Updated : 04/22/2024
Overview
[Note: to download the building code, click on the "County of Hawaii County Code" link below, then navigate to and click on chapter 5 "Building".]
Section 5-2. Scope.
The provisions of this code shall apply to the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures within the County inland of the shoreline high-water line, except work located primarily in a public way, public utility towers, bridges, and poles, mechanical equipment not specifically regulated in this code, and hydraulic flood control structures.
County of Hawaii, County Code § 5-2 (scope).
If any provisions of this code conflict with or contravene provisions of the State of Hawai‘i Building Code that have been incorporated by reference, the provisions of this code shall prevail as to all matters and questions arising out of the subject matter of that provision.
County of Hawaii, County Code § 5-5 (code conflicts).
The county of Hawaii adopted the 2006 International Building Code as adopted by the “State Building Code”, chapter 180 of Title 3. County of Hawaii, County Code § 5-3 (IBC adopted) and § 5-71 (amendments).
Helpful resources for County of Hawaii, Hawaii include the following.
Residential Building Code
Hawaii adopted a statewide mandatory residential code that will control; however, local governments are free to make laws more strict (with some limitations).See PLRB,
Hawaii Building Codes for more information on state level codes.
County of Hawaii adopted the 2006 IRC, locally. Note that adoptions usually come with amendments. So, it is important to review those amendments in addition to the unamended model code.
You can find a copy of the model code here.
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Drip Edge
Drip Edge: No
Ice Barrier
Comments
The 2006 International Residential Code is not officially adopted by the county; however, the code is enforced by way of reference to the IBC.
Commercial Building Code
County of Hawaii adopted the 1996 BOCA National Building CodeYou can find a copy of the code here.You can find information about amendments to the model code here.
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Comments
The county of Hawaii adopted the 2006 International Building Code as adopted by the “State Building Code”, chapter 180 of Title 3. County of Hawaii, County Code § 5-3 (IBC adopted) and § 5-71 (amendments).
Existing Buildings
Section 5-6. Existing structures.
(a) Buildings in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their existing use or occupancy continued if such use or occupancy was legal at the time of the adoption of this code, provided such continued uses do not constitute a hazard to the general safety and welfare of the occupants and the public.
(b) Additions, Alterations and Repairs. When additions, alterations or repairs within any twelve-month period exceeds fifty percent of the replacement value of an existing building or structure, such building or structure shall be made to conform to the requirements for new buildings or structures.
(1) Additions, alterations and repairs not exceeding fifty percent of the replacement value of an existing building or structure and complying with the requirements for new buildings or structures may be made to such building or structure within any twelve-month period without making the entire building or structure comply. The new construction shall conform to the requirements of this code for new building of like area, height and occupancy. Such building or structure, including new additions, shall not exceed the areas and heights specified in this code.
(2) Alterations or repairs, not exceeding twenty-five percent of the value of an existing building or structure, which are non structural and do not affect any member or part of the building or structure having required fire resistance, may be made with the same materials of which the building or structure is constructed.
(3) Exceptions:
(A) The installation or replacement of glass in hazardous locations, as specified in Section 2406, shall be as required for new installations.
(B) Without limitation to the prescribed percentages, the building official may require reengineering analysis, documentation or inspections to assure the structural integrity or safety of the existing structure.
Other Building Codes
Chapter 9 of the County Code covers Electricity. The county adopted the National Electrical Code, 2008 edition. County of Hawaii, County Code § 5-3 (NEC adopted).
Chapter 17 of the County Code covers Plumbing. The county adopted the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2006 edition. County of Hawaii, County Code § 17-47 (NEC adopted).
