Overview
City and County of Honolulu DPP handles regular building applications through HNL Build and electronic ePlans/ProjectDox review. Determine property, use and coastal/flood requirements and whether quick-permit eligibility applies.
Regular plans
Electronic ePlans/ProjectDox; paper plans not accepted
Building code
2018 IBC with State/City amendments and City addendum
Trades
Select a trade for its permit path, licensing, code resources, fees and filing pitfalls.
Electrical plans and inspections
Honolulu DPPApplicable Code
DPP currently lists 2020 NEC interim effective March 15, 2024.
License Requirement
Appropriate Hawaii electrical contractor credential; confirm DPP applicant requirements.
License Fee
Current electrical licensing fee not verified.
CEUs
Confirm Hawaii credential renewal requirements.
Permit Fee
Current standalone electrical fee not verified; excluded from the building valuation example.
Plan Review Time
Include electrical scope and contractor information in the correct application.
Common Pitfalls
- Use the municipal electrical requirements and their stated effective date.
- A quick-permit route requires eligibility; it is not every electrical project.
Permit-to-closeout workflow
Screen property
Zoning, coastal, flood and proposed-use requirements
Choose route
Quick permit eligibility or Building Permit with plans
Apply and upload
HNL Build application and ePlans documents
Complete review
Prescreen and every required agency comment
Issue and inspect
Documents/payment before required construction stages
Confirm closure
Inspector closes the permit after completed inspections
Permit fees and worked estimates
Actual 2026 S-11 codified ROH Table 18-A and section 18-6.1 were reviewed. Valuation includes labor, materials and permanent work. Separate structures and special exemptions or increased-review provisions can change the assessment.
| Trade | Permit fee | License fee |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical plans and inspections | Current standalone electrical fee not verified; excluded from the building valuation example. | Current electrical licensing fee not verified. |
| Plumbing and water-heating scope | Current standalone plumbing fee not verified; excluded from the building example. | Current plumbing credential fee not verified. |
| Equipment and energy documents | Current standalone mechanical fee not verified; excluded from the worked building example. | Current mechanical licensing fee not verified. |
| Honolulu Fire Department coordination | Current Fire-system fee not verified; excluded from the building fee example. | Current system credential fee not verified. |
| Municipal building plans and issuance | ROH Table 18-A $1,000.01–$20,000: $12 + $2.20 per $100/fraction of total value; standard review 20%, subject to statutory conditions. | Current building contractor fee not verified. |
Submission checklist
Homeowner and codes
Confirm owner-builder eligibility and hired-trade credentials with DPP. DPP lists amended 2018 building editions with the March 2025 City addendum. Use its municipal table and Honolulu Fire Department requirements for discipline editions, amendments and filing-date applicability.
Inspections and closeout
After issuance, call for every required construction and trade inspection. Resolve corrections and confirm the inspector closes the permit. Keep approved plans and relevant agency documents; upload or review completion alone does not close construction.