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Honolulu Extends Incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units to 2030

  • When: 2025/01/29
  • Address: Honolulu, HI
  • City: Honolulu
  • State: HI
  • Category: Zoning Code Modification
  • Subcategory: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • Asset Class: Detached Housing
  • Property Type: ADUs

The Honolulu City Council has passed Bill 63 (2024), extending incentives for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) until June 30, 2030. These incentives include waivers on certain permitting fees to encourage the development of ADUs, providing additional housing options across the city. The bill clarifies previous amendments to the ADU program and ensures that incentives remain available to homeowners looking to add ADUs. By extending the expiration date from 2025 to 2030, the city aims to address housing shortages and increase affordable rental opportunities. The bill is part of a broader effort to support sustainable urban development and ease Honolulu's housing crisis.

Why it Matters

Extending ADU incentives promotes housing affordability and allows homeowners to contribute to the rental market. The policy supports increased density in established neighborhoods while maintaining community character. This decision provides stability for developers and property owners planning ADU projects.

Source

Allowed Uses: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed as secondary housing units on residentially zoned properties, providing an option for rental housing or extended family accommodations.

Density: Density allowances remain subject to the base zoning of the primary residence, with ADUs permitted as an additional unit on qualifying lots.

Maximum Building Height: As per zoning regulations, ADUs must comply with height limits set for accessory structures, typically not exceeding 25 feet.

Previous Zoning: Amended provisions from Ordinance 16-19, as modified by Ordinances 17-30 and 20-20, and recodified in the Revised Ordinances of Honolulu 2021.