Maui County, HI Fire Regulations: Propane Storage (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 125 gallons LP-gas aggregate water capacity
- Residential exception
- 124 gallons or less at 1-2 family homes
- Permitting agency
- Fire prevention bureau (Maui Fire Dept.)
- Commercial tanks
- On-site filled tanks always need a permit
- First offense fine
- $1,000 per day
- Repeat offense fine
- $2,500 per day within 5 years
- Appeal window
- 5 days to Board of Variances and Appeals
Summary
Maui County requires a Fire Prevention Bureau permit to store, use, handle, or dispense LP-gas once the aggregate water capacity reaches 125 gallons, under the County's amended NFPA 1 fire code. One- and two-family homes with 124 gallons or less of LP-gas capacity are exempt from the permit requirement.
1.12.8 Permits required. It is unlawful for any person to use a building or premises or engage in any activities for which a permit is required by this code, without first having obtained that permit. ... 5.Liquefied petroleum gases. Permits will be required as indicated below; fees must be as in the annual budget ordinance. See chapter 69 of this code.5.1To store, use, handle, or dispense LP-gas of 125 gallons (water capacity) aggregate capacity or greater.5.2To install or modify LP-gas systems of 125 gallons (water capacity) aggregate capacity or greater.5.3All LP-gas tanks that are filled on-site and used commercially will require a permit. EXCEPTION: LP-gas systems of 124 gallons or less (water capacity) used at one- and two-family dwellings will not require a permit.
Full Breakdown
8 to the County's amended NFPA 1 fire code, making it unlawful to store, use, or install liquefied petroleum gas systems requiring a permit without first obtaining one from the fire prevention bureau. Item 5 of that subsection sets the trigger at 125 gallons water capacity: a permit is required to store, use, handle, or dispense LP-gas at or above that aggregate amount, and separately to install or modify an LP-gas system of 125 gallons or more. Any LP-gas tank filled on-site and used commercially needs a permit regardless of size.
The code carves out one exception: LP-gas systems of 124 gallons or less serving one- and two-family dwellings need no permit at all, covering the ordinary residential propane tank feeding a stove, water heater, or backup generator. Permit fees are set in the County's annual budget ordinance, and chapter 69 of the fire code governs the underlying LP-gas installation standards. 8. A fire inspector may verify tank placement and clearances before signing off, coordinating with the Department of Public Works when the LP-gas installation is tied to a building permit.
Violations & Fines
Violating the LP-gas permit rule exposes an owner to a notice of violation under section 16.04E.170, carrying a fine up to $2,500 or 30 days in jail, or both, under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 132-13. A first offense runs $1,000 per day the violation continues; a repeat offense within five years jumps to $2,500 per day and requires a submitted maintenance plan. Owners may appeal to the County Board of Variances and Appeals within five days, though an appeal does not pause the order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to keep a propane tank at my Maui home?
Who issues LP-gas storage permits in Maui County?
What's the penalty for storing propane over the limit without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
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