Sign Permit Fees & Fines - Honolulu Bylaws
In Honolulu, Hawaii, signs and advertising on private and commercial property are regulated by the City and County. This guide explains how to pay sign permit fees and any enforcement fines, the responsible municipal office, application and appeal paths, and practical online options for residents and businesses in Honolulu.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Honolulu enforces sign permits through the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) and associated enforcement units. Specific monetary fine amounts for sign violations are not specified on the cited page. For department contact and permit information see the planning and permitting pages [1].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: whether there are increased penalties for repeat or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders to remove or alter signs, stop-work or removal orders, and potential referral to civil court are indicated as enforcement tools; exact remedies and processes are not specified on the cited page.
- Appeals and review: routes to appeal DPP administrative decisions are available under city procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The Department of Planning and Permitting publishes permit requirements and application instructions for signs. Specific form numbers or a consolidated sign permit application number are not specified on the cited page. Applicants typically submit plans and permit applications through the DPP permits process and Permit Center procedures.
- Application name/number: not specified on the cited page.
- Fees: fee schedules for sign permits are referenced by the department but specific amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Submission: via DPP permit procedures or the Honolulu Permit Center (check DPP for current submission steps).
Action steps: pay, apply, report
- Apply for a sign permit before installation when required by DPP.
- Pay permit fees and any assessed fines through the city payment process once invoiced.
- Report illegal or unsafe signs to DPP or the Permit Center for inspection and enforcement.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit for a business sign in Honolulu?
- Most permanent commercial signs require a permit from the Department of Planning and Permitting; check DPP permit criteria for specifics.
- How can I pay a fine or fee online?
- Payment options follow city procedures; the DPP or city payment portal lists accepted online payment methods and invoicing instructions.
- What if a sign was installed without a permit?
- Unpermitted signs may be subject to enforcement actions, removal orders, and fines; contact DPP to resolve or apply for a retroactive permit if allowed.
How-To
- Confirm whether your sign requires a permit by reviewing DPP sign permit criteria.
- Prepare required drawings, site plans, photos, and owner authorization as described by the Permit Center.
- Submit the permit application and pay the application fee via the DPP permit submission method.
- If cited, follow the invoice or citation instructions to pay fines online or request information about appeals as noted by the issuing office.
Key Takeaways
- Check DPP permit rules before installing signs to avoid fines or removal.
- Specific fine amounts and time limits are not specified on the cited DPP permit pages.
- Contact the Department of Planning and Permitting for authoritative guidance and to start permit or appeal processes.
Help and Support / Resources
- Department of Planning and Permitting - City and County of Honolulu
- DPP Permits and Forms - Permit Center
- Revised Ordinances of Honolulu (municipal code)