Maui County, HI Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC § 16.25.105(105.1)
- Permit issuer
- Building official, Dept. of Public Works
- Exempt work categories
- 29 listed in subsection 105.2
- Late-permit penalty
- Fee doubled or +$500
- Repair exemption cap
- $15,000 per 12 months
Summary
Maui County requires anyone who wants to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the use of a building, or install regulated electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, to first apply to the building official and obtain a permit. A short list of minor work is exempt.
105.1 Required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
Full Breakdown
1, states the core rule: any owner or the owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the code, must first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit before that work, or causing that work to be performed, begins. 2 then lists 29 categories of minor work exempt from a permit, including small detached accessory structures under 120 square feet, agricultural buildings under 200 square feet, low decks, reroofing of one- and two-family dwellings, minor finish work such as painting and cabinetry, and repairs under $15,000 in a 12-month period. 1. 110 makes all permitted work subject to the required inspections before it can be covered or occupied.
Violations & Fines
Starting work that requires a permit before obtaining one doubles the applicable fee or adds $500, whichever is greater, under section 16.25.109.4, and the property owner must still bring the concealed work into compliance, potentially through a hold-harmless certificate from a licensed contractor, architect or engineer recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances. Section 16.25.113 makes any unpermitted construction, alteration or occupancy unlawful, authorizes the building official to issue a stop-work order under section 16.25.114, and treats each day of continued violation as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Maui County require a building permit?
What small projects on Maui don't need a permit?
What is the penalty for building without a permit on Maui?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii building safety overview
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