Administrative overview · FIPS 15007
Kauai County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
County of Kauai Department of Public Works, Building Division
For a project in or near Kauai County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
808-241-4854
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
4444 Rice Street, Suite 175, Lihue, HI 96766-1340
Operating hours
Operating hours not verified
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Kauai County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
County of Kauai Department of Public Works, Building Division is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 808-241-4854.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Provide the applicant's name, job-site address, telephone number, permit number, and requested inspection date. Submit inspection requests one or two days in advance and copy the applicable supervisor when emailing; status can be checked through the county's online permit system.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
The Building Division enforces the applicable Kauai County Codes and referenced building trade codes; the current public page does not identify specific 2026 editions. An Agricultural Building Exemption Form is published among the county's building forms; the public page does not state the full exemption criteria. All other exemption determinations should be confirmed with the Building Division.