Permit Requirements for Kamuela, Hawaii
For Plumbing projects in Kamuela, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Hawaii County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Kamuela is located within Hawaii County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Hawaii, Hawaii County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Hawaii County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Hawaii County, Hawaii, a permit is generally required for all plumbing work on or to a building or structure. This includes new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, renovations, and demolitions. All repair or replacement work involving valves or pipes requires a permit and must be performed by a licensed plumber in accordance with state statutes. Maintenance work that involves repairing, replacing, or rearranging valves or pipes also necessitates a permit. Exemptions may apply for minor repairs that do not involve replacing or rearranging valves or pipes, or for the replacement or repair of disposals, faucets, and fixtures in non-commercial residential and County of Hawaii government occupancies.
Plumbing permits are issued by the Department of Public Works, Building Division. The county has transitioned to a streamlined one-permit process, integrating building, plumbing, and electrical permits into a single system known as the Electronic Permitting and Information Center (EPIC). However, separate applications for plumbing permits may still be required depending on the specific work.
To obtain a plumbing permit, a completed plumbing permit application must be submitted. This application requires information such as the type of work, project location, estimated cost, and details of the plumbing contractor and journeyman. Construction drawings, specifications, and other required documents, such as an Individual Wastewater System (IWS) Approval Letter, may also need to be submitted. All work must be performed by a contractor licensed by the State of Hawaii.
Permit fees are associated with plumbing permits, with a minimum base fee and additional fees based on the project's valuation. Once a permit is issued, it is crucial to post the permit placard at the job site before commencing work. Inspections by the Building Division are mandatory during and after the completion of the plumbing work.
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
The plumbing permit requirements for properties in unincorporated areas of Hawaii County are the same as those for properties within incorporated areas. The County of Hawaii's Building Division is responsible for enforcing building, electrical, and plumbing codes across the entire county, regardless of whether an area is incorporated or unincorporated. Therefore, any plumbing work requiring a permit in Hawaii County will necessitate obtaining the appropriate permit from the Department of Public Works, Building Division, irrespective of the property's location within the county.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Hawaii:
Hawaii Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
State-Level Plumbing Codes and Legislation in Hawaii
The State of Hawaii has adopted the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as its statewide plumbing code. Specifically, the state has incorporated the 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), into the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) under Title 3, Chapter 183. This adoption includes specific state-level amendments to address local requirements, such as seismic support standards and definitions tailored to Hawaii's regulatory environment.
While the state establishes these minimum standards, the enforcement of plumbing codes is primarily handled at the county level. Each county in Hawaii may adopt the state code by ordinance and is responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections for plumbing installations within its jurisdiction.
Primary State Boards and Agencies
- State Building Code Council (SBCC): Administratively attached to the Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS), the SBCC is responsible for the adoption and amendment of the state building codes, including the State Plumbing Code, as mandated by Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Section 107-25.
- Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA): The DCCA’s Professional and Vocational Licensing Division (PVL) oversees the licensing of plumbing professionals. Specifically, the Board of Electricians and Plumbers is responsible for the licensing of Journey Worker Plumbers, Master Plumbers, and plumbing contractors.
- County Building Departments: These local agencies are the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) responsible for the actual enforcement, permitting, and inspection of plumbing work to ensure compliance with the adopted state codes and local ordinances.
Resources to Learn More