Much of Upcountry and Haʻikū is zoned agricultural. If you're building on ag land, the county's Agricultural District rules shape what you can build, and therefore what gets dug.
The basics of Maui's Agricultural District
Ag zoning on Maui falls under Maui County Code Chapter 19.30A. Its stated purpose is to promote agriculture and protect agricultural resources. A few key points from county materials:
- The minimum lot size is 2 acres.
- Up to two farm dwellings are allowed on a lot, as long as they're on and used in connection with a farm.
- Farm labor dwellings, one per 5 acres, are for agricultural employees only.
- In 2024 the County Council approved a 500-square-foot increase in the allowed size of second farm dwellings on Maui and Lānaʻi.
The ag declaration
For a building permit for a farm dwelling, accessory agricultural structure or private garage, the county requires an agricultural declaration. Since 2019, a signed declaration of the ag district rules has replaced the recorded farm plan for most ag-zoned lots. Check with the Planning Department for your parcel. Zoning, community plan and state land use designations can all matter.
Typical excavation on ag land
- House pads and driveways, often long ones. See driveways.
- Farm roads to fields and orchards.
- Clearing for pasture or crops, which usually needs a grubbing permit. See land clearing.
- Ponds, terraces and water lines for irrigation.
- Wastewater for the dwelling. See septic vs. aerobic.
Unpaved farm roads and erosion
Unpaved agricultural roads are a known sediment source. A University of Hawaiʻi study in West Maui found that targeting the worst runoff hotspots is more cost-effective than treating every road segment. Build farm roads with crowns, water bars and stable crossings. See erosion control.
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