Building Safety in Kauai County, HI (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Kauai County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), Residential Code Section R313.2 requires an automatic fire sprinkler system in every new one- and two-family dwelling, but a state law exception in HRS 46-19.8 currently bars the County from enforcing that mandate against most detached one- and two-family homes until June 30, 2027.
Kaua'i Residential Fire Sprinkler Requirement
Light RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.3(34) (IRC § R313.2)
R313.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic fire sprinkler systems. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings. Exceptions: 1. An automatic residential fire sprinkler system shall not be required for additions or alterations to existing buildings that are not already provided with an automatic residential sprinkler system. 2. In accorda...
Childcare Center Rules
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance defines a "day care center" as any State of Hawai'i-licensed facility caring for seven or more children under 18 without overnight stays away from their normal residence. Kaua'i County Code § 8-1.5 draws a hard line at seven children: facilities serving six or fewer fall instead under the separate "family child care home" definition, which triggers different zoning treatment and Planning Department review.
Day Care Center Rules on Kaua'i
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 8-1.5
"Day care center"means any facility which complies with the State of Hawai'i licensing requirements where seven or more children under the age of 18 are cared for without overnight accommodations at any location other than their normal place of residence. This term includes child care services and other similar uses and facilities consistent with this definition, and not covered by the "Family ...
Building Permits
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), no one may erect, enlarge, alter, move, or demolish a building or structure without a separate building permit from the Building Division of the Department of Public Works. Kaua'i County Code Section 105.1 as amended sets the requirement; a permit expires if work has not begun within 180 days of issuance.
Kaua'i County Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2 (IBC §§ 105.1, 105.5, 114.2)
105.1 Required. ... No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, repair, move, alter, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in the County of Kaua'i, or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate building permit for each such building or structure from the building official. ... 105.5 Expiration. ... Every permit issued by the build...
Electrical Permits
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), any electrical work on a building or structure requires a separate permit from the County Engineer's administrative authority before work begins. The 2017 National Electrical Code governs all electrical installations, and only licensed electricians or permitted homeowners may perform the work under Chapter 13 of the county code.
Electrical Permits on Kaua'i (Kaua'i County)
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code §§ 13-2.3(a), 13-4.1
Permit Required. ... No person, firm, partnership, association or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, repair, move, improve, remove, alter or convert any building or structure in the County of Kaua'i which requires electrical work or cause the same to be done, without first obtaining a separate electrical permit for such building or structure from the administrative authority. ... The ...
Plumbing Permits
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.
Plumbing Permits on Kaua'i (Kaua'i County)
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code §§ 14-2.1(a), 14-2.2(a)(2)
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 T...
Building Inspections
On Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), permitted construction must stay visible and accessible for inspection under Section 110.1 until the building official approves it. Section 110.3 lists the required inspection stages, and the permit holder must request each inspection under Section 110.5, at least two working days ahead if the official asks.
Kaua'i County Building Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsKaua'i County Code § 12-2.2 (IBC §§ 110.1, 110.3, 110.3.9)
110.1 General. ... Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the building official and such construction or work shall remain visible and able to be accessed for inspection purposes until approved. ... 110.3 Required inspections. ... The building official, upon notification from the holder of the building permit or their duly authorized agent, shall m...
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