Maui County, HI Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Max height
- 30 feet
- Applies in
- R-1, R-2, R-3 districts
- Height over 15 ft triggers
- Wider side/rear setback
- Rooftop exception
- None written into §19.08.040
Summary
Maui County caps single-family building height at 30 feet across the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential districts under Maui County Code Section 19.08.040, the same table that sets the districts' minimum lot sizes and yard setbacks.
Maximum building height Building height must not exceed 30 feet
Full Breakdown
040 applies flatly across all three single-family districts, R-1, R-2 and R-3, unlike the lot-area and lot-width standards in the same table, which scale up by district. The same dimensional table links height to setback distance: once any part of a building exceeds 15 feet, the side and rear yard setbacks widen from 6 feet to 10 feet, so a taller structure automatically needs to sit farther from the neighboring property line even though the overall 30-foot ceiling doesn't change. 050 address what limited items, like low walls and roof eaves, may project into the setback area, but they don't raise the district's overall height ceiling.
Because the standard sits inside the general residential-district chapter, it applies islandwide wherever R-1, R-2 or R-3 zoning is mapped, from Wailuku and Kahului to Kihei and Makawao, rather than varying block by block.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a residential building above 30 feet in the R-1, R-2 or R-3 districts 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, with a civil fine up to $1,000 plus up to $1,000 per day the violation continues, and can require the offending portion to be removed or altered. Criminal prosecution under Section 19.530.020 adds a fine up to $1,000 and up to 48 hours imprisonment for a first offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Maui County's residential districts?
Does building above 15 feet change anything else?
Is the 30-foot cap absolute?
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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