Maui County, HI Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit basis
- Separate permit per building/structure
- Application review window
- 30 days or deemed approved
- Permit max life
- 5 years from issuance
- Emergency work filing window
- 5 business days after start
- Building permit prerequisite
- Required before plumbing permit (104.4.9)
- Governing code
- Uniform Plumbing Code, 2018 Edition
Summary
Maui County makes it unlawful to install, alter, repair, or remodel a plumbing system without first getting a separate permit for each building or structure. The 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted with county amendments, sets narrow exemptions and firm timelines for review, inspection, and permit expiration.
104.1 Permits Required. It must be unlawful for a person, firm, or corporation to make an installation, alteration, repair, replacement, or remodel a plumbing system regulated by this code except as permitted in Section 104.2, or to cause the same to be done without first obtaining a separate plumbing permit for each separate building or structure.
Full Breakdown
20C, states it "must be unlawful" to install, alter, repair, replace, or remodel a plumbing system, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate plumbing permit for each separate building or structure. 2 exempts a short list of minor work: stopping leaks without replacing parts, clearing stoppages without rearranging pipes or fixtures, replacing existing fixtures at their original location, and emergency plumbing work if a permit application is filed within five business days of starting. 6 limits who can receive a permit to a licensed specialty contractor, a county agency's designated master or journey plumber for county projects, or a master or journey plumber working on a dwelling that person owns.
9. 3, a permit expires if the initial inspection is not approved within one year of issuance, and no permit can remain active longer than five years total. 1.
Violations & Fines
Performing plumbing work without the required permit is unlawful under Section 104.1, and Section 104.5.1 charges the applicant the permit fee set in the annual budget ordinance for work commenced before a permit was obtained. If plumbing is covered or concealed before the county has tested, inspected, and approved it, Section 105.2.1 requires the work to be uncovered for inspection after the county issues a notice to uncover, at the responsible person's expense. Miscellaneous inspections not tied to a permit are billed under Section 105.2.2 at a minimum of two hours, and inspections requested outside normal business hours or at distant locations such as Hana, Molokai, and Lanai require the permittee to reimburse the county's added travel and overtime costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for plumbing work on my Maui property?
What plumbing work is exempt from a Maui County permit?
Can I get a building permit and a plumbing permit at the same time?
What happens if plumbing is covered up before inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.