Roof Replacement Permit in Honolulu, Hawaii
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before reroofing that alters or affects roof framing or other structural components, or reroofing on anything other than a one- or two-family dwelling (R-3) or its accessory (U) structures.
Issued byCity and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
ROH 18-3.1(b)(3) exempts from the building permit 'Reroofing work that will not adversely affect the structural components' of Group R-3 (one- and two-family dwellings) and Group U (accessory) occupancies. A like-for-like reroof of a house needs no permit; replacing rafters, sheathing that is structural, or otherwise touching the structure does. Condominium and townhome buildings are not R-3, and DPP's Quick Permit flowchart offers reroofing as an instant online permit for those commercial-class units.
Typical threshold: reroofing that does not adversely affect structural components, Group R-3 and U occupancies.
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When a permit is usually needed
Before reroofing that alters or affects roof framing or other structural components, or reroofing on anything other than a one- or two-family dwelling (R-3) or its accessory (U) structures.
What a roof replacement permit costs in Honolulu
How to apply in Honolulu
In Honolulu, 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 Honolulu, 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 Honolulu, 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. City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division sets the exact checklist for Honolulu.
Where to apply in Honolulu:
City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division
- 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
- Phone: (808) 768-8000
- Email: dpp@honolulu.gov
Roof Replacement Permit in Honolulu compared with nearby Hawaii localities
| Locality | Permit needed? | Threshold | What each Hawaii schedule says | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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)... | |
| 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... |
Inspections and closing out your permit
In Honolulu, 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu: 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 Honolulu permit portal or by phone at (808) 768-8000.
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 Honolulu
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: reroofing that does not adversely affect structural components, Group R-3 and U occupancies. Usually needed: Before reroofing that alters or affects roof framing or other structural components, or reroofing on anything other than a one- or two-family dwelling (R-3) or its accessory (U) structures.
- Budget the fee. Valuation-based: ROH 18-6.2 permit fee on the fair market value of labor and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000) under ROH 18-6.1(a) only when plans are required. No per-item schedule is published; DPP's Fee Calculator computes the fee from the project value. Official fee schedule.
- Apply. In Honolulu, 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 Honolulu permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division. Phone: (808) 768-8000. Address: 650 South King Street, 7th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
- Plan for inspections. In Honolulu, 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 Honolulu?
- ROH 18-3.1(b)(3) exempts from the building permit 'Reroofing work that will not adversely affect the structural components' of Group R-3 (one- and two-family dwellings) and Group U (accessory) occupancies. A like-for-like reroof of a house needs no permit; replacing rafters, sheathing that is structural, or otherwise touching the structure does. Condominium and townhome buildings are not R-3, and DPP's Quick Permit flowchart offers reroofing as an instant online permit for those commercial-class units. Reroofing that does not adversely affect structural components, Group R-3 and U occupancies. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Honolulu?
- Valuation-based: ROH 18-6.2 permit fee on the fair market value of labor and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000) under ROH 18-6.1(a) only when plans are required. No per-item schedule is published; DPP's Fee Calculator computes the fee from the project value. See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Honolulu?
- You can apply through the Honolulu permit portal or contact the City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), Building Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a roof replacement permit themselves in Honolulu?
- 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 Honolulu applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Honolulu
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 | interior remodeling that changes no room count, wall, window location, or electrical, plumbing or mechanical installation | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Deck Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...under ROH 18-6.2, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| EV Charger Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | fence height at which a building permit is required; the exemption does not apply on a street corner or in a flood zone | ...under ROH 18-6.2, with a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | uncovered walkways and outside paving within private property, not on a street corner or in a flood zone | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | aggregate floor area of one-story detached accessory storage buildings, tool sheds and playhouses | ...are valuation-based under ROH 18-6.2 (plus a 20% plan review fee, maximum $25,000... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
| Water Heater Permit | Permit required | Any size | ...and materials, plus a plan review fee of 20% of the permit fee (maximum $25,000)... |
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 Honolulu documents; the office above sets the local rules.
How this roof replacement permit page for Honolulu was verified. 2 official sources: honolulu.gov, hnldoc.ehawaii.gov; fee schedule: official document. Last checked by Mario Bailey, not confirmed with City and County of Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP), 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