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What is a Temporary Structure?
A temporary structure is a dwelling unit permitted for 180 days. Examples include but are not limited to RV, pre-fabricated living space for temporary habitation, trailers, modular homes, constructed or enclosed areas used for temporary habitation. However, under Ordinance 5685, "Temporary structures, inclusive of those used as dwelling units permitted under a state or local emergency proclamation under section 127A-14, Hawaii Revised Statutes, must 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."
To be considered for a temporary permit, dwelling units must meet Maui County Fire Code and must not pose a life safety or fire safety hazard. Units must be supported with certified individual wastewater systems or County sewer service to protect public health and sanitation.
Steps to Apply for a Temporary Permit within Lahaina Fire Impacted Areas
1. Receive debris closeout package
Check status below
2. Application Checklist
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.
Upload site plan to the case.
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
- Upload completed form to the case.
- For further assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250.
- Indicate value of the temporary structure including labor and materials.
- For further assistance please call County DSA-Building Permit Section at (808) 270-7250 or email at building.permits@mauicounty.gov.
Check wastewater service status (Note, as of 7/25/24: Additional wastewater guidance is pending approval)
- If your property was served by County sewer and the sewer is operational, then you'll be able to connect to County sewer upon receiving approval from the Department of Environmental Management.
- If your property was served by an individual waste system (cesspool or spectic), see DOH Cesspool guidance.
- If you property was served by County sewer but the sewer is not operational, please contact the County Department of Environmental Management - Wastewater Division at (808) 270-7417.
Check status below
- Download the form here: https://hi-mauicountymapps.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/310/Consilidated-Application-Acknowledgment-Form
- Add completed form as an additional document to the case.
- For further assistance 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.
3. Create a MAPPS Customer Self Service account
4. 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.
5. 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 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.
6. Receive Approval
- Once you receive approval, you can proceed with placement of your temporary structure.
- 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.
This Temporary Housing page is your go-to resource for displaced wildfire survivors looking to build or place temporary dwelling units.
- Learn steps to apply for a Temporary Permit in Maui's Automated Planning and Permitting System (MAPPS) for Temporary Dwelling.
- Find information for Temporary Permits, FAQs, Housing Units, and Housing Resources for comprehensive assistance during this transitional period
Get Support
County of Maui Recovery Permit Center
The 4Leaf team is reviewing and approving all permits within the burn area in Lahaina and Kula. Get support navigating the permitting process and take the next step toward returning home.
County of Maui Service Center
110 Alaihi St., Suite 207, Kahului, HI 96732
Get Directions
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To contact the center, call (808) 270-5724.
Office of Recovery-West Maui
Get access to County, State, Federal, and community service agencies
- Re-entry and contractor access passes (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. only)
- FEMA, SBA
- Recovery Permit Center (4LEAF, Inc.)
- County of Maui Office of Economic Development and partners' business support
- Maui County Council Member Tamara Paltin and staff
- Rotating agencies include: Maui AIDS Foundation, Med-QUEST, Imua Family Services, Kaiser Permanente, Maui Economic Opportunity, United Policyholders, Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i Maui Branch
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(closed 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch/meetings)
Lahaina Gateway
325 Keawe Street, Suite B102 (near Ace Hardware)
Get Directions
MEMA
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 11:30am
FEMA
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
SBA
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
4Leaf
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
CM Paltin
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Business Partners
Monday – Friday
8:00am – 4:30pm
Kaiser/MedQuest/Imua
Tues & Thursday
9:00am – 3:00pm
Legal Aid
Monday – Friday
10:00am – 2:00pm
United Policyholders
Friday
10:00am – 4:00pm
MEO
Wednesday
9:00am – 3:00pm
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
Not what you're looking for?
Find other resource centers available to support you.
View or Download Temporary Housing Flyer (PDF)
FAQs for Temporary Housing
A temporary building permit application for a temporary dwelling unit outside the fire burned area will be accepted. Please go to the “How to apply for a permit” for more information.
A temporary building permit application for a temporary dwelling unit inside the fire burned area will be accepted; however the permit application will not be routed to agencies for review until the County confirms the parcel has completed fire debris removal. Please go to the “How to apply for a permit” for more information.
If there are no more than a total of 3 dwelling units on the property and the units will be connected to the County Water and County Sewer, the review time should be approximately 2-3 weeks; however the permit application will not be routed to agencies for review until the County confirms the parcel has completed fire debris removal.
If there are more than a total of 3 dwelling units on the property or the units will not be connected to County Water and County Sewer, the review time may take longer.
If there are no more than a total of 3 dwelling units on the property and the units will be connected to the County Water and County Sewer, the review time should be approximately 2-3 weeks.
If there are more than a total of 3 dwelling units on the property or the units will not be connected to County Water and County Sewer, the review time may take longer.
A temporary building permit is used to permit temporary dwelling units, under Maui County Code Section 16.26.108-Temporary Structures and Uses.