Building Plan Approval Process in West Pokot County (Construction Permit)

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

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to obtain a building plan approval process in West Pokot County Government.

This step-by-step guide will take you through the entire process, from conducting a site survey to obtaining the necessary approvals and certifications for your construction project.

Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey and Drawing Preparation

Before submitting your building plan application, it is important to conduct a site survey and prepare the necessary drawings.

This involves hiring a qualified surveyor to survey the land and provide accurate measurements and topographical information.

The architect will also prepare the necessary drawings, including a site plan and floor plan, which will be required for the building plan application.

You will also need a registered engineer to do structural drawings and calculations.

Step 2: Submission of Building Plan Application

Once you have completed the drawing preparation, you can submit your building plan application to the West Pokot County Government.

The application should include all the necessary documents, such as:

• 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.

Step 3: Building Plan Review and Assessment

After submitting your building plan application, it will be reviewed and assessed by the West Pokot County Government.

This process typically takes a few weeks, during which time the county government will check the application for compliance with building codes, zoning regulations, and other requirements.

Once your building plan application has been reviewed and assessed, a site inspection will be carried out by the county government.

The purpose of the inspection is to ensure that the construction site is suitable for the proposed building and that it complies with all relevant regulations.

Step 4: Approval

If your building plan application is approved, you will receive a letter of approval from the West Pokot County Government. This letter will authorize you to proceed with the construction of your building project.

At this stage, you are required to pay an approval fee. The amount charged varies depending on the size, type, and complexity of the construction project. Generally, the fee is 1% of the estimated cost of construction

Step 5: Project Registration with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA)

Before commencing construction, you must register your project with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA). This involves the following steps:

• Register with the NCA.

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 Online 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:

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 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.

You will need to provide all the necessary documents and information, such as your building plan approval letter, site plan, and floor plan, as well as pay the required fees.

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.

• Display Your NCA Project Registration Number.

Once your project is registered with the NCA, you will be issued a project registration number. This number must be displayed at the construction site for the duration of the project.

Step 6: NEMA Approval

Before obtaining starting construction, you must obtain approval from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

This involves submitting an environmental impact assessment report and obtaining the necessary approvals.

Step 7: Building the Construction

With all the necessary approvals and certifications in place, you can proceed with the construction of your building project.

It is important to ensure that all construction work is carried out in accordance with the approved plans and specifications.

During the construction process, the West Pokot County Government will carry out regular inspections to ensure that the work is being carried out in compliance with building codes and regulations.

These inspections will be carried out at various stages of the construction process, such as foundation, framing, and final inspection.

Step 8: Issuance of Completion and Occupancy Certificate

After the completion of the construction, the applicant should apply for a completion and occupancy certificate from the West Pokot County Government.

This certificate is important because it signifies that the building has been constructed in compliance with the approved building plans, and it is safe for human habitation.

The following are the steps to obtain a completion and occupancy certificate:

Submit the application for the completion and occupancy certificate to the West Pokot County Government offices. The application should be accompanied by the following documents:

• A copy of the approved building plan
• A copy of the NCA project registration certificate
• A copy of the structural design certificate
• A copy of the completion certificate from the contractor
• A copy of the compliance certificate from NEMA
• Pay the necessary fees as stipulated by the West Pokot County Government.

The West Pokot County Government will carry out an inspection of the building to verify that it has been constructed in compliance with the approved building plans. The inspection will also verify that the building meets the necessary health and safety standards.

Once the inspection is complete, and the building has been found to be compliant, the West Pokot County Government will issue the completion and occupancy certificate.

It is important to note that the completion and occupancy certificate is a legal requirement for all buildings in West Pokot County. Without this certificate, it is illegal to occupy or use the building.

In conclusion, the Building Plan Approval Process in West Pokot County Government involves several steps, including site survey and drawing preparation, building plan application, plan review and assessment, site inspection, approval, NCA project registration, NEMA approval, construction, inspections at various stages, and issuance of a completion and occupancy certificate.

It is important to follow all these steps to ensure that the building is constructed in compliance with the approved building plans and meets the necessary health and safety standards.

By following these steps, you can obtain the necessary permits and certificates to start and complete your construction project in West Pokot County.

 

FAQs

1. What Is The First Step In The Building Plan Approval Process In West Pokot County Government?

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

2. What Documents Are Required For Building Plan Application Submission?

• The following documents are required:
• 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.

3. What Is The Estimated Time For Building Plan Review And Assessment?

• The estimated time is 21 working days, but this may vary depending on the complexity of the project.

4. How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Construction Permit In West Pokot County Government?

• The total time required to obtain a construction permit is approximately 30 working days.

5. What Is The National Construction Authority (NCA), And Why Is NCA Project Registration Required?

• The National Construction Authority (NCA) is a government agency responsible for regulating and managing the construction industry in Kenya.

NCA project registration is required to ensure that all construction projects meet the necessary standards and are carried out by qualified professionals.

6. What Is The Process For Registering A Project With The NCA?

• The process for registering a project with the NCA involves registering with the NCA, providing the necessary project registration requirements, and completing the project registration process online through the NCA portal.

7. What Is The Importance Of Obtaining A Completion And Occupancy Certificate?

• A completion and occupancy certificate signifies that the building has been constructed in compliance with the approved building plans and meets the necessary health and safety standards. Without this certificate, it is illegal to occupy or use the building.

8. What Happens If A Building Does Not Meet The Necessary Health And Safety Standards During Inspection?

• If a building does not meet the necessary health and safety standards during inspection, the applicant will be required to make the necessary changes and submit the revised plans for approval.

9. Are There Any Penalties For Building Without The Necessary Permits And Certificates?

• Yes, building without the necessary permits and certificates is illegal and may result in penalties, fines, and even demolition of the building.

10. What Is The Role Of The West Pokot County Government In The Building Plan Approval Process?

• The West Pokot County Government is responsible for approving building plans, issuing construction permits, conducting inspections, and issuing completion and occupancy certificates.

The county government also ensures that all construction projects in the county meet the necessary health and safety standards.