RESPONSE FROM COUNTY
Spielman, ;Aaron.Spielman@hawaiicounty.gov
You
Segawa, Wesley;Azevedo, Neil;Holzman-Escareno, Juliana
Aloha Mr. Petersen –
Thank you for taking my call this afternoon. I am in receipt of your letter dated June 20, 2026,
re: clarification on sign ordinance for KCFA members.
Staff has prepared the following comments. Please also refer to Chapter 3 Sign Code, available
here – https://www.hawaiicounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/10/637661063069730000
Also, please review the following website (EPIC Help Library), which has information on how to
create an EPIC account and apply for various permits. The sign permit is thru this same portal.
https://hawaii-county-public-works-hawaiicountygis.hub.arcgis.com/pages/blg-epic-help-library
In response to letter…presuming that signage will be installed on properties designated as
Agricultural Zoning District…
1. Do small farm identification signs (12 x 18) placed at the entrance of an
agricultural property require a sign permit under the County sign ordinance?
Section 3-12. Signs permitted in agricultural/open districts (RA, FA, A, IA, O).
Yes, a sign permit is required that relates to a business conducted on the parcel.
2. Does the County distinguish between business signs and & farm identification
signs for agricultural-zoned properties, and if so, how does this affect permitting
requirements?
No. Signs that indicate the promotion of a business or activities related to business or
commercial interest require a sign permit.
3. Are there specific placement, setback, or design restrictions that would apply to
these signs on agricultural parcels?
The provisions listed below are located in our Chapter 3 Sign Ordinance.
*Division 3 regulates determination of Sign Area/Size Calculation.
*Prohibited signs in all districts are listed in Section 3-7.
*Section 3-12. The following signs are allowed, with a permit, in agricultural/open
districts. One ground sign is allowed, not exceeding eight square feet in area. One wall
sign is allowed, not exceeding thirty-two square feet in area upon any wall of a structure
related to the business conducted on the premises.
*For minimum construction specifications in detail please see Division 8.
*Location specifications can be found in Division 9.
4. If a permit is required, could you please advise on the appropriate application
process, fee structure, and any documentation that KCFA should provide to assist
our members? Can we submit a permit for all members’ signs?
*All permit applications are applied for online and all documentation, including plans, are
submitted online via our Electronic Processing and Information Center (EPIC).
*Registration is required for all applicants; our EPIC Library has information of this
process.
*New permit fees are a non-refundable $25 per sign (section 3-24 fees)
*The EPIC website also has links to all required documentation and helpful guides.
*A separate permit will be required for each individual parcel where signage is to be
installed.
*Construction drawings are to be of industry recognized sizes to be read electronically
by our clerical, plans examining and inspection staff. Sheet size for sign permits is
permitted to be minimum of 11×17. Drawings are required to be to scale in US
customary systems of units of Architectural (1/8, 1/4 1-1/2 etc.)
*Although a State of Hawaii licensed Architect/Engineer is not required for your
proposed scope of work, I would highly recommend enlisting the services of a drafting
agency to help facilitate the design and completeness of your plan set for electronic
submission.
*The County of Hawaii Planning Department and Public Works Engineering Division are
agencies that are also involved in the reviewing and approval for Sign Permits. For
information pertaining to any of their requirements please contact them directly.
Planning@hawaiicounty.gov (808)323-4770
Dpweng@hawaiicounty.gov (808)323-4850
Please let me know any questions.
Mahalo | Aaron
Aaron J. Spielman, AIA, NCARB, NFPA
Building Division Chief
County of Hawaii
Department of Public Works
Building Division
Kona Office: (808) 323-4731
Hilo Office: (808) 961-8434