24-27: Relating to Building Permits
- ORD 25-2: Relating to Use Regulations
Chapter 18A - Grading, Soil Erosion, And Sediment Control
Chapter 19 - Plumbing Code
Chapter 20 - Fire Code
Chapter 21 - Land Use Ordinance
View the DPP’s version of the Land Use Ordinance that includes recent amendments and color figures
- 21-1 – General Provisions
- 21-2 – Administration and Enforcement
- 21-2A – Hosting Platforms
- 21-3 – Establishment of Zoning Districts and Zoning District Regulations
- 21-4 – General Development Standards
- 21-5 – Use Regulations
- 21-6 – Off-Street Parking and Loading
- 21-7 – Sign Regulations
- 21-8 – Optional Development Regulations
- 21-9 – Special District Regulations
- 21-10 – Definitions
View the DPPʻs version of the Land Use Ordinance that does not includes the provisions of Ordinance 25-2.
Chapter 21A - Flood Hazard Areas
Chapter 22 - Subdivision Of Land
- 22-1 – Filing Fees
- 22-2 – Street Lights
- 22-3 – Subdivision and Consolidation of Land
- 22-4 – Sidewalks and Curbs in Residential Subdivisions
- 22-5 – Utility Lines
- 22-6 – Public Access to Shoreline and Mountain Areas
- 22-7 – Parks and Playgrounds
- 22-8 – Street Names
- 22-9 – Memorials and Names for City Parks, Sites and Facilities
Chapter 23 - State Land Use Classification
Chapter 24 - Development Plans
Chapter 25 - Special Management Areas
- Chapter 25 has been updated by Ordinance 23-4 as of March 9, 2023
- View the DPP’s version of Chapter 25 that includes recent amendments.
Chapter 26 - Shoreline Setbacks
- Chapter 26 has been updated by Ordinance 23-3 as of March 9, 2023
- View the DPP’s version of Chapter 26 that includes recent amendments.
Chapter 29 - Affordable Housing Requirements
Chapter 32 - Affordable Rental Housing
Chapter 33 - Development Agreements
Chapter 33A - Impact Fees for Traffic and Roadway Improvements in 'Ewa
Chapter 43 - Sewers, Drainage, And Cesspools
- 43-1 General Provision
- 43-2 Sewer System For New Subdivision
- 43-3 Sewer System For Other Than In New Subdivision
- 43-4 Private Sewer System
- 43-5 Industrial Wastewater
- 43-5A Commercial Fog Waste And Commercial Cooking Oil Waste
- 43-6 Sewer Service Charge
- 43-7 Pumping Or Treating Of Cesspool
- 43-8 Sewer Fund
- 43-9 Termination Of Water Service
- 43-10 Wastewater System Facility Charge
- 43-11 Drainage, Flood, And Pollution Control
- Last Updated: July 9, 2026