County of Kauai’s new Additional Rental Unit (ARU)

“I feel like I’m saying this for every listing, this kitchen is also not supposed to be here…” ~ words from another Kauai Realtor.

With the Kauai County allowing ARU’s now, that kitchen can be allowed. There is some information to know before attempting to get an ARU. All of which can be found at www.kauai.gov

Photo by Viktor Forgacs

Here are some important points on ARU’s:

1. Must be Residential zoning

2. 800 sq. ft. max, must have at least 1 parking stall

3. Must be long term rental 6 months or more

4. Cannot CPR an ARU

5. Must have an updated waste water system. (Septic or sewer)

To get an ARU most likely wont be as simple as it sounds plans/surveys and architectural drawings of the property will also have to be done.

So far no ones actually completed one since I’ve talked to the county this month Feb. 2019. – Update Since Ive written this article: At the last Kauai Board of Realtors general membership meeting (June 2019) a county council member Luke Evslin mentioned that they just got their ARU for their Lihue home. The total cost of completing the ARU was around $20,000. The county is currently trying to find ways to make this more affordable. Luke has been an advocate for lowering the price for homeowners to obtain a legal ARU. He has since made a few bills to lower the cost and has some updated information on his website. 

To my knowledge the county is not going door to door looking for illegal kitchens. They will look online! According to one of the county directors they have one worker in charge of cracking down on homes with illegal long term rentals and a hand full of employee’s actively seeking illegal vacation rentals.

Waialeale Estates, Kapaa

How many ARU’s can I have?

Homes in this neighborhood in Waialeale Estates, Kapaa that have this floor plan in the above photo would be perfect for obtaining an ARU as these floor plans already have a studio downstairs. The septic conversion would apply.

If your property is zoned Residential that property is allowed to have one ARU. If you have a home and a legal Additional Dwelling Unit (ADU) your ADU is also allowed one ARU.

First steps to getting a legal ARU

1. The first step is to fill out this form and get it approved by the planning department at the Kauai county.

2. The 2nd step is to get approvals from the building department and that is when the architectural drawings will be needed and when the department of health will be checking to make sure you have an updated septic system or are on sewer.

Cost

This is something I am still unsure of. After reading some bills that Luke Evslin has been trying to pass there seems to be large application fee’s to obtain an ARU. Other costs to consider are from a surveyor, architect and septic installation company if applicable.

By 2053 it will be required for everyone who is on a cesspool to upgrade to a septic tank. Its about to get expensive to flush a toilet!