Small Lot, Big Transformation! New Ordinance 26-7
- Prowork Pacific Inc.
- Jul 9
- 1 min read
Honolulu's New Apartment Law Could Unlock Major Development Potential
Honolulu's newly adopted Ordinance 26-7 (formerly Bill 6) is creating new opportunities for owners of Apartment (A) and Apartment Mixed-Use (AMX) properties.
The biggest change? Many properties that were once considered too small to redevelop may now qualify. The minimum lot size has been reduced to 5,000 square feet in many districts, and the required lot width and depth have also been lowered, making more properties eligible for development.
The ordinance also replaces the old, complex Floor Area Ratio (FAR) formulas with simple, fixed FAR standards. This significantly increases allowable building area in many cases. For example, a 5,000-square-foot A-2 lot that was previously limited to approximately 4,250 square feet of floor area may now be allowed up to 15,000 square feet, more than three times the previous development potential.
In addition, the law modernizes mixed-use apartment standards by improving privacy for residents through separate residential and commercial access while providing greater design flexibility for developers.
Although the new regulations offer exciting opportunities, successful redevelopment still requires careful planning. Zoning, fire protection, parking, setbacks, and other building code requirements remain complex. Consulting with a licensed architect early in the process can help property owners maximize the benefits of the new law while avoiding costly mistakes.