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Planning - Digital Zoning Map Update Project

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1. What is DSSRT?

Over the last several years, the Maui County Planning Department has undertaken a project to replace the County’s official paper zoning maps with digital or electronic versions. The Planning Department affectionately gave this project the name DSSRT (“dessert”) which is an acronym for Dead Sea Scrolls Replacement Team. Along with the goal of replacing the County’s prized but very old, worn, and outdated paper zoning maps (otherwise known as “the Dead Sea Scrolls”) with accurate, up-to-date GIS (Geographical Information System) data layers (digital maps), a second goal is to address inconsistencies and mapping alignment issues.

2. What is Zoning?

Zoning primarily determines how property may be used and where structures may be placed on the property. It aims to promote an orderly pattern of development and to separate incompatible land uses, such as industrial uses and homes, to ensure a pleasant environment. This includes land uses, building density, building height and size, lot sizes, yards and open spaces, setbacks, signs and accessory uses. In addition, various standards are established within zoning districts for on and off-street parking, landscaping, signage and other types of provisions related to different development techniques.

3. Where can I find a copy of the Maui County Zoning code?

The county zoning uses that are allowed on a particular parcel are governed by Maui County Code, Title 19. Related development standards such as signage are found in Title 16. For detailed information on Maui County’s Zoning Code, please go to (link):

Maui County Zoning code

4. Why do the old paper zoning maps have inconsistencies?

The original paper zoning maps on file with the Planning Department were created back in the 1960’s. These maps were created based on the best available resources at the time; many of them were hand drawn on Mylar polyester film. With time has come enhanced mapping tools, including GIS (Geographical Information System) and aerial imagery, which provides more specific and factual representation of land and parcels. We currently deal with instances where the old, hand-drawn, paper maps and changes in zoning do not align with digital parcel data that is used today, or a type of zoning that was designated 50 plus years ago no longer exists (ex. “Future Roadway”). As a result, not being able to quickly access current and correct zoning information creates frustration and is time consuming for all parties involved.

5. What is the process to have these old maps replaced?

The Planning Department has made a list of all the proposed changes and adjustments that need to be made to the old, worn paper zoning maps and has created digitized versions of the new maps. The department will start with the island of Maui first and then continue with Lanai and Molokai.

The process to have these digitized maps replace the old, worn paper maps for Maui Island includes:

1. Conducting public meetings about the project;

2. Scheduling the new digitized replacement maps for review by the Maui Planning Commission and seeking their recommendation for approval to the Maui County Council;

3. Upon the Maui Planning Commission’s review and recommendation, scheduling the new digitized replacement maps for review by the Maui County Council Planning Committee and seeking their recommendation for approval to the Maui County Council;

4. Adoption by the Maui County Council.

6. What is a Community Plan? Is this different to Zoning? Will these changes being made affect a parcel’s Community Plan designation?

A Community Plan is a public document that contains specific and also goal setting proposals for future land uses and public improvement within a given community.

A Community Plan is different to zoning in that a community plan depicts the long-term vision for a community whereas zoning provides for specific uses on a parcel today and is regulated by Maui County Code, Title 19.

No, these corrections and adjustments are only being made to the zoning maps. There will be no impact on any Community Plan designations. Some of the corrections that will be made on the zoning maps are, in fact, to better align the zoning of a parcel to a Community Plan designation. For example, the old, paper zoning maps show that some properties are partially zoned “future roadway” but there is no such zoning district as “future roadway” to govern how this area is used; some of these properties are actually developed with homes. In these cases, the DSSRT project would propose that these areas be zoned “residential” in conformance with their current use and the community plan designations of “single family.”

7. Can I be notified of the Planning Commission and County Council meetings?

Yes. While the Department is not able to notify everyone individually of each and every meeting, the County of Maui does provide the ability for residents to be automatically notified of various County meetings and can review meeting agendas by signing up for this notification service on the County’s webpage. To be advised of upcoming Maui Planning Commission, County Council Planning Committee, and County Council meetings, please visit http://www.co.maui.hi.us/List.aspx. Follow the instructions outlined on the top of the page and then scroll down to the CALENDAR section and select notifications to these three (3) items: Council – Maui County; Council – Planning Committee; and Maui Planning Commission.

The Planning Department will also continually update its webpage and post any upcoming meetings and documents related to this project at http://www.co.maui.hi.us/121/Planning-Department.

8. I am considering re-zoning/changing the use of my property. Can I use this opportunity to re-zone my property now?

Unfortunately no. These mostly subtle changes to properties are primarily “housekeeping” measures to assure accuracy in the delineation of the zoning map and should not affect the current uses of the property. If a property owner wishes to use their property in a manner not allowed under their current zoning, a Change in Zoning application will need to be filed. More information on this process can be found at: http://www.co.maui.hi.us/1213/Change-in-Zoning-Permit. Change in Zoning Permit

9. Will this affect current building permits I have for my property (if applicable)?

Existing building permits will not be affected by this project.

10. Will this affect my property taxes?

The Planning Department has included the involvement of the Finance Department, Real Property Tax Division, in this digitizing zoning project. Property taxes are primarily determined by the use of a property. As such, the Planning Department does not anticipate any changes to an affected property’s tax rates.

11. Will these new digitized zoning maps affect my mortgage? Home-owners insurance? Flood insurance? Etc.

None of the above should be impacted.

12. How do I look up my current zoning?

Right now, there is no way for you to individually look up a parcel’s zoning. You must contact the Department of Planning, Zoning and Administration Enforcement Division, and have staff assist you. Upon adoption of the DSSRT maps, however, you will be able to check the digital maps for your property’s zoning.

13. My property is on the market. How will this change impact the sale of my property?

Since the changes being made to the map should have no impact on the use of the property, there should be no impact to the sale of the property.

14. I'm in the process of buying an affected property. How will this affect my purchase?

Similarly, the changes being made in order to adopt accurate digital zoning maps are primarily internal “housekeeping” changes that will have no impact on the size of the property nor the uses allowed.

15. What will my zoning change to?

For nearly all parcels affected by this project, the changes made to zoning will be on only a small portion of a parcel and will be changed to match the zoning of the majority of the parcel and its current use. The Planning Department is simply addressing inaccuracies between the old paper maps that do not align with digital parcel data that is used today, internal mapping errors, or changing an old zoning category which has no standards to a comparable zoning category that has standards in Maui County Code (i.e. “Open Zone” to Open Space 1 or 2).

16. What if I don't want the zoning to be changed?

As stated earlier, nearly all of the parcels affected by these corrections will experience no change to the majority of the parcel and to the use of the property. In other words, the portion of the property that will be adjusted will be changed to match the current use of the property. If, however, you still have concerns and wish to provide testimony to the Department or at any of the public meetings, you are encouraged to do so. You can either submit written testimony or provide in person public testimony at the Commission and Council meetings.

17. Will the size of my lot change?

No. The size of your property will remain the same.

18. What do I have to do?

Nothing. The Planning Department will be conducting informational meetings and will be updating this website to keep those who are impacted, and the public at large, notified of upcoming meetings related to the project.

19. How long will this project take?

The Planning Department hopes to have the maps reviewed and approved by the Maui Planning Commission and the County Council in 2017. This is an estimated timeframe and could be adjusted due to scheduling conflicts and unforeseen delays.

20. What are the benefit of this project?

Most property owners who have received notice of this project are probably not even aware that a small portion of their parcel requires a minor change in order to make the zoning consistent throughout the parcel. The benefits of this project are:

a. The new digital zoning maps will be accurate.
b. They will be accessible via the internet.
c. Other County agencies who also rely on zoning information will be better equipped to serve the public in their capacity.
d. Changes in zoning will be updated more efficiently and accurately.
e. These new digital zoning maps will be used as part of the County’s permit tracking system.

21. The question I have is not listed here. Who can I ask?

If you have a question that has not been answered, please send us an email with your question to [email protected]. Please be sure to include your name, the property owner's name (if different), the Tax Map Key (TMK) number for the affected parcel (8 digit number), and a phone number where you can be reached. We will respond to you by either email or with a phone call. You may also call 270-6272 and leave a message with the same information that is mentioned above.