Permit Requirements for Koloa, Hawaii
For Plumbing projects in Koloa, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Kauai 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 Koloa is located within Kauai County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Hawaii, Kauai County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Kauai County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Kauai County, Hawaii, plumbing permits are managed by the Building Division of the Department of Public Works. The county has adopted the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with amendments as its plumbing code. For emergency repairs made outside of normal working hours, on weekends, or holidays, permits must be obtained from the Kauai County Building Division within two business days.
Plumbing permits are generally issued to licensed plumbing contractors. However, firms or corporations performing incidental plumbing work may also obtain permits if they employ a licensed plumber. Gas utility companies can obtain permits for gas piping work, and government agencies with licensed plumbers on staff are also eligible. Homeowners may perform plumbing work on their own property if they hold a valid, unexpired license as required by HRS Chapter 448E.
All plumbing work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed plumber holding a valid license in compliance with HRS Chapter 448E. The enforcement of state licensing requirements (HRS Chapter 444 and HRS Chapter 448E) is the responsibility of the State of Hawaii.
For properties in unincorporated areas, the general building and plumbing permit requirements of Kauai County apply. There are no specific separate rules mentioned for unincorporated areas regarding plumbing permits; they fall under the purview of the county's Building Division.
Permit Application Process and Requirements:
- A building permit application and Contractor's Statement must be completed and submitted. These forms can be obtained from the Building Division office or downloaded from the Kauai County website.
- Plans must be submitted, and for commercial buildings, electrical and plumbing drawings are required. All plans must be prepared, designed, approved, and stamped by a duly registered professional licensed engineer or architect as required by Chapter 464, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
- Fees are based on the project valuation and are payable to the "Director of Finance." A plan review fee, typically 15% of the building permit fee, is also required.
- For sewer line connections, a Sewer Connection permit and applicable fees are required, including a Wastewater Treatment Capacity Assessment fee.
- Backflow preventers or devices must be installed in accessible locations and maintained by the owner, subject to periodic testing and inspection by the Department of Water.
- Plumbing vent systems must terminate at least one foot above the base flood elevation.
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