A vital resource for those who are looking to rebuild in fire-affected areas in Lahaina and Kula as they navigate the permitting process and take the next step toward returning home.

For more information on Disaster Recovery Building Permits and links to the dedicated portals, visit https://mapps.mauicounty.gov/DSA-DRBP

Bill 21 (2024) was passed by the Maui County Council on March 8th, 2024, establishing a new emergency permitting process that streamlines permit applications for permanent

construction by consolidating building, grading, driveway, plumbing and electrical permits. The new process provides residential property owners with more flexibility by allowing the rebuilt structures to change in size and configuration from what existed previously. The new process also supports the County’s effort to facilitate more housing by allowing affected parcels to construct new permanent structures as part of their rebuilds. The County has been working to configure this new procedure into MAPPS and anticipates being able to receive applications under the new emergency permitting process for permanent construction by the end of April 2024.

1. Enroll for debris removal.

Ordinance 5562 prohibits permit issuance until debris removal is properly completed. The most expeditious way to properly complete debris removal is by applying for a Right-of-Entry permit. The alternate debris removal program is still being developed and is not available at this time.

2. Hire a design professional and begin designing your home.

The first step in the permit process is completing the design of your house. Designs must be prepared by an architect or structural engineer licensed in the State of Hawaii. If you need assistance in connecting with an architect, below is a link to the Maui AIA (America Institute of America) Chapter.

https://classic.aia.org/resource/6661536-maui-fires-recovery

3. Research land use requirements that may affect the design of your home.

Your design professional can assist you in understanding the requirements based on your land use zoning and how the requirement may affect your design.

4. Once your design professional has completed building plans for your home, you may apply for a rebuild permit.

As noted in A1 above, the new emergency permitting process is anticipated to be available in April 2024. In the meantime, you may apply for a rebuild permit under the normal building permit process but will not receive the same level of expediency and

prioritization as those applications submitted under the new emergency permitting process. Property owners who apply under the normal building permit process will have to reapply under the new emergency permitting process if they want to utilize the expedited process.

Once debris removal is properly completed and permits have been obtained, then rebuilding of your home can begin. Please see answer A2 item 3.

It is anticipated the County’s outside vendor will be operational by the end of April 2024. The vendor will be utilized to review permanent permits for parcels within the burned zones received under the new emergency permitting process and the normal building permit process.

If your parcel is within the burned zone and your permit is to construct a permanent dwelling, you may use the new emergency permitting process.

A temporary structure permit is allowed to be applied for, however in order for the permit to be approved you must obtain approval from the Office of Recovery. Please be aware that the temporary structures building permit will be valid for a period of 180 days, but can be extended for demonstrated causes.

All structures must comply with the current County of Maui building codes posted at:

https://www.mauicounty.gov/1308/Building-Plans-Review-Section

All federal, state, and county rules and regulations applicable to your parcel must be followed.

Other standards and/or codes that may apply would be under the jurisdiction of the following agencies.

If your design professional validates and certifies that the foundation is suitable for use in your rebuild plan, then you will be able to reuse the foundation in accordance with your issued permit. Otherwise, removal of the foundation is required.