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Permanent Building Permit for Dwelling
Updated over a week ago

For the Official Permanent Building information

Get Support at the County of Maui Recovery Permit Center

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.

  • County of Maui Service Center
    110 Alaihi St., Suite 207
    Get Directions

  • Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • To contact the center, call (808) 270-5724.

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

FAQs for Permanent Building

Building Permit Questions - For structures destroyed in the 2023 Wildfires

  1. How do I apply for a building permit?

    Information on how to apply is available at: mapps.mauicounty.gov/320/DSA-Disaster-Recovery-Building-Permit.


    A property owner may apply for a building permit under the Disaster Recovery work class for structures destroyed in the 2023 fires for alterations, repairs, reconstruction, and new construction of structures.

  2. When can I submit for my building permit?

    There are no restrictions regarding building permit application submittal, so you can apply now. Information on how to apply is available at: mapps.mauicounty.gov/320/DSA-Disaster-Recovery-Building-Permit.

  3. How long will it take to obtain my building permit if I apply now?

    A property owner may apply for a building permit under the Disaster Recovery work class. If qualified, the plan review is anticipated to take up to fifteen (15) calendar days. However, the time it takes for a permit to be issued will depend on a variety of things as each permit application is unique and will be dependent on the location of the property and the proposed improvements.

  4. Do I have to pay any fees to rebuild?

    There are fees associated with a building permit that must be paid for permit review and issuance. Contact the Recovery Permit Center at (808) 270-5724 for additional information.

  5. Do you have any suggestions on where to start my rebuild?

    The following are some guides to your rebuild:

    1. 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. A list of architects can be found on Maui AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapter’s website .here

    2. 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.

    3. Once your design professional has completed building plans for your home, you may apply for a building permit. A property owner may apply for a building permit under the Disaster Recovery work class. Information on how to apply is available at: .mapps.mauicounty.gov/320/DSA-Disaster-Recovery-Building-Permit

  6. Can I apply to construct or place a temporary dwelling unit on my parcel until I can rebuild?

    A property owner may apply for a temporary building permit for a temporary dwelling. Information on how to apply is available at: . Please note that the building permit will not be issued until debris removal has been completed.mauirecovers.org/temporaryhousing

  7. Can I rebuild to provide housing for someone other than myself (non-owner occupancy) and do I qualify for emergency permitting?

    A property owner with a home destroyed in the 2023 fires may rebuild to house someone other than the property owner. A property owner may apply for a building permit under the Disaster Recovery work class. Information on how to apply is available here.

    Regarding permits that had been issued prior to the 2023 wildfires

  8. The building permit for my new home was being reviewed by agencies when the 2023 fire occurred. Is my building permit going to continue to be reviewed and will it be reviewed under the new emergency permitting process?

    The building permit application submitted prior to the 2023 fires should continue to be reviewed. Contact the Recovery Permit Center at (808) 270-5724 to confirm if the existing permit application qualifies under the new emergency permitting process.

  9. The building permit for my new home was being reviewed by agencies when the 2023 fire occurred. What do I do if I want to make changes to my plans now?

    The permit application should be withdrawn and a new building permit application should be submitted. Contact the Recovery Permit Center at (808) 270-5724 to confirm if the new building permit application qualifies under the Disaster Recovery permitting process.

  10. I was in the process of constructing my home when the 2023 fires totally destroyed what was built. Can I rebuild using the approved plans?

    If the building permit is still valid, and the rebuild will be done per the approved plans, a property owner may be able to start construction using the approved plans after fire debris removal has been completed for the parcel. Contact the Recovery Permit Center at (808) 270-5724 to verify if your permit is still valid and resubmittal of plans is not required.

  11. I was in the process of constructing an expansion to my existing home when the 2023 fires totally destroyed my existing home and the expansion being built. Can I rebuild using the approved plans for the expansion?

    The permit should be withdrawn and a new building permit will need to be submitted. Contact the Recovery Permit Center at (808) 270-5724 to verify if your parcel qualifies for the Disaster Recovery Building permit.

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