Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Process (Construction Permit).

Step-By-Step Guide on Obtaining a Construction Permit In Kilifi County

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Process. In this guide, we will take you through the step-by-step process of obtaining a construction permit in Kilifi County, together with the required documentation.

This guide is designed to help you understand the process and requirements for obtaining a construction permit in Kilifi County and assist you in ensuring a successful outcome for your construction project.

Overview of Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Process.

Kilifi County is one of the 47 counties in Kenya and is located on the coast of Kenya.

To ensure that all construction work within the county meets the required standards and regulations, the Kilifi County Government established a Building Control Department that is responsible for issuing construction permits and monitoring all construction activities within the county.

To Obtain A Construction Permit In Kilifi County, The Following Steps Must Be Followed:

Step 1: Submission of Application

The first step in the Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Process is to submit an application to the Kilifi County Building Control Department. The application should include the following documents:

• Title copy as proof of ownership or lease agreement for the site
• A survey map
• Certified structural and architectural drawings
• Structural calculations (where applicable)
• Proof of land rates clearance (Rates clearance certificate)
• Land Search

The application should be submitted to the Kilifi County Building Control Department, along with the prescribed fees.

Step 2: Plan Review

Once the application is received, the Kilifi County Building Control Department will review the submitted plans and specifications to ensure that they meet the required standards and regulations. This review process may take up to 30 days.

Step 3: Site Inspection

After the plan review, the Kilifi County Building Control Department will conduct a site inspection to verify that the construction site is suitable for the proposed construction.

The site inspection will also ensure that the construction work is being done in compliance with the approved plans and specifications.

Step 4: Approval and Permit Issuance

If the plans and specifications meet the required standards and regulations, and the site inspection is successful, the Kilifi County Building Control Department will issue a construction permit.

The permit will include the approved plans and specifications, the approved construction period, and the approved use of the building.

For commercial projects, NCA registration is required. 

Step 5: 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 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 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:

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.

Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Fees and Charges

In Kilifi County, the fees and charges for building plan approval are determined by the Kilifi County Government. 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.

The fees and charges for building plan approval in Kilifi County are designed to cover the cost of the plan review, site inspection, and other administrative expenses involved in the approval process.

It is important to note that the fees and charges for building plan approval in Kilifi County are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected or withdrawn.

Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that all the required documentation and information is provided accurately to avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.

To obtain information on the current fees and charges for building plan approval in Kilifi County, it is recommended to contact the Kilifi County Building Control Department or visit their official website for the latest updates.

Challenges in the Planning Approval Process.

The planning approval process in Kilifi County can be challenging for various reasons, but there are steps that applicants can take to overcome these challenges. In this section, we will discuss some of the common challenges and suggest ways that applicants can overcome them.

1. The Complexity of the Process:

The planning approval process in Kilifi County can be complex and overwhelming, which can be a challenge for many applicants.

To overcome this challenge, applicants should seek professional guidance from a licensed architect or engineer who is familiar with the process. They can help applicants navigate the process and ensure that all the required documentation and information are provided accurately.

2. Lack of Awareness and Understanding:

Many applicants may not be aware of the necessary steps and requirements involved in the planning approval process, which can result in delays, rejections, and additional expenses.

To overcome this challenge, applicants can educate themselves on the process by researching the requirements and attending workshops and training offered by the Kilifi County Government.

3. Inconsistencies and Delays in the Review Process:

Due to understaffing or lack of adequate resources, there may be inconsistencies and delays in the review process, which can result in longer waiting times and delayed construction projects.

To overcome this challenge, applicants can follow up on their applications regularly and advocate for timely reviews and approvals.

4. Corruption and Bribery:

Corruption and bribery can be a challenge in the planning approval process in Kilifi County, which can lead to delays, rejections, or approval of substandard constructions.

To overcome this challenge, applicants should maintain transparency and integrity throughout the process. They should report any suspected cases of corruption or bribery to the relevant authorities.

 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Kilifi County building plan approval process, along with possible solutions:

What Is The Kilifi County Building Plan Approval Process?

The Kilifi County building plan approval process is the process of obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the county government before beginning a construction project in Kilifi County.

What Are The Requirements For The Building Plan Approval Process?

The requirements for the building plan approval process in Kilifi County include a site plan, architectural drawings, structural calculations, and other relevant documentation. The specific requirements may vary depending on the size and scope of the construction project.

How Long Does The Building Plan Approval Process Take?

The building plan approval process in Kilifi County can take anywhere from a few weeks to about a month, depending on the complexity of the project and the efficiency of the approval process.

What Are The Fees And Charges For The Building Plan Approval Process?

The fees and charges for the building plan approval process in Kilifi County vary depending on the size and scope of the construction project.

They may include application fees, plan review fees, inspection fees, and other charges. The fee is about 1% of the estimated cost of construction.

What Are Some Common Challenges In The Building Plan Approval Process?

Common challenges in the building plan approval process in Kilifi County include the complexity of the process, lack of awareness and understanding, inconsistencies and delays in the review process, and corruption and bribery.

What Are Some Possible Solutions To Overcome These Challenges?

To overcome these challenges, applicants can seek professional guidance, educate themselves on the process, advocate for timely reviews and approvals, and maintain transparency and integrity throughout the process.

How Can I Check The Status Of My Building Plan Approval Application?

You can check the status of your building plan approval application by contacting the Kilifi County government office responsible for building plan approvals and providing your application number.

What Happens If My Building Plan Approval Application Is Rejected?

If your building plan approval application is rejected, you will need to make the necessary revisions and resubmit the application. It is important to work closely with the reviewing agency to ensure that all the necessary requirements are met.

In conclusion, the Kilifi County building plan approval process can be complex and challenging, but with the right information and guidance, applicants can successfully navigate the process and obtain the necessary approvals to begin construction.