One of the more time-consuming parts of a Maui construction project is the permitting process, requiring a considerable amount of paperwork, plans, and patience. Even though the County of Maui made an effort to accelerate the power permitting process, especially after the Lahaina fires, the process can still take a long time. This can try anyone’s patience, especially someone either building a new home or undertaking a major remodeling.
Sometimes, impatient homeowners and builders decide to proceed with work and skip the permit process. This may work short term, but long term it can produce major headaches for someone else. This may be a current or future owner who decides to undertake a new renovation, such as a new kitchen or bathroom. When they apply for a permit, they get the unwelcome surprise of learning that some work in their home was never permitted, and therefore, unauthorized.
The County of Maui has a process for remediating this problem. Like the original permits that could have happened, the after-the-fact permit process can also be time-consuming and more expensive. Whether you wish to keep the previous renovations or remodel yourself, you must go through this process to complete the new construction.
After-The-Fact Permits Explained
An After-The-Fact Permit in Maui is the process for legalizing renovations or modifications that were made and completed without proper permits. This situation often arises when property owners complete work without obtaining the necessary approvals or when new owners discover unpermitted work done previously on a property they’ve purchased.
Purchasers of these structures that lack the proper permits face Maui County penalties and need after-the-fact permits. These are more difficult to secure and cost three times the standard fee.
If the unpermitted work is later determined to violate county codes, the new owners could be forced to remove it at their own expense. They might also encounter liability issues and rejected insurance claims because of this unpermitted construction.
Making It Right: After-The-Fact Permits Process
Remediating unpermitted work is a considerable process. It can take 6 to 9 months, and sometimes up to 12 months, to complete the after-the-fact permit process and approve it by the County of Maui. There are also significant fines associated with after-the-fact permits:
- Up to $2,000 for the application, including building, plumbing, and electrical.
- An additional 10% of the construction value if the property is in an SMA (Special Management Area) zone.
- Additional Expenses: To continue, you’ll also need to pay for plans, architectural services, and standard permit application fees.
Getting permits before beginning construction can eliminate additional headaches later.
Call Pro Draft For All Your Architectural Design Needs
When you’re ready to begin building a house in Maui, remodel one, or add to your home or commercial property, Pro Draft is ready to help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, and permits, and to answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is exactly how you envision it.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland