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Shoreline SMA
SMA
We Help Our Clients Get the SMA Permits They Need to Build in Hawaii
It can be challenging to build along the coast of Hawaii. There are special permits you need to obtain if you’re building or renovating a residential or commercial property.
The permit process is complicated and extensive. It’s easy for those unfamiliar with the documentation to make mistakes, resulting in delays and problems with their project.
Shoreline Consulting is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services. Our experts make the permit application process seamless and stress-free.
What's a Shoreline Special Management Area (SMA) Permit?
In 1975, the Hawaiian government passed a law called the Shoreline Protection Act. With this act, the Special Management Area (SMA) permit went into effect. The purpose of this permit is to ensure the protection, management, and beneficial use of lands within the Coastal Zone.
Any potential commercial or residential renovation or development needs to go through the extensive review process established by the Shoreline Protection Act. Individuals or businesses will need to obtain an SMA permit. An SMA can be obtained by adhering to conditions set forth in Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Chapter 205a. An applicant will need to research and compile charts, graphs and maps that accompany a lengthy written narrative that demonstrates how the proposed project complies with State and County requirements. If the project is a commercial development, you’ll also need to complete an extensive 150+ page Environmental Assessment (EA) Report.
Getting a permit and completing the EA can be quite a lengthy process. Residential building projects can take from two to 12 months. Larger commercial projects might take longer.
The experts at Shoreline Consulting have experience assisting residential and commercial clients through this process. Get in touch with us today to request a free consultation. We have extensive experience getting SMA permits for our clients.
How Does the Permit Process Work?
If your property falls within the limits of the SMA jurisdiction, you will be required to have a completed SMA permit before any work can begin. Check to see if your property falls within the SMA parameters by visiting the ArcGIS website. Items related to development or renovations include:
- Grading or Removing Coastal Land
- New Construction
- Renovation or Reconstruction
- Demolition
To start the permit process, the applicant needs to provide information about the project so it can get evaluated by the County Planning Commission. Information will include general architectural plans to convey design intent, site plans, Waste water treatment design information and other project specific information. A comprehensive written statement will also need to be created noting compliance with HRS Chapter 205a and also a series of State and Federal maps and reports. Additionally, surrounding landowners will need to get notified of the upcoming project through public hearings and in some cases projects will need to be formally presented to City Council for review and decision.
The evaluation for an SMA permit will look at multiple things. These factors include:
- Impact on the environment
- Cultural and historic resources Drainage
- Public views of the oceans
- Public access to shorelines and beaches
- The total impact of development
- Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 205A
Does the process of getting an SMA permit sound overwhelming? Don’t worry, Shoreline Consulting is here to help. Contact us, and we’ll start the process for you.
Who Approves the Application?
The application will then get reviewed by various county, state, and federal agencies. These agencies vary slightly County to County, but typically include:
Board of Water Supply
Planning and Permitting Department
Department of Health
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Department of Parks and Recreation
Department of Transportation Services
Environmental Health Department
Hawaiian Telecom
Hawaii Electric Company
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services
State of Historic Preservation
Public hearings, neighborhood board approvals, and council meetings will be held during the approval process. We’ll also have to satisfy the comments and requirements of all related municipal organizations and government agencies in the County, State and Federal government as applicable.
For example, Shoreline Consulting worked on a project where we had to get approval from the State and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to the project being located within 20,000 feet of an airfield.
Our team at Shoreline Consulting can help make the process of getting an SMA permit stress-free and easy. We’re the go-to experts in the state of Hawaii.
How Long Does the Approval Process Take?
The length of the approval process for an SMA permit depends on the project type and size.
An SMA Minor permit approval process can take two to six months. An SMA Minor development is classified as having less than $500,000 construction value.
An SMA Major can take longer than nine months. This type of project has a greater than $500,000 construction value.
Keep in mind that these timelines aren’t guaranteed. The approval process length depends on the following factors:
- Location
- Potential area impacts
- Timeliness of government agency response and review
- City and County council and public agendas
- Potential community opposition
How Much Does It Cost to Get an SMA Permit?
The cost of an SMA permit can vary significantly depending on the complexity of your project. Historical preservation, community, and environmental factors influence the cost as well. It’s challenging to give an accurate quote without knowing the project requirements.
We’re experts in figuring out how much a permit will cost you. Reach out to us to get a free estimate.
What's Included in the Environmental Assessment Report?
The Environmental Assessment (EA) report, as part of the permit approval process for Commercial Projects, is typically lengthy. This document intends to identify existing or potential environmental impacts due to the project. The report also addresses the underlying land and the proposed physical improvements to the property. The goal is to provide a design and supporting information that demonstrates a low impact on the culture, community, and environment.Shoreline Consulting can work with design teams to guide the appropriate direction that favors elements of culture, community, and the environment.
Shoreline Consulting has a starter outline to help you get started on the environmental assessment report. Download it today and contact us with any questions.
Why Partner With Shoreline Consulting?
At Shoreline Consulting, we understand that each residential and commercial project has unique challenges. We strive to guide our clients through any hurdles they might encounter.
Our experts are highly-trained in the rules and regulations of building in Hawaii. We have the skills and expertise needed to help you get an SMA permit as stress-free as possible.
Let our team handle the details. We’ll bring your vision to life in your upcoming renovation or building project.
Contact Shoreline Consulting Today to Get Started on the SMA Permit Process
Obtaining an SMA permit can be a daunting task. Shoreline Consulting is here to assist you in coordinating with various government agencies in completing your project.
Download our free outline to get started on the process. Get in touch with us today for assistance with the process or to talk more about your project. Give us a call.