Mission

To help the people of Maui County manage growth and preserve land in an equitable and sustainable manner that balances cultural, environmental, and economic needs. Quality service is provided by seeking efficiency and offering consistent and timely information with integrity and Aloha.

Responsibilities

The Department of Planning offers technical advice to the Mayor, County Council and commissions; proposes zoning legislation; drafts updates to the General Plan, Maui Island Plan and Community Plans; presents reports & recommendations on development proposals; and oversees programs on cultural resources, census and geographic information, flood plain permits and other special projects and permits.

Hot Topics

• The next SMA and Shoreline Rules amendments public meeting is scheduled for February 7, 2023. Read the recent updates to the proposed Special Management Area Rules and Shoreline Rules amendments, slide presentations and more resources here.
• The County Council adopted Ordinance No. 5473, which took effect on December 4, 2022 and established caps on new transient accommodations. Except for Hotel Districts and B-R Resort Commercial District, the Planning Department cannot accept new permit applications for transient accommodations. Existing permits can be renewed and existing operations can be repaired or renovated but not in a way that adds new rooms or units. In addition, parking of camper vans or RVs for commercial transient accommodation use is prohibited unless specifically permitted. Ordinance 5316, which created a 2-year moratorium on new transient accommodations, was repealed. 
• Zoning Division Plans Review Section is closed on Wednesdays beginning November 16, 2022 - see the press release for details.
• Application of the Sea Level Rise (SLR-XA) guidance and standard wording for SMA Assessments
• Learn about the South Maui Community Plan update 
• Effective April 18, 2022, the Department of Planning is accepting permit applications via MAPPS, Maui's Automated Planning and Permitting System.  Variance and appeal applications may be submitted with paper applications.
• Vacation rental enforcement quarterly report as of December 31, 2022 available here
• 2022 Annual Status Report on the Implementation of the Maui County Community Plans
• 2022 Annual Status Report on the Implementation of the Countywide Policy and Maui Island Plans
• 2nd Circuit Court determines lots within State Land Use Rural District and zoned Rural by the County of Maui may be allowed more than one accessory dwelling in accordance with Chapter 19.35 of the Maui County Code. Read the Declaratory Ruling here.
• The Planning Department's consultant, Moss Adams, has been working to develop a five-year Strategic Plan for the Department. Click on the link to review the plan
• Memorandums of Understanding with vacation rental online platform hosts Airbnb 07/28/2021 and Expedia 07/30/2021
• Quarterly update of Conditional Permits
  
• Short-Term Occupancy List as of April 27, 2022

• General Plan 2030 Opens a New Window. 
• Countywide Policy Plan
• Maui Island Plan
  • Community Plans
  • Lanai Island Community Plan
  • Molokai Island Community Plan
  • West Maui Community Plan Opens a New Window. 

Annual Reports

• FY2022 Annual Report
• FY2021 Annual Report
• FY2020 Annual Report

Divisions

Current Planning Division

The Current division analyzes and reviews development proposals including environmental assessments, community plan amendments, change in zoning, project district, special management and historic district permits.

Long Range Planning Division

The Long Range Planning division prepares the General Plan, Maui Island Plan and community plans, and administers special planning and cultural resource projects. The GIS section analyzes land development data and prepares digital maps.

Plan Implementation Division

The Plan Implementation Division Opens a New Window.  is responsible for General Plan monitoring and implementation; Capital Improvement Program (CIP) reporting; and the initiation, preparation, and coordination of revisions to county zoning ordinances and regulations. This Division undertakes projects and programs to implement the recommendations in the Countywide Policy Plan, Maui Island Plan and community plans, including drafting and tracking legislation.

Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division (ZAED)