Permit Requirements for Kula, Hawaii
For Plumbing projects in Kula, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Maui 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 Kula is located within Maui County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Hawaii, Maui County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Maui County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Maui County, plumbing permits are required for both new and existing plumbing installations. The purpose of these permits is to ensure that installations meet minimum requirements and standards for public health and safety. Permits are issued by the Department of Public Works, Development Services Administration, Plumbing Permit and Inspection Office. Only State of Hawaii Licensed Plumbing Contractors can apply for and obtain plumbing permits. Homeowners cannot directly apply for or request plumbing inspections; this must be done by the licensed contractor who obtained the permit.
Work on plumbing systems, including electrical and gas systems, requires a permit. Permits are generally valid for one year from the date of issuance, and if the initial inspection is not approved within that year, the permit becomes void. Once the initial inspection is approved, the permit remains active for up to five years or until the final inspection is approved, whichever comes first. Permits may be suspended or revoked if issued in error, based on incorrect information, or if the installation violates county codes or state laws.
Properties in unincorporated areas of Maui County are subject to the same permit requirements as those within incorporated areas. The county's building codes and ordinances apply county-wide.
Hawaii County Plumbing Permit Requirements
In Hawaii County, a permit is generally required for all plumbing work on or to a building or structure, including new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, renovations, and demolitions. However, certain minor plumbing repairs are exempt, such as clearing stoppages or repairing leaks that do not involve replacing or rearranging pipes or fixtures. The replacement or repair of faucets, sinks, and water closets for non-commercial residential and county government occupancies are also exempt, provided they do not involve rearranging pipes or valves. All repair or replacement work must be performed by licensed plumbers in accordance with state statutes.
Permits for plumbing work can only be issued to and completed by a licensed plumbing contractor. The Department of Public Works Building Division is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Hawaii County Code on plumbing. Plumbing permits become null and void if work is suspended for 120 days or more or if work is done in violation of the County of Hawai'i Plumbing Code or State Statutes. Refund requests for permit fees must be submitted within 90 days of the permit's issue date.
Similar to Maui County, properties in unincorporated areas of Hawaii County are subject to the same permit requirements as those in incorporated areas. The county's building codes and ordinances apply throughout the entire 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