HCC §5F-1-6
Definitions for the construction and plumbing codes
Read the official text at hawaiicounty.gov ↗This section defines key terms used in the county's construction and plumbing codes, such as building, dwelling, permit, and director. It explains what counts as an accessory structure, a building, and a dwelling unit, and who the authority having jurisdiction is. These definitions help everyone understand the rules that follow.
everyone
The ordinance, as written (Hawaiʻi County) — Definitions
A copy, taken August 21, 2026. The version published by Hawaiʻi County is the one that governs, and it may have changed since. Check it before relying on anything here.
As used in this chapter, unless it is apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended: “Accessory structure” means a structure not greater than 3,000 square feet (279 m2) in floor area, and not over two stories in height, the use of which is customarily accessory to and incidental to that of the dwelling and which is located on the same lot. “Authority having jurisdiction” means the director of the department of public works, or the director’s authorized representative. “Building” means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. The term shall include but not be limited to, any structure mounted on wheels such as a trailer, wagon, or vehicle which is parked and stationary for any 24-hour period, and is used for business or living purposes; provided, however, that the term shall not include a push cart or push wagon which is readily movable and which does not exceed 25 square feet in area, nor shall the term include a trailer or vehicle, used exclusively for the purpose of selling any commercial product therefrom, which hold a vehicle license and actually travels on public or private streets. “Certified medical gas installer” means a qualified installer who has successfully passed a National Inspection Testing Certification Service competency examination in accordance with the ASSE Series 6000 Standard, section 6010. “Certified medical gas verifier” means a qualified installer who has successfully passed a National Inspection Testing Certification Service competency examination in accordance with the ASSE Series 6000 Standard, Section 6030. SUPP. 11 (1-2022) 5F-2 PLUMBING CODE § 5F-1-6 “This code” means the plumbing code, contained in chapter 5F, or the construction administrative code, contained in chapter 5, or both, as the context requires. “Construction code” means collectively: chapter 5, the construction administrative code; chapter 5A, the building code; chapter 5B, the residential building code; chapter 5C, the existing building code; chapter 5D, the electrical code; chapter 5E, the energy conservation code; chapter 5F, the plumbing code; and all administrative rules adopted pursuant to these chapters. “Director” means the director of public works of the County of Hawai‘i or the director’s duly authorized representative. “Dwelling” means any building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended, or designed to be built, used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied, or that are occupied for living purposes. “Dwelling unit” means a single unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. “Engineer” means a person who is licensed and in good standing as a professional engineer in the State of Hawai‘i. “Existing building” means a building erected prior to the effective date of this chapter, or one for which a legal permit has been issued. “Existing structure” means a structure erected prior to the effective date of this chapter, or one for which a legal permit has been issued. “IAPMO” means the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. “Permit” means a formal authorization issued by the authority having jurisdiction that authorizes performance of specified work, pursuant to the construction code, including the following chapters and all administrative rules adopted pursuant to the following chapters: (1) 5, the construction administrative code; (2) 5A, the building code; (3) 5B, the residential building code; (4) 5C, the existing building code; (5) 5D, the electrical code; (6) 5E, the energy conservation code; and (7) 5F, the plumbing code. “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation, or its or their successors or assigns, according to the context thereof. “Plumbing work” means the design, installation, alteration, construction, reconstruction, or repair of plumbing, gas, and drainage systems. “Section” means a section of a chapter of the Uniform Plumbing Code. “UPC” means the Uniform Plumbing Code as published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. (2020, ord 20-61, sec 6; am 2021, ord 21-61, secs 24 and 25.) 5F-1-6 5F-3 SUPP. 11 (1-2022)
Published by the County of Hawaiʻi Office of the County Clerk.
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