Maui County, HI Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)

The exemption sits in Section 16.25.105 of the adopted building code, under the subsection listing 'work exempt from permit.' A shed qualifies only if it is one story, detached, 120 square feet or less in gross floor area, not used as a habitable space, not used to store a motor vehicle or hazardous materials, and does not block egress from the property. That exemption is narrow by design: the same subsection separately exempts other small structures, like agricultural buildings and unroofed decks, under their own distinct size limits, showing the county calibrates the threshold to the specific structure type rather than granting a blanket exemption for anything called an 'accessory building.' Importantly, skipping the building permit does not exempt the shed from Title 19 zoning review; the structure still has to sit outside the applicable yard setback, respect any lot-coverage or impervious-surface limits, and otherwise comply with the zoning district it's built in.

A shed that exceeds 120 square feet, is used as a bedroom or workshop with hazardous materials, or blocks an exit path loses the exemption entirely and needs a standard building permit reviewed under Chapter 16.25 like any other structure.