During the course of a renovation, you’ll have a number of different inspections before your work is finished. These County inspectors attest that any construction project meets the codes and regulations in Maui County and the State of Hawaii. They also enforce zoning and building codes as needed to ensure that buildings are safe.
Occasionally, properties come with additions that the previous owners built but didn’t get properly permitted. If you’ve discovered remodeling work that should have had a permit but wasn’t acquired, you may also receive a Request For Service, or RFS from the building inspector.
RFS letters can be issued for work that had no permit, or work that exceeded the limitations of the permit.
Another reason why you may receive an RFS letter is if you are operating a short-term vacation rental without the proper permits. Residents around your property can file a complaint with the county for an RFS to be issued.
How An Architect Can Help
Should you find yourself on the receiving end of an RFS, don’t ignore it. You can be subjected to considerable fines.
Depending on what you need to do, your architect can:
- Draw plans to comply with the required corrective action
- Help with “after-the-fact” permits and RFS
- Assist with the new permit process
- Assist with permits for Short Term Rental and Bed-and-Breakfast use for your property
- Walk you through the process to deal with the permit expediting process yourself
If you’re not sure that what you’re doing is in compliance with Maui County’s regulations, it’s a good idea to ask.
Projects Where Permits Are Not Needed
If you’re planning:
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Interior cosmetic work such as painting, papering, cabinetry, flooring
- Exterior cosmetic work such as sidewalks, driveways, planter boxes, curbs, parking lots
- Repairs that are replacement of components and do not involve electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Single-story detached buildings no larger than 120 sf, used as a playhouse, shed for the storage of tools, or other similar uses
- Agricultural buildings under 200 sf in floor space
- Temporary construction offices, tool sheds or fences where work is being performed under a permit
Before you start, it’s a good idea to speak with your architect to make sure that what you plan to do will not violate any building or other codes.
Let Pro Draft Help With Your Next Construction Project
When you’re ready to begin building, remodeling, or adding to your current property, call us. Pro Draft can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We also offer project management services to our commercial clients to help keep the project on track and on budget. Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland.
