State Land Use Districts
| Urban District | The Urban District generally includes lands characterized by “city-like” concentrations of people, structures and services. This District also includes vacant areas for future development.
Jurisdiction of this district lies primarily with the respective counties. Generally, lot sizes and uses permitted in the district area are established by the respective county through ordinances or rules. See §15-15-18 HAR Standards for determining “U” urban district boundaries. |
| Rural District | Rural Districts are composed primarily of small farms intermixed with low-density residential lots with a minimum size of one-half acre.
Jurisdiction over Rural Districts is shared by the Commission and county governments. Permitted uses include those relating or compatible to agricultural use and low-density residential lots. Variances can by obtained through the special use permitting process. See §15-15-21 HAR Standards for determining “R” rural district boundaries. However, also see §46-4(c) HRS, allowing counties to allow ʻOhana or additional dwelling units on any residential lot. |
| Agricultural District | The Agricultural District includes lands for the cultivation of crops, aquaculture, raising livestock, wind energy facility, timber cultivation, agriculture-support activities (i.e., mills, employee quarters, etc.) and land with significant potential for agriculture uses. Golf courses and golf-related activities approved by a county before July 1, 2005, may be allowed in this district, otherwise such new facilities would be prohibited.
Uses permitted in the highest productivity agricultural categories are governed by statute. Uses in the lower-productivity categories – C, D, E or U – are established by the Commission and include those allowed on A or B lands as well as those stated under Section §205-4.5, HRS. Click Here to view the Hawaii LSB Class Locator Map. Important Agricultural Land (IAL) designation information from State Department of Agriculture (DOA) See §15-15-19 HAR Standards for determining “A” agricultural district boundaries. |
| Conservation District |
Conservation lands primarily consist of areas within existing forest and water reserve zones. These lands are designated to protect critical resources such as watersheds, water sources, scenic and historic sites, parks, wilderness areas, open space, recreational areas, and habitats for native plants, fish, and wildlife. They also include all submerged lands beyond the shoreline, as well as areas prone to flooding and soil erosion. The Conservation District is managed by the State Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR), with land uses regulated by rules and statues administered by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). For questions about permitted uses or required permits, contact the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands (OCCL) at (808) 643-0377. See §15-15-20 HAR Standards for determining “C” conservation district boundaries. |