Zoning Board of Appeals

The Honolulu Zoning Board of Appeals hears appeals from property owners and applicants who have been denied a permit or variance by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). It also reviews requests for variances from zoning code requirements where strict application would cause practical difficulty or unnecessary hardship. Decisions are binding and subject to judicial review.

If your neighbor's permit application was denied — or if you disagree with DPP's interpretation of zoning rules — the ZBA is where those decisions get reviewed. Neighboring property owners can participate in hearings as intervenors. ZBA decisions set precedents that shape how similar cases are decided across O'ahu.