Kauai County, HI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The Building Division reviews plans and specifications for compliance with the Building Code, the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, and other County ordinances before issuing a permit under Section 105.1. Once the building official confirms the application, plans, and specifications conform and the applicant has paid the permit fee required by Section 109, the permit is issued and must be posted conspicuously at the job site until final inspection under Section 105.7. A permit becomes null and void under Section 105.5 if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after starting; the building official may grant one 180-day extension on written request, but no permit may be extended more than once.

A lapsed permit can be renewed by paying half the original Table 1-A fee if the plans have not changed. Any assignment or transfer of a permit requires Department of Public Works approval and a nonrefundable $50 transfer fee under Section 105.8. Work exempt from a separate permit is listed in Section 105.2, covering small accessory sheds under 300 square feet, low fences and retaining walls, sidewalks, and similar minor work; everything else needs its own permit before construction starts. The Board of Appeals created under Section 113 hears disputes over denied permits or disallowed materials and methods.