Building Plan Approval Process in Trans Nzoia County (Construction Permit)
A Step-By-Step Guide On Obtaining A Construction Permit Comprehensive Guide.
At Trans Nzoia County Government, obtaining a building plan approval process is essential for any construction project.
The process is not complicated, but it requires following a step-by-step guide to ensure that you get approval without any setbacks.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through each step of the building plan approval process, from site survey and drawing preparation to the issuance of completion and occupancy certificate.
Step 1: Conduct A Site Survey and Drawing Preparation
The first step in obtaining a building plan approval from Samburu County Government is to prepare the necessary drawings.
This includes obtaining a site plan and topographical survey, which will be used to develop the building plans. It is important to engage a qualified and experienced surveyor, registered architect, and structural engineer to prepare the drawings.
The architect or engineer will create a design that meets the county government’s regulations and standards.
Step 2: Submission of Building Plan Application
After the site survey and drawing preparation, the next step is submitting the building plan application.
The application should include:
- 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
- Approval Fee Payment – the amount is based on the design and is payable during submission.
The submission is done at the Trans Nzoia County Government offices, and the fee varies depending on the size of the project.
Step 3: Building Plan Review and Assessment
Once the building plan application is submitted, the Trans Nzoia County Government will review and assess the plan.
The review process ensures that the plan complies with the county’s regulations and standards. This process can take between two to six weeks, depending on the complexity of the project.
After the building plan review and assessment, the next step is a site inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the construction site meets the county government’s requirements.
During the inspection, the county’s officers will check the quality of the materials, the construction methods used, and adherence to safety regulations.
Step 4: Approval
If the site inspection is successful, the Trans Nzoia County Government will issue the building plan approval. The approval is valid for two years, and the construction must start within that period.
This requires payment of an approval fee which is generally 1% of the estimated cost of construction.
Step 5: Project Registration With Of the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA)
Before starting the construction, you must register the project with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA). Here is a step-by-step guide on how to register a project with the NCA in Kenya:
• Register with the NCA.
The first step is registering with the NCA by filling out the registration form and paying the required fee.
You will need to create an account with the NCA and register your project. 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.
• How National Construction Authority (NCA) Project Registration Is Done via Online Portal?
NCA project registration is done online through the NCA e-Citizen portal. Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the portal.
NCA Project Registration is done online via the NCA 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 an 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.
• NCA Project Registration Requirements.
The NCA requires various documents, including:
- 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.
• Display Your NCA Project Registration Number.
After registering with the NCA, you must display your project registration number on the construction site.
Step 6: NEMA Approval
Before the completion and occupancy certificates can be issued, the project must also obtain approval from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). This involves ensuring that the construction project complies with all relevant environmental regulations and guidelines.
Step 7: Building the Construction
This step requires that you begin building the structure based on the approved building plans. It is important to ensure that the construction work is carried out according to the approved plans and specifications.
During the construction phase, it is important to adhere to all safety regulations and guidelines. This includes providing adequate safety equipment for workers, ensuring that the construction site is secure and safe, and ensuring that all materials and equipment are used safely and correctly.
Additionally, it is important to keep the building inspector informed about the progress of the construction work.
The inspector may visit the site periodically to check on the progress and ensure that the work is being carried out according to the approved plans and specifications.
It is also important to ensure that the construction work is carried out by qualified and experienced contractors who have the necessary skills and expertise to handle the project.
This will help to ensure that the construction work is carried out to a high standard and that the building is safe and durable.
Throughout the construction phase, it is important to maintain clear communication with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that any issues or concerns are addressed promptly.
This will help to ensure that the construction work proceeds smoothly and that the building is completed on time and within budget.
Once the construction work is completed, the building inspector will conduct a final inspection to ensure that the building is safe and complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
If the building passes the final inspection, a completion certificate and occupancy permit will be issued, allowing you to move into the building and begin using it for its intended purpose.
During the construction process, the building inspector will conduct periodic inspections to ensure that the construction work is being carried out according to the approved plans and specifications.
These inspections may include checks on the foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, and other systems. It is important to ensure that the construction work is carried out to a high standard to avoid delays or issues later on in the process.
Step 8: Issuance of Completion and Occupancy Certificate
Finally, once all of the inspections and approvals have been obtained, the building inspector will issue a completion certificate and occupancy permit. These documents signify that the construction project has been completed to a satisfactory standard and that the building is safe and suitable for occupancy.
In summary, the Building Plan Approval Process in Trans Nzoia County Government involves several steps, including site survey and drawing preparation, building plan application, plan review and assessment, site inspection, approval, project registration with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA), NEMA approval, construction, inspections at various stages, and the issuance of completion and occupancy certificates.
By following these steps and ensuring that the construction work is carried out to a high standard, you can obtain the necessary approvals and certificates to begin using your building for its intended purpose.
FAQs for the Above Building Plan Approval Process in Trans Nzoia County Government.
Sure, here are eight possible FAQs for the Building Plan Approval Process in Trans Nzoia County Government:
1. What Is The Purpose Of Obtaining A Building Permit?
- Obtaining a building permit is necessary to ensure that your construction project complies with all relevant building codes and regulations. It also helps to ensure that the building is safe and suitable for occupancy.
2. How Do I Apply For A Building Permit In Trans Nzoia County Government?
- To apply for a building permit, you will need to submit a building plan application to the Trans Nzoia County Government’s Planning Department.
The application will need to include site plans, architectural and engineering drawings, and other relevant documentation.
3. How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Building Permit In Trans Nzoia County Government?
- The length of time it takes to obtain a building permit can vary depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the planning department. However, you can expect the process to take several weeks to several months.
4. Do I Need To Register My Construction Project With The National Construction Authority Of Kenya (NCA)?
- Yes, you will need to register your construction project with the NCA before beginning construction. This helps to ensure that the project complies with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
5. How Do I Register My Construction Project With The NCA?
- To register your construction project with the NCA, you will need to visit their website and complete the online registration process.
You will need to provide detailed information about the project, including site plans, architectural and engineering drawings, and other relevant documentation.
6. What Is The Purpose Of Site Inspections During The Construction Process?
- Site inspections are necessary to ensure that the construction work is being carried out according to the approved plans and specifications. This helps to ensure that the building is safe and suitable for occupancy.
7. What Is The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) Approval Process?
- The NEMA approval process involves ensuring that the construction project complies with all relevant environmental regulations and guidelines.
This includes obtaining approvals for issues such as waste management, water and air pollution control, and other environmental concerns.
8. When Can I Obtain A Completion And Occupancy Certificate?
- You can obtain a completion and occupancy certificate once all of the necessary inspections and approvals have been obtained.
This signifies that the construction project has been completed to a satisfactory standard and that the building is safe and suitable for occupancy.
