Building Plan Approval Process in Marsabit County Government.
A Step-By-Step Guide on Obtaining a Construction Permit Marsabit County Government.
Obtaining a construction/building permit can be a complicated and time-consuming process. However, with the right guidance, you can navigate through the requirements and procedures with ease.
In this guide, we will provide you with detailed information on how to obtain a construction/building permit in Marsabit, including the requirements, procedures, and timelines.
Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey/Analysis
Before applying for a building permit, it is essential to conduct a site analysis to determine the suitability of the land for construction.
You should check if the area is zoned for the type of construction you are planning, the soil type, the topography, and other environmental factors that may affect the structure’s stability.
Step 2: Engage a Professional
The next step is to engage a professional architect, engineer, or contractor who will help you prepare the necessary documents for the building permit application.
The professional will assist in designing the structure, preparing the necessary drawings, and submitting the documents to the relevant authorities.
Step 3: Prepare The Building Permit Application Documents.
Before you begin the process, it’s crucial to understand the requirements for obtaining a construction permit.
These requirements may vary depending on the type of project and location, so it’s essential to research thoroughly.
The necessary documents;
- Architectural Drawings – prepared by an architect or a firm registered with the Board of Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors.
- Structural Drawings – prepared by a structural engineer or a firm registered with the Engineers Board of Kenya.
- Copy of Land Ownership Documents
- Land Rates Clearance Certificate
- Land Search Document – not older than three months
- Survey Map – from Survey of Kenya
- Submission Fee Payment – the amount is based on the design and is payable during submission.
For commercial projects, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report and NEMA Approvals are required. You must conduct an EIA and obtain an EIA license from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and NCA
Step 4: Submit the Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents and have met the necessary conditions, it’s time to submit your application. You can do this in person or online, depending on the options available.
Step 5: Review and Assessment
After submitting your application, the next step is a review and assessment by the relevant department. The review process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of your project.
Step 6: Site Inspection
After the review and assessment process, a site inspection will be carried out to ensure that the proposed construction complies with the building codes and regulations. The inspection will also check that the construction does not pose any risk to the environment and the surrounding area.
Step 7: Approval
If the building plan meets the required standards, the County Government of Marsabit will approve the application and issue a construction/building permit.
For commercial projects, NCA registration is required.
Step 8: Project Registration with the National Construction Authority of Kenya(NCA)
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 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 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 developer with the contractor.
- Supervision Commitment Letters by consultants and/or agreements/contract by developer 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:
- Visit the NCA website at https://nca.go.ke/ and download the Project Registration Form.
- Fill out the form with the relevant information about your project, including the type of project, location, estimated cost, and project duration.
- Attach the necessary documents, including architectural and engineering drawings, environmental impact assessment reports, and other relevant certificates and approvals.
- 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.
- 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 9: Commencement of Construction
You can begin construction once you have obtained the construction/building permit & NCA registration (where applicable). The construction process involves hiring a qualified contractor to oversee the construction process. The contractor must comply with the building codes and regulations of Bungoma County.
Step 10: Inspections of Construction at Various Stages.
The County Government of Marsabit will conduct checks at various stages of construction to ensure compliance with the building plan.
The inspections ensure that the construction is safe for the occupants and the environment.
Step 11: Issuance of Occupancy Certificate.
Once construction is complete, you must obtain a certificate from the County Government of Marsabit before occupancy.
Timelines for Obtaining a Construction/Building Permit in Marsabit
The timelines for obtaining a construction/building permit in Marsabit will vary depending on the complexity of the project and the responsiveness of the applicant. However, the following are the estimated timelines:
- Plan Approval – approximately 30 days
- Inspections – At various stages of construction
- Completion Certificate – After completion of construction
FAQs
Q: What Is The Building Plan Approval Process In Marsabit County Government?
A: The building plan approval process in Marsabit County Government is the process of obtaining a construction permit for a building project.
It involves several steps, including the submission of building plans and specifications, review and assessment of the plans, and issuance of the construction permit.
Q: What Is The First Step In The Building Plan Approval Process?
A: The first step in the building plan approval process is to obtain an application form from the relevant government authority.
Q: What Documents Are Required To Be Submitted With The Application Form?
A: The documents required to be submitted with the application form include a site plan showing the location of the proposed building, building plans and specifications, an environmental impact assessment report, evidence of ownership or right to use the land, and payment of fees.
Q: How Long Does It Take For The Review And Assessment Process?
A: The length of time it takes for the review and assessment process can vary depending on the complexity of the project. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Q: Is It Possible To Modify The Building Plans After Submission?
A: Yes, it is possible to modify the building plans after submission, but any modifications must be approved by the relevant government authority before construction can begin.
Q: Can A Building Permit Be Revoked?
A: Yes, a building permit can be revoked if the construction is found to be in violation of building codes or regulations, or if it poses a danger to public health or safety.
Q: What Happens After The Building Is Completed?
A: After the building is completed, a final inspection is conducted by the relevant government authority to ensure that it meets all building codes and regulations. Once it is deemed to be in compliance, a certificate of occupancy is issued, allowing the building to be occupied.
