Building Division open, processing permits; storm repair guidance updated for flood zones
LĪHUʻE – The County of Kauaʻi Building Division is open to the public and processing permit applications starting Monday, Sept. 28. Staff are working on applications submitted before Hurricane Lowell and accepting new applications.
Some County systems are still being restored after the Sept. 9 Kāpule Building fire, so service may be slower than usual. Depending on where an application is in the process, staff may accept payment and contact applicants when their permit is ready for pickup.
The County is also updating its guidance on Hurricane Lowell repairs to include properties in flood zones.
Future updates will announce changes to other in-person services at the Līhuʻe Civic Center.
Repairing storm damage
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Most homes and buildings: If your home or building was built with a County building permit and you are not in a flood zone, you do not need a new building permit to make necessary repairs for Hurricane Lowell damage. There is no fee, and no County inspections will be required. The work must still meet building codes. This includes building, electrical, plumbing, driveway and sign repairs. Questions: building@kauai.gov or call the Building Division at 808-241-4854.
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Properties in a flood zone: Contact the Department of Public Works Engineering Division at 808-241-4883 or pwengineering@kauai.gov before starting work. Each property is reviewed individually. If you have an elevation certificate for your structure, please include it, since County copies may not be available while systems are being restored. Structures with substantial damage, meaning repair costs equal to 50 percent or more of the structure’s value, need a building permit and must be rebuilt to meet current flood standards. Stockpiling debris within a regulatory floodway is prohibited at all times.
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Properties near the shoreline: Repairs require a Special Management Area (SMA) assessment determination before work begins. Work done without one may be subject to violations. The same 50 percent substantial damage standard applies. Contact the Planning Department at planningdepartment@kauai.gov.
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Inspections: Property owners who would like an inspection of their storm repairs may contact the Building Division for more information.
Pending and new permit applications
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Where to go: The Building Division counter is at 4444 Rice St., Suite 175, in Līhuʻe, open weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Planning staff are also available at the counter for zoning permit questions.
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Pending applications: Applications already in the system will continue to be reviewed in the order they were received. Storm repairs covered by the emergency order do not go through the permit process and will not delay pending applications.
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Checking your permit status: The online permit status lookup, Click2Gov, is not available. Call the Building Division at 808-241-4854 or email building@kauai.gov for an update.
Answers to common permit questions are available at www.kauairecovers.org.
For more information, please contact the Building Division at 808-241-4854 or building@kauai.gov.
To receive emergency alerts, sign up for Everbridge by visiting www.kauai.gov/KEMA and clicking “Notification Services,” texting “KAUAIEMA” to 888777, or calling KEMA at 808-241-1800.
If you need an ASL interpreter, materials in an alternate format, or other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Office of the Mayor at 808-241-4900 or CountyPIO@kauai.gov as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.
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