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Emergency Building Permits
The Development Services Administration has launched a streamlined process for building permits for emergency reconstruction in fire-affected areas. The Disaster Recovery Building Permit is for alterations, repairs, reconstruction, and new construction of structures.
Permitting for Nonconforming Structures
Updates to Maui County Code under Ordinance 5780 now allow for the reconstruction of nonconforming structures — those legally constructed before the 2023 wildfires, but no longer compliant with current development standards (such as setbacks and building height requirements) — as long as specific conditions are met.
Effective March 24, 2025, Ordinance 5780 gives eligible property owners until April 1, 2029, to obtain a building permit, complete the reconstruction and secure final inspection approval for their nonconforming structures. This law applies to structures that were legally nonconforming before the disaster and are located within the area covered by the Governor’s or Mayor’s emergency proclamation.
A two-year extension may be granted for properties located in a historic district or Special Management Area, provided good cause is demonstrated.
To qualify for rebuilding under this ordinance, property owners must meet the following requirements:
- Provide evidence that the structure was legally nonconforming and existed before the wildfires. Approved building permits, real property tax assessor records prior to the requirement of building permits, approved variances and similar documentation, all of which will be reviewed, may be submitted as evidence.
- Ensure the repair or reconstruction does not increase the structure’s nonconformity.
- Complete all work in compliance with applicable building and safety codes (Title 16).
- Meet all deadlines, including final inspection approval by April 1, 2029.
- Comply with Shoreline Rules, if applicable.
For assistance or more information, residents may contact the Department of Planning at (808) 270-7735 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/planning.
Expedited Permitting Outside of Burn Area
Homeowners affected by the August 2023 Wildfires may request for expedited permitting for a property outside the burn area that they will occupy as their primary residence.
Kāko‘o Maui Pre-Development Grant
Applications for this grant are currently closed. Learn more at our Kāko'o Maui Resource Center.
This program is available to Lahaina and Kula homeowners whose primary residence was destroyed or deemed uninhabitable due to the August 8, 2023 wildfires. Approved households are eligible to receive up to $15,000 in funding to cover pre-development needs that are necessary to rebuild your primary residence.
It’s important to note that applicants do not need to be of Native Hawaiian descent to apply for this program.
Tips for Plan Reviews
Reviewing the first 40 plans submitted for Maui Disaster Recovery Permits revealed that several comments occur frequently. Here are many of the most common comments and how to satisfactorily incorporate the required information into plans:
from meetings
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