Hawaii County, HI Building Permits: Review Times and Permit Guide
Hawaii County, HI building permits: Plan review takes 15 to 45 days depending on project type and complexity. The Hawaii County Building Department issues permits for unincorporated areas. Cities within the county handle their own permitting.
Hawaii County, HI serves 200,629 residents across 5 cities and unincorporated communities. The county seat is Hilo. Building permit review at the county level typically takes 15 to 45 days for initial plan check. The county building department handles permits for projects in unincorporated Hawaii County. Cities within the county issue their own permits.
Hawaii County Building Department
Hawaii County Building Department
- Website: www.dpw.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/building
- Contact: (808) 961-8331
- Online Portal: www.dpw.hawaiicounty.gov/divisions/electronic-processing-and-information-center-epic-system
- Building Code: Hawaii State Building Code (IBC 2012 with amendments)
Cities in Hawaii County, HI
Hawaii County contains 5 major cities and communities. Each incorporated city operates its own building department. The county building department handles permits for unincorporated areas outside city limits.
Hilo, HI
City permit info
Kailua-Kona, HI
City permit info
Waimea, HI
City permit info
Captain Cook, HI
City permit info
Pahoa, HI
City permit info
County vs. City Permits: When to Contact Hawaii County
Hawaii County, HI has both incorporated cities and unincorporated areas. Knowing which jurisdiction covers your project site is the first step in the permit process.
Contact Hawaii County Building Department When:
- Your project is in unincorporated Hawaii County (outside any city limits)
- You are unsure whether your address falls within a city or the county
- Your project spans both city and county jurisdictions
Contact the City Building Department When:
- Your project is within the city limits of Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, or another incorporated city
- You have confirmed your address falls within city jurisdiction
If you are unsure about your property’s jurisdiction, the Hawaii County building department can help you verify. A permit expediter like Permit Place can also determine the correct jurisdiction for your project.
Permit Types Available in Hawaii County
Hawaii County issues several categories of building permits for projects in unincorporated areas.
Building Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review required across all building disciplines
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: required for structural, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC changes
- Additions and renovations: any work that changes the building footprint or structure
- Change of use: required when converting a building from one use category to another
Trade Permits
- Electrical: new wiring, panel upgrades, and electrical service changes
- Plumbing: new fixtures, piping, and water heater installations
- Mechanical (HVAC): heating, cooling, and ventilation system work
- Fire protection: sprinkler systems and fire alarm installations
Hawaii County Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Hawaii County are based on project valuation and type. Below are typical ranges for common project categories.
Commercial Projects
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Hawaii County building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii County Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Hawaii County?
Plan review in Hawaii County, HI takes 15 to 45 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will require additional review cycles. Commercial projects often go through two or three review rounds before final approval.
What is the difference between a Hawaii County permit and a city permit?
Hawaii County issues building permits for projects in unincorporated areas outside city limits. If your project is within an incorporated city like Hilo, you need a permit from that city’s building department instead. Confirming your exact jurisdiction before applying will save time and prevent delays.
Do I need a Hawaii County building permit or a Hilo permit?
That depends on your project location. Properties inside Hilo city limits require permits from the City of Hilo. Properties in unincorporated Hawaii County require permits from the county building department. Check your property’s address with the county to confirm jurisdiction.
What building permits does Hawaii County require?
Hawaii County requires permits for new construction, additions, renovations, electrical work, plumbing, mechanical systems, and roofing. Commercial projects also need separate trade permits. Minor repairs and cosmetic changes like painting or flooring typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Hawaii County?
Permit fees in Hawaii County are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial permit fees typically range from $500 to $25,000 or more. Plan review fees are usually 50% to 65% of the building permit fee. Contact the Hawaii County building department for exact fee schedules.
Can I get a building permit online in Hawaii County?
Yes. Hawaii County offers an online permitting portal where you can submit applications, upload plans, and check permit status. Some permit types still require in-person visits. Visit the county’s online portal or contact the building department for details on which permits can be processed electronically.
Can a permit expediter help with my Hawaii County project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Hawaii County and across Hawaii. We handle application preparation, plan review management, corrections, and final permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete, code-compliant applications on the first attempt.
Need Help With Hawaii County Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Hawaii County and across Hawaii. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
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