A customer asked me about the requirements for repairing a fence.  They own an older house in Kailua and a portion of the fence fell down during one our December (2008) storms.  I had a general idea, however I checked with a contractor to make sure my advice was accurate.

Cy at Hawaii Gate and Garden (808) 955-3258 was very helpful.  I had not met him before and he was willing to spend a few minutes with me even if it didn't generate an immediate sale.

Here's what I learned:

- Technically, any work costing over $1,000 requires a building permit.

- If the work is a repair of an existing fence that already had a building permit, then a permit is not required if the cost is less than $1,000.

- If the work is a repair of an existing fence that was not permitted, it is recommended that the owner get the work permitted (even if the work costs less than $1,000).

- New fences will almost certainly cost at least $1,000 and a building permit should be obtained.

- The permit requires a sketch.  Contractors will usually make the sketch and apply for the building permit as part of their work.

This information applies to the City and County of Honolulu (which is the island of Oahu).  Rules for Kauai, Maui and the Big Island may vary.

Aloha, Mike Bates