Question: Is a permit required to build a treehouse? I watch master treehouse builder Pete Nelson and am curious to find out.
Answer: It depends on how the treehouse will be used. If it’s a simple play structure for the kids in your backyard, then no permit is required on Oahu. But if the treehouse is meant to be lived in — as are many of the structures featured on the reality series “Treehouse Masters” — then permits are required.
The TV show, which airs on Animal Planet, follows Nelson and his family as they design and build treehouses around the country; some of the structures are homes, hotels or restaurants. The series also features interesting examples of treehouses around the world.
As for the rules on Oahu, here’s more information from Curtis Lum, a spokesman for the city Department of Planning and Permitting:
“If a treehouse is built on private property for recreational purposes, it does not require a permit.
“If a treehouse will be occupied, it will have to comply with appropriate building, plumbing and electrical codes, and will require a building permit. The structure also must comply with setback and other land use codes associated with dwelling units. The tree cannot serve as the sole support of the treehouse if it is to be occupied. The structure must be built on columns that are anchored into the ground.
“Before building a treehouse, we recommend that the homeowner check with his or her homeowner’s association (if they belong to one) to find out if a treehouse is allowed under the association’s rules. This goes with any addition or alteration to a home.
“Also, although a permit may not be needed because the treehouse will be used for recreational purposes only, the owner may want to consult a design professional so the treehouse will be structurally sound for the safety of the children and other users of the structure.”
Medicare workshop
Anyone planning to retire should be learning about Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. AARP Hawaii periodically holds free workshops that cover the subject, without trying to sell financial services or related products. There’s a workshop scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon in Mililani, at St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church, 95-370 Kuahelani Ave. It’s open to the public; you don’t have to be a member of AARP to attend. To register, go to 808ne.ws/1027aarp or call 877-926-8300. The featured topics are “10 Steps to Get Ready for Retirement,” “How to Maximize Your Social Security” and an “Introduction to Medicare,” according to a news release from AARP.
Mahalo
I take my husband out for a drive daily, and this past Sunday I decided to go to Waimanalo. I went through Bellows Beach on my way back to Kailua and on my way out hit a major pothole. It was right on the edge of the pavement, and I saw it too late. My rear tire went in it, and it sounded like I had really ruined something. I drove on, however, but knew the tire was flat before getting to Keolu Texaco. My tire had a hole in it. When at the air pump a young man checked his tires and told me he could change mine. I had already called AAA, so I just said, “Thank you.” After he got gas and paid for it, he again asked me if he could change it, and I agreed. My husband was sitting in the hot car and could not understand what was happening. I think it only took about 20 minutes, and the man and I had a nice talk about Kailua. I’m not sure how I can pay it forward, but I will do something other than change a tire. There are still nice people around. — Appreciative senior citizen
Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
