Maui County, HI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Lot Coverage Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Impervious surface cap
- 65% of total zoning lot
- Applies in
- R-1, R-2, R-3 districts
- Effective for
- Permits applied for after 1/1/2023
- Counts as impervious
- Roofs, driveways, patios, pools, parking
- Checked at
- Building permit review
Summary
Maui County doesn't set a separate lot-coverage percentage for single-family lots; instead, Maui County Code Section 19.08.040 caps impervious surface. For any dwelling permitted after January 1, 2023 in the R-1, R-2 or R-3 residential districts, no more than 65 percent of the total zoning lot may be covered by roofs, driveways, patios or other watertight surfaces.
Surfaces For dwellings constructed under building permits applied for after January 1, 2023, the impervious surface area of a zoning lot must not exceed 65 percent of the total zoning lot area
Full Breakdown
The 65 percent cap is written into the same development-standards table that sets the R-1/R-2/R-3 setback lines and height limit, under the row labeled 'Surfaces,' and it applies only going forward: it governs 'dwellings constructed under building permits applied for after January 1, 2023,' so homes permitted earlier are not required to retrofit. Maui County's zoning definitions describe impervious surface broadly as any covering or pavement that prevents a parcel's natural ability to absorb rainfall or storm water, expressly including rooftops, walkways, patios, pools, driveways, parking lots, and impermeable concrete or asphalt.
25, since the impervious surface limit sits alongside the setback and height standards a permit application must satisfy before work can begin. 112 rather than simply exceeding the standard. Because the rule is tied to the permit application date rather than construction date, additions or new accessory structures on an older parcel can also trigger the cap if a new building permit is filed for them after the January 1, 2023 cutoff.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the impervious surface limit without a variance is a Title 19 zoning violation. The planning or public works director can issue a notice of violation and order under Section 19.530.030, requiring correction and a civil fine up to $1,000, plus up to $1,000 per day the excess coverage remains uncorrected. Criminal prosecution under Section 19.530.020 adds a fine up to $1,000 and up to 48 hours imprisonment for a first offense. An order becomes final unless appealed to the Board of Variances and Appeals within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 65% cap apply to my existing house?
What counts toward impervious surface?
Who enforces the impervious surface limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii building setbacks & zoning overview
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