Barndominium permitting is limited statewide; extra approvals or variances may be needed.
The State Building Code Council adopts statewide codes. Four counties (Honolulu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai) have 2 years to adopt local amendments. If counties do not act, state code applies automatically.
Primary Code
Hawaii State Building Code
Code Version
2018 IBC / 2018 IRC with HI amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide + Local Amendments
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
Permitting process can be lengthy. Environmental reviews and land-use approvals add time. Shipping building materials to the islands adds cost.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Agricultural buildings and structures on property used primarily for agricultural or aquacultural operations may be exempt from building permit and building code requirements per HRS 46-88.
Limited size exemptions. Structures under 120 sq ft may be exempt depending on county. Agricultural buildings on farms/ranches of 2+ contiguous acres have separate broader exemptions.
Hurricane wind loads along coastlines. Higher seismic categories on the Big Island due to volcanic activity. Corrosion from salt air is a major concern for steel buildings.
Wind Load
105–170 mph
hurricane zone
Snow Load
0 psf (0 at sea level; possible at Mauna Kea summit)
Seismic
A–D
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC with HI amendments
Version
2015 IECC
Focus on cooling efficiency. Solar water heater requirements for new residential construction.
License Type
General Contractor license (DCCA)
Hawaii requires all contractors to be licensed through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). General engineering (A), general building (B), and specialty (C) licenses available.
Front
15–25 ft
Side
5–10 ft
Rear
10–20 ft
Setbacks vary by county and zone. Coastal setback requirements may apply.
Volcanic soil conditions vary across islands. Lava rock and coral require different foundation approaches. Corrosion protection critical in coastal areas.
Full permits required. Corrosion-resistant steel or coatings essential due to salt air.
Agricultural exemptions available per HRS 46-88 for bonafide agricultural operations.
Very challenging due to high costs, strict codes, and limited land. Agricultural subdivision land may be viable.
Full permits required.
Full state building code compliance required.
HOAs exist in many residential developments. Metal buildings may be restricted in planned communities.
Tsunami inundation zones, coastal flood zones, and river flood zones. Special flood hazard areas require elevated construction.
Verify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
