Building Plan Approval Process in Kitui County Government

A Step-By-Step Guide On Obtaining A Construction Permit ; Comprehensive Guide.

At Kitui County Government, we understand that obtaining a construction permit can be a daunting task for many people. This is why we have put in place a step-by-step process to make the process as smooth and easy as possible.

In this article, we will take you through the entire process of obtaining a construction permit in Kitui County Government.

Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey and Drawing Preparation

Before you start any construction work, you need to conduct a site survey and prepare the necessary drawings. The site survey will help you determine the best location for your building and also identify any potential issues that may affect the construction process.

The drawings will be used to guide the construction process and ensure that the building is constructed according to the approved plans.

Step 2: Submission of Building Plan Application

Once you have completed the site survey and prepared the necessary drawings, you can then proceed to submit your building plan application.

This application should include all the necessary details about your building, including:

• Certified Architectural Drawings (at least 5 copies) – prepared by an architect or a firm registered with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
• Certified Structural Drawings (at least 5 copies) – prepared by a structural engineer or a firm registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya.
• Indemnity Form (signed by architect and/or structural engineer
• Copy of Land Ownership Documents
• Land Rates Clearance Certificate
• Land Search Document – not older than three months
• Survey Map – from Survey of Kenya
• The type of building, the size of the building, and the materials that will be used in the construction process.
• Approval Fee Payment – the amount is based on the design and is payable during submission.

Step 3: Building Plan Review and Assessment

After submitting your building plan application, the Kitui County Government will review and assess your plans to ensure that they meet all the necessary building codes and regulations.

This review process may take some time, but it is necessary to ensure that your building is safe and meets all the necessary standards.

Step 4: Site Inspection

Once your building plans have been approved, you will need to schedule a site inspection. This inspection is important to ensure that the construction site is safe and that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans.

Step 5: Approval

After the site inspection, the Kitui County Government will either approve or deny your building permit application. If your application is approved, you will be issued with a building permit that allows you to proceed with the construction process.

Step 6: Project Registration With Of the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA)

Before you start the construction process, you will need to register your project with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA).

This registration process involves meeting certain requirements, completing an online registration process, and obtaining an NCA registration number. You will also need to display your NCA number prominently at the construction site.

Project registration with the National Construction Authority (NCA) is a requirement for all contractors undertaking construction projects in Kenya.

The process of registering a project with the NCA is relatively straightforward and involves a few steps.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register a project with the NCA in Kenya:

 Register with the NCA

Once you have obtained an approved drawing from the county, you can proceed to register your project with the NCA.

To do this, you will need to submit an application form online and provide relevant documents, such as the project drawings, bill of quantities, and a site plan.

Local developers/owners registering a project must ensure that their contractors and sub-contractors are registered by NCA and have a valid practicing license for the current financial year.

The contractor classification/grades set by NCA regulations allow contractors to register in one or more categories according to their experience and qualifications. Once all requirements are met, a Certificate of Registration is issued on registration as a contractor in Kenya.

Developers can register their projects through the NCA project registration portal or visit the nearest NCA regional or liaison office for assistance.

It should also be noted that project registration is currently free of charge.

NCA Project Registration Requirements

The following are the requirements:

• The contractor and sub-contractor must be registered by NCA and must have a valid practicing license for the current financial year.
• The project consultants (for example the engineer (s), architect, and quantity surveyor) must be duly registered with their respective professional regulatory bodies, such as the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) and the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors (BORAQS). They must have valid practicing licenses
• Approved architectural and structural drawings.
• Physical planning forms (county approval permits/ letters/PPA2)
• Other statutory and regulatory approvals such as NEMA, EPRA, WRA and KCAA licenses where applicable.
• Bill of quantities summary page duly signed and stamped by the quantity surveyor.
• Copy of developer’s Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN.
• Signed contract/tender form or signed agreement by the developer with the contractor.
• Supervision Commitment Letters by consultants and/or agreements/contracts by developers with consultants.

How National Construction Authority (NCA) Project Registration Is Done Online Portal

To register a project with the National Construction Authority (NCA) in Kenya, developer can follow these steps:

1. Visit the NCA website at https://nca.go.ke/ and download the Project Registration Form.
2. Fill out the form with the relevant information about your project, including the type of project, location, estimated cost, and project duration.
3. Attach the necessary documents, including architectural and engineering drawings, environmental impact assessment reports, and other relevant certificates and approvals.
4. Pay the prescribed fees (if any) for project registration through the provided payment channels, such as M-PESA, bank deposits, or online payment systems. Note that project registration is currently (2023) free of charge.
5. Submit the completed registration form and supporting documents online or  to the nearest NCA regional office.

After submitting your application, NCA officials will review your project and either approve or reject it based on their evaluation of its compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

If your project is approved, you will be issued with a NCA registration certificate, which you will need to present to other relevant authorities to obtain necessary permits and approvals for construction.

In short, after submitting your application, the NCA will review your documents and conduct an inspection of the project site.

If your application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval, which will allow you to proceed with the construction project.

Display Your NCA Project Registration Number

Once your project is registered with the NCA, you will need to display your project registration number at the project site.

This certificate number serves as proof that the project is registered with the NCA and that the contractor is authorized to undertake the construction work.

It is important to ensure that your project is registered with the NCA before starting construction work, as failure to do so can result in fines and other legal consequences.

Step 7: Building the Construction

With all the necessary approvals and registrations in place, you can now proceed with the construction process. This involves following the approved plans and using the approved materials to construct your building.

Step 8: Inspections of Construction at Various Stages

During the construction process, the Kitui County Government will conduct regular inspections to ensure that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans and that it meets all the necessary safety and quality standards.

Step 9: NEMA Approval

Before you can occupy your building, you will need to obtain approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). This approval is necessary to ensure that your building is safe for human occupation and that it meets all the necessary environmental regulations.

Step 10: Issuance of Completion and Occupancy Certificate

Once your building has been completed and all the necessary inspections and approvals have been obtained, you can then apply for a completion and occupancy certificate.

This certificate confirms that your building is safe for human occupation and that it meets all the necessary building codes and regulations.

In conclusion, obtaining a construction permit in Kitui County Government is a straightforward process that involves following the necessary steps and obtaining the necessary approvals and registrations.

By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can ensure that your construction project is safe, legal, and meets all the necessary building codes and regulations.

If you have any questions or concerns about the construction permit process in Kitui County Government, please do not

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Building Plan Approval Process in Kitui County Government:

1. What Is The First Step In Obtaining A Construction Permit In Kitui County Government?

• The first step is to conduct a site survey and prepare the necessary drawings.

2. How Do I Submit My Building Plan Application?

• You can submit your building plan application in person at the Kitui County Government offices, or you can submit it online through the Kitui County Government website.

3. What Happens During The Building Plan Review And Assessment?

• Your building plan will be reviewed by a team of experts who will assess it for compliance with local building codes and regulations.

4. What Is The Purpose Of The Site Inspection?

• The site inspection is done to verify that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans and to ensure that it complies with all relevant regulations.

5. How Do I Get My Project Registered With The National Construction Authority Of Kenya (NCA)?

• You can register your project with the NCA by meeting their registration requirements and applying online through their website. You will receive a registration number that must be displayed on the construction site.

6. What Is The Process For Building The Construction?

• Once your building plan has been approved and you have registered your project with the NCA, you can begin construction.

7. How Many Inspections Are Required During Construction, And What Is Their Purpose?

• Inspections are required at various stages of construction to ensure that the building is being constructed according to the approved plans and to check for compliance with relevant regulations.

8. What Is The Process For Obtaining A Completion And Occupancy Certificate?

Once your building has been fully constructed, it has been inspected and approved, then will be issued a certificate.

These are some of the most common FAQs about the Building Plan Approval Process in Kitui County Government.

It’s important to note that the process can vary depending on the specific details of your project, so it’s always a good idea to consult with the relevant authorities for guidance.