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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Maui County.

2018 International Building Code with Maui County amendments in Chapter 16.26C; 2018 International Residential Code with Hawaii amendments; 2018 International Existing Building Code with Hawaii amendments; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with Hawaii and Maui County amendments; Maui County Chapter 16.25 administrative and supplemental provisions; applicable electrical and plumbing codes; NFPA 1 Fire Code with Hawaii and Maui amendments; and applicable zoning, flood-hazard, grading, driveway, wastewater, accessibility, and state requirements.

Inspection lane

Log into MAPPS Customer Self Service, open My Work or the Inspections tab for the permit case, and select REQUEST INSPECTIONS. MAPPS also displays inspection results. For assistance call 808-270-7250. Work performed without required inspections must be exposed for inspection; concealed work may require certification by a Hawaii-licensed contractor, architect, or structural engineer plus a recorded hold-harmless agreement, and a County final inspection is still required.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

Current Chapter 16.25 exemptions include qualifying one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; certain detached agricultural buildings up to 200 square feet; low detached unroofed decks; qualifying above-ground prefabricated residential pools up to 5,000 gallons; reroofing of qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures when structural components are not adversely affected; roof-mounted antennas and solar panels; qualifying window awnings; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, shelves, and similar finish work; nonfixed cases, racks, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches; certain like-for-like system replacements; qualifying fences, retaining walls, site work, recreational structures, temporary tents, and maintenance repairs costing no more than $15,000 per structure in a 12-month period. Other laws and zoning still apply.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Log into MAPPS Customer Self Service, open My Work or the Inspections tab for the permit case, and select REQUEST INSPECTIONS. MAPPS also displays inspection results. For assistance call 808-270-7250. Work performed without required inspections must be exposed for inspection; concealed work may require certification by a Hawaii-licensed contractor, architect, or structural engineer plus a recorded hold-harmless agreement, and a County final inspection is still required.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Maui County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

County of Maui Department of Public Works, Development Services Administration, Building Permit Section 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 808-270-7250; building plan review: 808-270-7236.

How long might review take?

N/A; Maui County does not publish a dependable general building-permit review time. Review duration varies because the application may be routed concurrently to multiple County and State approving agencies.

How are inspections scheduled?

Log into MAPPS Customer Self Service, open My Work or the Inspections tab for the permit case, and select REQUEST INSPECTIONS. MAPPS also displays inspection results. For assistance call 808-270-7250. Work performed without required inspections must be exposed for inspection; concealed work may require certification by a Hawaii-licensed contractor, architect, or structural engineer plus a recorded hold-harmless agreement, and a County final inspection is still required.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

2018 International Building Code with Maui County amendments in Chapter 16.26C; 2018 International Residential Code with Hawaii amendments; 2018 International Existing Building Code with Hawaii amendments; 2018 International Energy Conservation Code with Hawaii and Maui County amendments; Maui County Chapter 16.25 administrative and supplemental provisions; applicable electrical and plumbing codes; NFPA 1 Fire Code with Hawaii and Maui amendments; and applicable zoning, flood-hazard, grading, driveway, wastewater, accessibility, and state requirements. Current Chapter 16.25 exemptions include qualifying one-story detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet; certain detached agricultural buildings up to 200 square feet; low detached unroofed decks; qualifying above-ground prefabricated residential pools up to 5,000 gallons; reroofing of qualifying one- and two-family dwellings and their accessory structures when structural components are not adversely affected; roof-mounted antennas and solar panels; qualifying window awnings; painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, shelves, and similar finish work; nonfixed cases, racks, counters, and partitions up to 5 feet 9 inches; certain like-for-like system replacements; qualifying fences, retaining walls, site work, recreational structures, temporary tents, and maintenance repairs costing no more than $15,000 per structure in a 12-month period. Other laws and zoning still apply.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.