Maui County, HI Hurricane Preparedness: Roof Standards (2026)
Key Facts
- Wind area used for calc
- 100 square feet, Zone 1
- Load path requirement
- Continuous, rafter/truss to foundation
- Truss-to-wall connector
- Rated for 400 lb. uplift (R802.10.5)
- ICF sill anchor bolts
- Min. ½ inch, 7 in. embedment, 6 ft. o.c.
- Adopting ordinance
- Ord. No. 3929, § 3 (2012)
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Maui County's amended Residential Code forces roof framing to resist hurricane-force wind uplift. Rafters and trusses must be tied to supporting walls with connectors rated for the uplift pressure calculated using a 100-square-foot wind area under Table R301.2(2), and a continuous load path must carry those forces all the way to the foundation.
R802.11.1 Uplift resistance. Roof assemblies which are subject to wind uplift pressures shall have roof rafters or trusses attached to their supporting wall assemblies by connections capable of providing the resistance required in Table R802.11. Wind uplift pressures shall be determined using an effective wind area of 100 square feet (9.3 m2) and Zone 1 in Table R301.2(2), as adjusted for height and exposure per Table R301.2(3). A continuous load path shall be designed to transmit the uplift forces from the rafter or truss ties to the foundation.
Full Breakdown
1, added to the International Residential Code by Ordinance No. 2(3). The rule does not stop at the rafter-to-wall connection: the code requires "a continuous load path" that transfers uplift force from the roof framing all the way down to the foundation, so a single strong tie at the top plate is not enough on its own. 11 values. 9: sill plates must be anchored with minimum half-inch bolts embedded at least seven inches and spaced no more than six feet apart. These structural requirements are checked by the Department of Public Works Development Services Administration at building permit plan review and at framing inspection, before drywall or roofing conceals the connections.
Violations & Fines
Roof framing that does not meet the Table R802.11 uplift values or lacks a continuous load path fails inspection and cannot be concealed until corrected; the building official can withhold approval of the framing inspection, which keeps the permit from closing and can trigger a stop-work order. Under the county's general penalty clause, Maui County Code Section 1.12.010, an uncorrected violation of a residential code section carrying no separately stated fine is punishable by up to $100 for each offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What roof connection standard does Maui County require for hurricane winds?
Is a strong roof-to-wall tie enough to pass inspection?
Does Maui County require extra roof tie-down beyond the IRC baseline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
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