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Building a Temporary Dwelling Unit on Individual Property in the Burn Area
The Temporary Housing page is your go-to resource for property owners in the burn area looking to build or place temporary dwelling units on their property before they are able to rebuild their permanent structure.
- Learn steps to apply for a Temporary Permit in Maui's Automated Planning and Permitting System (MAPPS) for Temporary Dwelling.
- Finding information for Temporary Permits, FAQs, Housing Units, and Housing Resources for comprehensive assistance during this transitional period.
What is a Temporary Dwelling Unit?
Under the current Mayor's Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires, a temporary dwelling unit is a "temporary structure", which includes, but is not limited to structures, motor vehicles, trailers, and recreational vehicles used for housing, schools, medical facilities, financial institutions, and food distribution sites which may include food and service provider vendors, and has been approved for processing under these rules by the Office of Recovery.
Can I Place Temporary Dwelling Unit on My Property Inside the Burn Area?
Under the current Mayor's Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires you may place a temporary dwelling unit on your property inside the burn area, provided you have an approved temporary building permit.
How Long Can I Have a Permitted Temporary Dwelling Unit on My Property?
Ordinance 5685 requires temporary structures, inclusive of those used as dwelling units permitted under a state or local emergency proclamation under section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to be permitted initially for forty-two (42) months, after which the property owner may apply for an automatic permit extension for no more than eighteen (18) additional months from the date of the initial permit expiration.
What are the Requirements to Erect a Temporary Dwelling on My property?
- Property must have been issued a Debris Clean-up Certificate.
- All temporary dwelling units must have a temporary building permit prior to placement on a property and occupancy.
- All temporary dwelling units must connect to the County sewer system or a State Department of Health approved individual wastewater system, except for Wahikuli where cesspool connection is allowed.
- All temporary structures must meet Maui County Fire Code, including access requirements.
- Temporary building permit approval requires the temporary dwelling unit to have a signed certification from a State of Hawaii licensed professional (structural engineer or architect) and State of Hawaii licensed electrical and plumbing contractor.
- Temporary dwelling units located in the Shoreline Management Area, Flood Hazard Zone, Historic Districts 1, 2, or 3, the National Historic Landmark Boundary, planned development, or a project district may require relevant permit approvals.
- Additional Rules Relating to Temporary Structures can be found in the current Mayor's Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires.
What are the Requirements to Erect a Temporary Dwelling on My property?
- Property must have been issued a Debris Clean-up Certificate.
- All temporary dwelling units must have a temporary building permit prior to placement on a property and occupancy.
- All temporary dwelling units must connect to the County sewer system or a State Department of Health approved individual wastewater system, except for Wahikuli where cesspool connection is allowed.
- All temporary structures must meet Maui County Fire Code, including access requirements.
- Temporary building permit approval requires the temporary dwelling unit to have a signed certification from a State of Hawaii licensed professional (structural engineer or architect) and State of Hawaii licensed electrical and plumbing contractor.
- Temporary dwelling units located in the Shoreline Management Area, Flood Hazard Zone, Historic Districts 1, 2, or 3, the National Historic Landmark Boundary, planned development, or a project district may require relevant permit approvals.
- Additional Rules Relating to Temporary Structures can be found in the current Mayor's Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires.
Steps to Apply for a Temporary Permit within Fire Impacted Areas
1. Temporary Building Permit Checklist
If your property status is "orange" on the Consolidated Debris Removal Closeout Package map and issued a Debris Clean-up Certificate, your building permit is approvable.
Check status below
- County Sewer: If your property status is "green" on the Sewer Service Status Viewer, your building permit is approvable, provided your property cleanout and lateral is functional. If your property is "red" on the Sewer Service Status Viewer, your building permit cannot be approved until your property status is "green". Contact the Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division at (808) 586-7417, if you have questions.
- Wahikuli Cesspool: If your property has a functioning cesspool and located in Wahikuli, please refer to the State DOH Guidance for Properties with Cesspools. Contact County Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division at (808) 7417, if you have questions.
- Cesspool and Individual Wastewater System (IWS): If your property has a cesspool and not in the Wahikuli Houselot Subdivision or has an individual wastewater system (IWS), you will need to have a State DOH approved individual wastewater system (IWS) plan prior to building approval. Contact State Department of Health (SDOH) is required. Contact SDOH Wastewater Branch at (808) 586-4294, if you have questions.
Check status below
Site plan should contain the following:
- Tax Map Key (TMK), Address, Name of Street fronting property.
- Layout of Lot including Lot line measurement, Lot Area.
- Location of existing and proposed building(s) and structure(s).
- Dimensions from property lines to building and structures.
- Dimensions between buildings and structures.
- Connection points to various utilities, if applicable.
Completed form is required to be submitted with Temporary Building Application.
For specific information on site plan requirements, please contact County Planning-ZAED at (808) 270-7253.
For application or uploading assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
- Download the form here: https://hi-mauicountymapps.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/202
- Completed form is required to be submitted with Temporary Building Application.
- For further assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250.
- Temporary Dwelling Unit value, including labor and materials, is required to be entered when submitting the Temporary Building Permit Application.
- For further assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
- Download the form here
- Completed form is required to be submitted with Temporary Building Permit Application.
- For further assistance, including information on RV requirements, please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
- Download Water Meter Sizing Worksheet for Residential.
- All existing and proposed water using fixtures shall be included on the worksheet.
- Worksheet must be signed by landowner or authorized representative.
- Completed form is required to be submitted with Temporary Building Application.
- For further assistance, please call County Water-Engineering Division at (808) 270-7835.
2. Create a MAPPS Customer Self Service account
- Instructions on How to Create a login for a MAPPS Customer Self Service (CSS) Account
- For further assistance, please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
3. Submit application online in MAPPS
- Follow the instructions to Submit a Building Permit Application for Temporary Structures. View instructions here.
- For application or uploading assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
4. Pay Fees
- DSA Building Plan Review Fee is waived since a building plan review is not conducted for temporary building permits.
- DSA Building Permit Fee is required to be paid prior to issuance of building permit, if the permit is approved by all agencies.
- Fire Department Plan Review Fee is required to be paid before a temporary building permit application is routed to agencies for review.
- For application or uploading assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
5. Agency Reviews/Approvals
- Once all required intake documents on the checklist has been received, applicable County and State agencies will initiate their review.
- Once all agencies have indicated their approval, the applicant will be notified to pay all the building permit fee for permit issuance.
6. Building Permit Issuance
- Once all agencies have indicated their approval and all fees have been paid, the permit is issued and placement/construction of the temporary dwelling unit is authorized for the duration stated on the permit.
- Electrical Service: Please contact Hawaiian Electric to apply for installation of temporary electrical service at (808) 871-2390. Any type of electrical work requires the work to be done by a licensed electrician.
- Water: Please contract County Water at (808) 270-7330 for re-establishment of water Service. Any type of plumbing work requires the work to be done by a licensed plumber.
- Sewer: Please contract County Wastewater at (808) 270-7417 for re-establishment of sewer Service. Any type of plumbing work requires the work to be done by a licensed plumber.
Get Support
Development Services Administration
For application assistance for temporary structures, please call County DSA - Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
Helping Maui CNHA
Resources have been specially curated to connect you with highly trained, local design professionals who can assist you from the application for your permit to the completion of your new home.
- Free or discounted architectural Plans
- Connect with local based builders
- Navigate financing
American Institute of Architects, Maui Chapter
To connect or find a local architect visit AIA, Maui Chapter.
CNHA's Kāko‘o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center
Survivors can meet with Kako‘o support staff to get support for Housing, FEMA, Legal assistnace and more across multiple community organizations.
- Housing Pathways, Right of Entry, Rebuild - Architectural Designs,
- Legal Aid. Financial Counseling and Mental Health Counseling
- Support with SBA, FEMA appeals, Social Services and Application Assistance
Maui Mall
153 E Kamehameha Ave, Kahului, HI 96732
Get Directions
Open: Monday-Friday at 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Phone: 808-204-2722
Email: kakoomaui@hawaiiancouncil.org
