Frequently Asked Questions
What is Title 19?
Title 19 is the zoning code for the County of Maui. It is codified as part of the Maui County Code which has 22 titles.
Where does Title 19 apply?
Title 19 applies to all lands within the County of Maui except conservation districts regulated by the State of Hawaiʻi.
Why does Title 19 need to be rewritten?
Title 19 has not been comprehensively rewritten since its adoption in 1960. Amendments since then have addressed specific concerns or interests, but these amendments have created a code that is hard to navigate and often confusing. The current code does not have a strong relationship to the Maui County General Plan or any of the myriad plans in effect on Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi. Without a strong relationship to these plans, plan implementation is difficult.
Who is working on the T19 Rewrite?
The County of Maui Planning Department hired Orion Planning + Design (OPD) to lead the rewrite. Their team includes PBR Hawaii, Carlsmith Ball, and Rundell Ernstberger Associates. In addition to these consultants, County of Maui staff will be actively involved in all aspects of the rewrite.
How long will the rewrite process take?
The rewrite will take about six years. Although that seems like a very long time, there is a lot to do to complete everything within the project scope. First, there will be ample opportunity for input from a broad variety of stakeholders and interest groups. Second, drafting, reviewing, editing, and refining take time as zoning codes are complex and require many hours of painstaking work. Third, there will be the creation of a user’s guide intended to help anyone who is interested in understanding or using Title 19 and training for boards and staff so everyone is capable of working together well when it is adopted. And last, but not least, there will be an online version of Title 19 that will be easy to read, navigate, save, and print. This version of the code will include hyperlinks and other tools to make getting around the code easy and quick.
Will I have a chance to have input?
Yes. Everyone who is interested will have an opportunity to have input. In addition to periodic public meetings and workshops, the project website will include ways for you to engage with the process 24/7.
Will the Title 19 Rewrite change what I can do with my property?
It might, and possibly for the better. The goal of a good zoning code is to balance private property rights with public priorities through regulations that promote and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Public priorities are expressed through plans and other adopted public policies. Anytime a zoning regulation is changed it has the potential to impact the use and development of structures and land. Sometimes the change means there are more options or requirements. Sometimes the change means fewer options or requirements. To find out how the rewrite could impact your property, review the plan that is applicable to your property, stay engaged with the Title 19 Rewrite process, and ask questions along the way. There will be numerous opportunities for public input.
How can I find out if I am impacted by the Title 19 Rewrite?
Ask. Come to a public meeting, submit a question via email, and review the draft code. To know how any change might impact you, first you need to know what the current code does/does not allow or will/will not prevent on your property and within the area around your property you feel most impacts your use, enjoyment, and investment.
Where can I get more information about the Title 19 Rewrite?
If you have a question that has not been answered, please comment in the box below to email us your question. Please be sure to include your name and a phone number and/or email where you can be reached. We will respond to you by either email or with a phone call. You may also call (808) 270-6272 with questions.
Title 19 is the zoning code for the County of Maui. It is codified as part of the Maui County Code which has 22 titles.
Where does Title 19 apply?
Title 19 applies to all lands within the County of Maui except conservation districts regulated by the State of Hawaiʻi.
Why does Title 19 need to be rewritten?
Title 19 has not been comprehensively rewritten since its adoption in 1960. Amendments since then have addressed specific concerns or interests, but these amendments have created a code that is hard to navigate and often confusing. The current code does not have a strong relationship to the Maui County General Plan or any of the myriad plans in effect on Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi. Without a strong relationship to these plans, plan implementation is difficult.
Who is working on the T19 Rewrite?
The County of Maui Planning Department hired Orion Planning + Design (OPD) to lead the rewrite. Their team includes PBR Hawaii, Carlsmith Ball, and Rundell Ernstberger Associates. In addition to these consultants, County of Maui staff will be actively involved in all aspects of the rewrite.
How long will the rewrite process take?
The rewrite will take about six years. Although that seems like a very long time, there is a lot to do to complete everything within the project scope. First, there will be ample opportunity for input from a broad variety of stakeholders and interest groups. Second, drafting, reviewing, editing, and refining take time as zoning codes are complex and require many hours of painstaking work. Third, there will be the creation of a user’s guide intended to help anyone who is interested in understanding or using Title 19 and training for boards and staff so everyone is capable of working together well when it is adopted. And last, but not least, there will be an online version of Title 19 that will be easy to read, navigate, save, and print. This version of the code will include hyperlinks and other tools to make getting around the code easy and quick.
Will I have a chance to have input?
Yes. Everyone who is interested will have an opportunity to have input. In addition to periodic public meetings and workshops, the project website will include ways for you to engage with the process 24/7.
Will the Title 19 Rewrite change what I can do with my property?
It might, and possibly for the better. The goal of a good zoning code is to balance private property rights with public priorities through regulations that promote and protect public health, safety, and welfare. Public priorities are expressed through plans and other adopted public policies. Anytime a zoning regulation is changed it has the potential to impact the use and development of structures and land. Sometimes the change means there are more options or requirements. Sometimes the change means fewer options or requirements. To find out how the rewrite could impact your property, review the plan that is applicable to your property, stay engaged with the Title 19 Rewrite process, and ask questions along the way. There will be numerous opportunities for public input.
How can I find out if I am impacted by the Title 19 Rewrite?
Ask. Come to a public meeting, submit a question via email, and review the draft code. To know how any change might impact you, first you need to know what the current code does/does not allow or will/will not prevent on your property and within the area around your property you feel most impacts your use, enjoyment, and investment.
Where can I get more information about the Title 19 Rewrite?
If you have a question that has not been answered, please comment in the box below to email us your question. Please be sure to include your name and a phone number and/or email where you can be reached. We will respond to you by either email or with a phone call. You may also call (808) 270-6272 with questions.
