Maui County, HI Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Maui County, HI, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Permit-free size cap
- 120 sq ft, one story
- Must not be
- Habitable space
- Cannot store
- Vehicles or hazardous materials
- Must not
- Block a required exit path
- Zoning setbacks
- Still apply regardless of permit
Summary
Maui County's building code exempts small detached accessory structures like sheds from needing a building permit, but only within strict limits: one story, no more than 120 square feet of gross floor area, not used as living space or for storing a vehicle or hazardous materials, and clear of any required exit path.
Building permits will not be required for the following: 1. One-story detached accessory structures not greater than 120 square feet in gross floor area, not used as a habitable space, storage of motor vehicles or hazardous materials, and does not block egress.
Full Breakdown
' 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. ' 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. 25 like any other structure.
Violations & Fines
Erecting, altering or maintaining a structure in violation of the building code, including building a shed over 120 square feet or otherwise outside the exemption without first obtaining a building permit, is unlawful under Section 16.25.113. The building official can issue a notice of violation and a stop-work order, with enforcement and civil fines handled under Sections 19.530.020 and 19.530.030, a civil fine up to $1,000, and up to $1,000 per day the violation continues uncorrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard shed in Maui County?
Does skipping the building permit mean I can put the shed anywhere on my lot?
What happens if my shed is bigger than 120 square feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
How Maui County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii accessory structures overview
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