Maui County Code Title 19 Audit
In October 2016, Maui County issued a request for proposals to conduct a comprehensive audit and analysis of Title 19 of the Maui County Code (MCC). Title 19 enacts zoning for three primary purposes which can be summarized as follows:
The objective of the audit was to determine how well the code is meeting these purposes, and to suggest ways in which it can be improved to make it a “dynamic document that provides for best practice in land use regulation.”
Title 19 was originally adopted in 1960. Although it has been the subject of scores of amendments over the course of 57 years, the code has not been comprehensively updated or amended since adoption. Amendments are common practice to address omissions, errors, and new circumstances. Over time, however, such amendments can begin to weaken the overall zoning framework by establishing new standards, procedures, and definitions that introduce redundancy and internal conflict. This can lead to an excessive amount of interpretation and rulemaking as well as growing frustration among staff, boards, citizens, and applicants.
- To regulate the use of land in a manner that is consistent with adopted state and local laws;
- To promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and
- To implement community plans (MCC 19.04.015).
The objective of the audit was to determine how well the code is meeting these purposes, and to suggest ways in which it can be improved to make it a “dynamic document that provides for best practice in land use regulation.”
Title 19 was originally adopted in 1960. Although it has been the subject of scores of amendments over the course of 57 years, the code has not been comprehensively updated or amended since adoption. Amendments are common practice to address omissions, errors, and new circumstances. Over time, however, such amendments can begin to weaken the overall zoning framework by establishing new standards, procedures, and definitions that introduce redundancy and internal conflict. This can lead to an excessive amount of interpretation and rulemaking as well as growing frustration among staff, boards, citizens, and applicants.