Roof Replacement Permit in Hawaii County, Hawaii
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
When the new roof uses a different material, or the work affects structural components.
Issued byCounty of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Re-roofing with like material on a house (Group R-3) or accessory building (Group U) is exempt from a building permit in Hawaiʻi County, as long as no electrical or plumbing work is proposed. A change of roofing material, or work that touches the structure, needs a permit.
Who is pulling this permit?
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When a permit is usually needed
When the new roof uses a different material, or the work affects structural components.
What a roof replacement permit costs in Hawaii County
How to apply in Hawaii County
In Hawaii County, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- For Hawaii County, a recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- For Hawaii County, the materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division sets the exact checklist for Hawaii County.
Where to apply in Hawaii County:
County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division
- 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 (Aupuni Center), Hilo, HI 96720; West Hawaii office: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E1 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, (808) 323-4720
- Phone: (808) 961-8331
- Email: cohbuild@hawaiicounty.gov
Roof Replacement Permit in Hawaii County compared with nearby Hawaii localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each Hawaii schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii County | It depends | When the new roof uses a different material, or the work affects structural components | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... | |
| Honolulu | It depends | reroofing that does not adversely affect structural components, Group R-3 and U occupancies | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Hawaii County, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- In Hawaii County: where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- In Hawaii County: an overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- In Hawaii County: flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- In Hawaii County: a final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In Hawaii County: in some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- In Hawaii County: reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Hawaii County permit portal or by phone at (808) 961-8331.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Hawaii County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Usually needed: When the new roof uses a different material, or the work affects structural components.
- Budget the fee. Hawaiʻi County Code section 5-7-3(b), "PERMIT FEES" table (Chapter 5 Construction Administrative Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0 to $500 | $10"; $501 to $2,000 is $10 for the first $500 plus $1.50 for each additional $100; $2,001 to $25,000 is $32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $7.50 per additional $1,000; $25,001 to $50,000 is $205 for the first $25,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $50,001 and up is $355 for the first $50,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000. A plan review fee of twenty percent of the permit fee, minimum $50, is added (section 5-7-1). Work begun without a permit pays $1,000 plus the fee, or double the fee, whichever is greater (5-7-3(d)). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Hawaii County, a residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Hawaii County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division. Phone: (808) 961-8331. Address: 101 Pauahi Street, Suite 7 (Aupuni Center), Hilo, HI 96720; West Hawaii office: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway, Bldg E1 1st Floor, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, (808) 323-4720.
- Plan for inspections. In Hawaii County, most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Hawaii County?
- Re-roofing with like material on a house (Group R-3) or accessory building (Group U) is exempt from a building permit in Hawaiʻi County, as long as no electrical or plumbing work is proposed. A change of roofing material, or work that touches the structure, needs a permit. Always confirm with the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Hawaii County?
- Hawaiʻi County Code section 5-7-3(b), "PERMIT FEES" table (Chapter 5 Construction Administrative Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0 to $500 | $10"; $501 to $2,000 is $10 for the first $500 plus $1.50 for each additional $100; $2,001 to $25,000 is $32.50 for the first $2,000 plus $7.50 per additional $1,000; $25,001 to $50,000 is $205 for the first $25,000 plus $6 per additional $1,000; $50,001 and up is $355 for the first $50,000 plus $3 per additional $1,000. A plan review fee of twenty percent of the permit fee, minimum $50, is added (section 5-7-1). Work begun without a permit pays $1,000 plus the fee, or double the fee, whichever is greater (5-7-3(d)). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Hawaii County?
- You can apply through the Hawaii County permit portal or contact the County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Hawaii County?
- Under Hawaii law (HRS 444-2(7), 444-2.5, 444-9.1, 444-23(e)): Hawaii lets owners or lessees build or improve residential or farm buildings for their own use, or for use by their grandparents, parents, siblings, or children, without a contractor's license, as long as the building is not offered for sale or lease. The owner must register for the exemption with the county when applying for the building permit, supervise the work, hire licensed subcontractors for any licensed work, and use licensed electricians and plumbers for electrical and plumbing work unless the owner holds that license. Selling or leasing the structure within one year after final county inspection is treated as evidence it was built for sale, unless the permit valuation was under $10,000, the buyer is the owner's employee, or the Contractors License Board finds an unforeseen hardship. A violation carries a fine of up to $5,000 or 50% of the permitted construction value, whichever is greater, for a first offense, and bars the owner from the exemption for three years. Confirm how Hawaii County applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Hawaii County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom Remodel Permit | It depends | When the remodel moves or replaces pipes or valves, adds wiring, or alters walls or... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Deck Permit | It depends | height of a detached deck or platform; an attached deck is not exempt | $10 per 100 sq. ft. or fraction thereof." Plan review fee of twenty percent of the... |
| Electrical Permit | It depends | Before any new wiring, circuit, service change or rewiring | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | height of a fence; retaining walls follow a separate four foot rule | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| HVAC Permit | It depends | Before installing, removing, altering, repairing or converting any heating, ventilation... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Plumbing Permit | It depends | Before replacing or rearranging any pipe or valve, adding fixtures, or any gas, water... | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | water features and swimming pools at one and two-family dwellings | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a detached one-story accessory structure on residential zoned land; 1,000 sq ft on agricultural zoned land, 15 feet height limit, 10 feet from property line | $10 per 100 sq. ft. or fraction thereof." Plan review fee of twenty percent of the... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...Code, 2020, ord 20-61): fees are valuation-based under "General Construction": "$0... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Hawaii localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Hawaii County documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this roof replacement permit page for Hawaii County was verified. 2 official sources: hawaii-county-public-works-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com, hawaii-county-public-works-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with County of Hawaiʻi Department of Public Works, Building Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Hawaii localities