Maui County, HI Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Maui County, HI, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- MCC § 16.25.105
- Exempt pool size
- 5,000 gallons or less
- Exempt pool type
- Prefabricated, above-grade walls
- Late-permit penalty
- Fee doubled or +$500
- Permitting agency
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Maui County requires a building permit before installing most residential swimming pools. The code carves out one narrow exemption: a prefabricated pool accessory to a single-family home is permit-free only if its walls sit entirely above grade and it holds no more than 5,000 gallons. Any in-ground pool, or any pool over that size, needs a permit from the building official.
105.1 Required. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure ... shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. ... 105.2 Work exempt from permit. ... Building permits will not be required for the following: ... 7. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy in which the pool walls are entirely above the adjacent grade and do not exceed 5,000 gallons.
Full Breakdown
1, makes a building permit mandatory for anyone who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move or demolish a building or structure, and it requires the owner or an authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain that permit before starting work. 2 then lists the narrow set of jobs exempt from that requirement, and item 7 addresses pools directly: a prefabricated swimming pool accessory to a Group R-3 (single-family or duplex residential) occupancy is exempt from a building permit only if the pool walls sit entirely above the adjacent grade and the pool does not exceed 5,000 gallons.
1 permit requirement. 109, and the building official can require separate electrical permits for pumps, heaters and lighting. Applications go to the Department of Public Works, which administers building permits across Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
Violations & Fines
Starting pool construction before obtaining the required permit doubles the building permit fee or adds $500, whichever is greater, under section 16.25.109.4, and inspections are still required for any unpermitted work already done. The general violation provisions at section 16.25.113 make it unlawful to construct or maintain a structure in violation of the code, authorize the building official to issue a stop-work order under section 16.25.114, and treat each day a violation continues as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small above-ground pool on Maui?
What happens if I build a pool without the required permit?
Does an in-ground pool ever qualify for the exemption?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Maui County
Compare Maui County to another location·View the Hawaii swimming pools & spas overview
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