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Ikena Permit
ROH Chapter 21

B-2 Community Business

The mid-tier business district for Honolulu's commercial corridors. B-2 doubles the height allowance over B-1 (45 ft vs. 25 ft) while maintaining the same 80% lot coverage, enabling four-story mixed-use buildings and larger commercial developments on standard lots.

Common locations: Kapiolani Boulevard commercial sections, Ala Moana Blvd, portions of King Street and Beretania Street, and major commercial nodes outside Kakaako.

Development standards

StandardRequirement
Minimum lot area5,000 sf
Front yard0 ft min
Rear yard5 ft min
Interior side yard0 ft min
Street-side yard0 ft min
Max lot coverage80%
Max building height45 ft
FAR limitNone

No FAR cap in B-2 — lot coverage and height are the primary controls. Front and side setbacks may be required where B-2 abuts a residential zone. ADA accessibility from public right-of-way is required on all commercial occupancies.

Source: ROH §21-3.50 (B-2 community business district standards)

Sample calculation

Lot area8,000 sf
Max coverage (80%)6,400 sf footprint
4-story mixed-use, 5,000 sf per floor20,000 sf gross floor area
Coverage5,000 / 8,000 = 62.5% — PASS under 80%

Common DPP plan-check violations

1Setbacks required where B-2 is adjacent to a residential district — frequently overlooked at parcel boundaries
2Height of 45 ft exceeded by rooftop mechanical, signage, or parapet measured inconsistently
3Change-of-occupancy from commercial to restaurant triggers higher parking stall requirements
4Accessibility path from street to primary entrance not documented on permit drawings

Key exceptions and reliefs

No front or side yard required where not adjacent to a residential zone

Development standards are based on ROH Chapter 21 as of May 2026. Verify all values against the current DPP-adopted code before relying on them. Overlay districts (SMA, flood zone, historic), special area requirements, and neighborhood-specific provisions may impose additional standards not reflected here.