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Planning - Home

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1. How can I find permit and other public documents?

The County of Maui Public Documents site is your one-stop search engine to view public documents. The most complete search can be done with a Tax Map Key (TMK) number.  For Planning Department documents, you may search the following information types:

• Agricultural Declarations
• Maps for changes in zoning, community plan amendments and state land use district boundary amendments
• Miscellaneous Files
• Parking Analysis
• Permits, which include all permits that the Department process, including bed-and-breakfast homes and Special Management Area exemptions and permits.
  
  
  

County of Maui Public Documents

2. Can I check my permit status?

For permits prior to March 28, 2022, you can check permit status by clicking on the link below and entering the required information.

Check out MAPPS the new permitting system which goes live on April 18, 2022,

Check Permit Status

3. I would like to know the zoning of my property.

The Maui Real Property Tax website includes land use zoning for the islands of Maui and Lana`i (using 2019 RPT parcel layers), with a color-coded legend indicating the zoning of the parcel. Click on "View Map" under Parcel Information to see the map, and select "Zoning Districts" on the Layer List.

Permitted uses for each zoning district are listed in Maui County Code Title 19.

• How-to guide to view county zoning for specific properties
• How-to guide to view island-wide county zoning maps
• How-to guide to look up permitted uses by zoning district in the Maui County Code

4. How many dwellings are allowed on my parcel?

The number of dwellings allowed by zoning (which are different depending on each zoning district) are covered within Title 19 of the Maui County Code:

To look up the zoning of your parcel, go to the Maui Real Property Tax website and select the Island of Maui Zoning (2019) layer on parcel maps, and refer to the color-coded legend to see the zoning of the parcel.

Maui County Code Title 19

5. Can I build an ohana? If so, how many square feet can it be?

Dwellings often referred to as “ohana’s” are called “accessory dwellings” in the Maui County Code. Accessory dwellings are allowed in the zoning districts that specifically list accessory dwellings as a permitted use or as an accessory use:  Code of Ordinances  The development standards for accessory dwellings including the maximum number of square feet depend on the net area of the lot:

Development Standards for Accessory Dwellings

6. Can accessory dwellings be stacked, one on top of each other, or either detached or attached to main dwelling?

Yes.  See Chapter 19.35 for more information about accessory dwellings.

7. Are mobile or trailer homes allowed on any county zoned property?

For compliance with county zoning regulations, mobile or trailer homes are treated like any other dwelling unit and follow the same rules for the zoning district. The Department of Public Works administers the building and residential codes, which may also apply, and the Department of Finance’s Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing may require registration. 

For properties that are in the state agricultural and rural districts, house trailers and mobile homes are not permitted as dwelling units per Hawaii Administrative Rules Chapter 15-15.

8. How many tiny homes are allowed?

For compliance with zoning regulations, tiny homes are treated like any other dwelling unit and follow the same rules for the zoning district. The Department of Public Works administers the building and residential codes, which may also apply, and the Department of Finance’s Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing may require registration if the tiny home is on a trailer.

9. Am I required to get a permit for a fence? Is there a height restriction?

A fence may need a permit. In order to see if your proposed fence will require a permit, contact the Public Works Department, Development Services Administration at (808) 270-7250; 

Contact the Planning Department, Zoning Administration and Enforcement Division at (808) 270-7253 to see if your proposed fence would have height or setback restrictions, or needs a flood development or special management area permit.

10. What are my required property setbacks?

The required property setbacks (which are different depending on each zoning district) are covered within Title 19 of the Maui County Code:

Maui County Code Title 19

11. Why is it taking so long to get my permit approved?

Every project is different and permit applications are processed on a first come-first served basis, so the volume of permits under consideration will impact the time by which an application may be analyzed. Some projects are such that an outside agency, such as the State Historic Preservation Division or the Department of Health, may need to be consulted, which adds to the processing time. You can help keep processing time down by making sure that your application is complete when you submit it.

12. Where can I set up my food truck?

Food trucks are not allowed in active vehicle parking areas, which includes required parking spaces, aisles, driveways and lanes.  Vending on private property, with the owner’s approval, is allowed only in commercially zoned districts that have parking stalls or areas in excess of the required parking stalls for the existing use.  Vending in County rights-of-way requires a vendor’s license from the Department of Finance’s Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing.

13. How can I find out about "wet bars"?

The definition of wet bars in the Maui County Code, Chapter 19.04.040 is “an area within a dwelling unit, other than a kitchen, used for the preparation and serving of beverages that contains a sink that is one-and-one-half cubic feet or smaller and at least one of the following: refrigeration seven-and-one-half cubic feet or smaller; an ice maker; a small mixing or blending appliance; or a small appliance for the preparation of hot beverages, such as a coffee maker or microwave.

The area is not a wet bar if any of the following is also present: a sink larger than one-and-one-half cubic feet; refrigeration larger than seven-and-one-half cubic feet; a 220-volt electrical outlet; a gas or propane service line; a dishwashing machine; a garbage disposal; a range hood, exhaust vent, or similar equipment; a stove, range, or oven; or any other appliance for the heating or cooking of food.

No more than two wet bars shall be permitted in a dwelling unit that is less than five thousand square feet in total floor area. No more than three wet bars shall be permitted in a dwelling unit that is five thousand square feet or more in total floor area. No wet bar shall be permitted in a bedroom or bathroom.”

14. Can I raise chickens on my residential property?

Animals are regulated by Maui County Code Chapter 16.08A - Residential Code. Please contact Department of Public Works Development Services Administration at (808) 270-7379.

15. What can I build in the shoreline area?

The Shoreline Rules for the Maui Planning Commission (12-203) limits structures and activities that are allowed in the shoreline to “minor” structures and activities”. Examples of minor structures include bird baths, benches and portable barbeques. A Shoreline Setback Assessment application is required to be submitted for any structure or activity proposed for the shoreline area. The Assessment application can be found on line at the following link.

Shoreline Setback Assessment Application

16. What is the Special Management Area (SMA)?

The Special Management Area (SMA) is an area designated by the County under the authority of Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) 205A, which can be accessed online at the following link. The purpose of the SMA is to establish controls on developments within an area along the shoreline to avoid permanent losses of valuable resources, and to ensure adequate access to public beaches. HRS Coastal Zone Management

17. Where can I access the Special Management Area (SMA) Maps?

The SMA map can be accessed at the following link SMA Maps

18. Do I need a Special Management Area (SMA) permit? How do I obtain one?

If you are contemplating any construction or activity within the SMA, you are required to obtain SMA clearance. You can access the SMA Assessment application at the link below. If you have questions about permit requirements or in filling out an application, contact the Planning Department, Current Division, at (808) 270-8205.

SMA Assessment Application

19. Can I do weddings on agricultural land?

Only with an approved County Conditional Permit and an approved State Special Permit. Both forms are available online.

20. How many barns can I have on agricultural land?

You may have as many barns as are needed to support the agricultural activities that are currently being conducted on the lot.  Barns cannot be used as dwellings, and require permits if they have plumbing, electricity, or are in the Special Management Area.

21. When do I need to sign a Farm Dwelling and Agriculture Structures Declaration?

The declaration is required if the building permit is for a farm dwelling, accessory agricultural structure, or private garage.  See the administrative rules for Chapter 19.30A, Agricultural District for more information.

Farm Dwelling & Ag Structures Declaration

22. What types of Agriculture Structures are allowed under the Declaration of Compliance HRS-46-88 Relating to Agriculture Structures?

Act 70 allows exemptions for agricultural buildings, structures, or appurtenances that are not in the Special Management Area (SMA) or flood hazard area. Dwelling units are excluded. For specific criteria, see HRS 46-88 or contact Development Services Administration at 270-7250 or [email protected]

Declaration of Compliance with HRS 46-88

23. What are the rules for commercial signs?

The rules for commercial signs are available at the link below Commercial Sign Rules

24. What are the rules for non-commercial signs?

The rules for non-commercial signs are available at the link below. Non-Commercial Sign Rules

25. How do I file an appeal?

Applications are available at our Zoning Administration & Enforcement Division office. Address: 2200 Main Street, Suite 335, Wailuku, or available on line for download at the following link. Appeal application

26. How do I apply for a variance? (SSV, SPV, BVAV)

Fillable applications are online and hard copies are available at our Zoning Administration & Enforcement Division office at 2200 Main Street, Suite 335 in Wailuku. Variance and Appeals

27. How do I find out if a property is in violation?

Questions about a property can be submitted through the County of Maui website as a Request For Service (RFS) at the link below or a RFS form can be picked up at our Zoning Administration & Enforcement Division office. Address: 2200 Main Street, Suite 335, Wailuku. Request For Service (RFS)

28. How do I lodge a complaint?

Complaints can be submitted thru the County of Maui COM Connect webpage below. For land use or zoning complaints, please use the category, "Zoning Code Enforcement Issue"

COM Connect

29. Are the zoning maps available online? Where can I find a map?

Digital zoning maps for Maui and Lanai are available at the digital zoning map web page

Molokai's zoning maps are not yet available online; however, they are available to view in person at the Department of Planning, One Main Plaza, 2200 Main Street, Suite 335, Wailuku. 

30. How do I request to review documents?

Fill out a Request to Access Government Record Form, available at our Department of Planning Main office. Address: 2200 Main Street, Suite 315 Wailuku, or available on line for download at the following link. Request to Access Government Record Form

31. How do I obtain old building plans?

The Department of Public Works, Development Services Administration (DSA), processes building permits. You may be able to review old building plans there. DSA is located in the Kalana Pakui Building, 250 S. High Street, Wailuku. Phone: (808) 270-7250.

32. Where's my cesspool located on my property?

The Hawaii State Health Department maintains a cesspool database; Phone: (808) 984-8234

33. Who do I complain to about noise?

For noise complaints, contact the Hawaii Department of Health at (808) 984-8234

34. Water related questions?

Answers to water-related questions can be found at the Department of Water Supply website or you can call them at (808) 270-7816.
Department of Water Supply

35. How do I find Real Property Tax information?

Real Property Tax assessment and collection is managed by the Maui County Finance Department. Department of Finance

36. Where do I send an email?

The general Planning Department email address is [email protected]

37. Do you validate parking at the One Main Plaza Building?

No. However, there is limited free on-street parking on High Street across from the building and on Vineyard and Main Streets.

38. Where can I learn more about the laws and requirements for family burials?

Please refer to the Family Burial information sheet for laws and requirements that apply to family burials.