Kauai County, HI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Code adopted
- UPC, 2018 Edition
- Governing chapter
- Kaua'i County Code Ch. 14
- Base permit fee
- $15 application + $7/fixture
- Sewer line permit fee
- $20 first 50 ft, $1/ft after
- Emergency repair rule
- Apply within 2 business days
- On-site requirement
- Licensed HRS Ch. 448E plumber
Summary
Kaua'i (Kaua'i County) enforces the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code for all plumbing and drainage work, incorporated by reference under Chapter 14 of the county code. A plumbing permit is required for design, installation, alteration, or repair, issued only to licensed plumbing contractors, licensed homeowners, gas utility companies, or government agencies with licensed plumbers.
The "Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition," including Appendices A, B, C, G, I, J, K, L, and M, and other portions of the Code only where specifically noted, as copyrighted and published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, 4755 East Philadelphia Street, Ontario, CA 91761-2816, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this Chapter. ... Section 105.3.1.3 To Whom Plumbing Permits May Be Issued. A plumbing permit is required to perform work covered by this Code and will be issued only to: A ... Plumbing Contractor holding a valid unexpired license under HRS Chapter 444.
Full Breakdown
Kaua'i County Code § 14-2.1(a) incorporates by reference the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, including Appendices A, B, C, G, I, J, K, L, and M, subject to the local amendments in § 14-2.2. Amended Section 105.3.1.3 limits who may hold a plumbing permit to a Plumbing Contractor licensed under HRS Chapter 444, a firm employing a plumber licensed under HRS Chapter 448E, a Gas Utility Company for gas piping work, county, federal, and state agencies with licensed plumbers, or a homeowner performing work on his or her own building while personally licensed under Chapter 448E.
Amended Table 104.5 replaces the UPC's standard fee schedule with Kaua'i's own rates: a $15 application fee for issuing each permit, $7 per plumbing fixture or trap, $20 for the first 50 feet of building sewer or drain line plus $1 per additional foot, $7 for each water heater and vent, $15 for each swimming pool with a drainage connection, and a $50 transfer fee for reassigning a permit. Amended Section 105.2.1 requires anyone making emergency repairs after hours, on weekends, or on holidays to apply for the proper permit at the Kaua'i Building Division within two business days. Amended Section 105.2.5.1 requires a Chapter 448E-licensed plumber on site at all times while permitted work is performed, directed, or supervised.
Violations & Fines
Kaua'i County Code § 14-2.2(a) makes plumbing administration and enforcement follow Chapter 1 of the International Building Code as adopted in Chapter 12 of the Kaua'i County Code, so plumbing violations carry the same administrative process as Building Code violations. Working without a required permit, or making emergency repairs without applying at the Building Division within two business days as required by amended Section 105.2.1, exposes the responsible party to that Chapter 12 enforcement, including correction orders and permit revocation from the administrative authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plumbing code applies on Kaua'i?
Who can obtain a Kaua'i plumbing permit?
How much does a Kaua'i plumbing permit cost?
What if I need an emergency plumbing repair after hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kauai County
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