The building plan approval process in Kisii County is overseen by the Kisii County Government, specifically the Department of Physical Planning and Housing.

The department is responsible for ensuring that all new building projects comply with the relevant building codes, regulations, and standards.

Understanding Kisii County Building Plan Approval Regulations

Kisii County is committed to ensuring that all buildings erected within its jurisdiction are safe, strong, and environmentally friendly.

The county has put in place several regulations to ensure that all construction projects are compliant with the applicable building codes and regulations. In this section, we will provide an overview of the Kisii County building plan regulations.

Overview of Kisii County Building Plan Regulations

Kisii County has established building codes and regulations that outline the minimum standards that all building projects should meet.

The regulations cover a wide range of aspects, including building design, construction, and maintenance. These regulations are enforced by the Kisii County Department of Physical Planning.

Building Plan Approval Process Overview

Before any building project can commence in Kisii County, it must first obtain the necessary approvals from the Department of Physical Planning.

The building plan approval process ensures that all building projects are compliant with the applicable building codes and regulations.

In the next section, we will discuss the steps that are involved in the building plan approval process in Kisii County.

Types of Building Plan Approvals

Kisii County offers several types of building plan approvals, depending on the nature and size of the construction project. The different types of building plan approvals include residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional approvals.

Requirements for Building Plan Approvals

To obtain a building plan approval in Kisii County, the applicant must submit several documents, including a survey map, building plans, land search, and other relevant documents. The documents must be prepared by qualified professionals and must meet the minimum standards set by the Department of Physical Planning.

The list of documents required includes:

A completed building permit application form
Survey map that shows the location and size of the plot
Certified Architectural drawings that include detailed plans, elevations, and sections of the building
Certified Structural drawings & calculations for the building
Proof of ownership or lease of the land on which the building will be constructed
Evidence of payment of relevant fees
Land rates clearance

Building Plan Application; Steps In Application Of Building Plan Approvals in Kisii County

The following are the steps to follow when applying for building plan approvals in Kisii County:

Step 1: Site Surveying

The first step before applying for building plan approval is conducting a site feasibility study and survey. This involves identifying the size and shape of the plot, determining the soil type and topography, and identifying any existing structures on the site. The survey is important for the architect before drafting the architectural drawings.

Step 2: Designing the Building Plan

The second step is designing the building plan. This involves creating the architectural and structural drawings for the proposed building. The drawings must be in compliance with the building codes and regulations in Kisii County.

It is essential to work with a qualified architect or engineer to ensure that the design is safe, efficient, and meets all the requirements for approval.

Step 3: Submitting the Building Plan Application

Once the site analysis and surveying and the building plan design are completed, the next step is to submit the building plan application.

This involves providing the necessary documentation, including the survey plan, architectural and structural drawings, land rates clearance certificate, and any other relevant permits. The application must be submitted to the relevant county offices for review.

Step 4: Plan Review and Approval

The Department of Physical Planning will review the building plan application to ensure that it meets the minimum standards set by the county. If the plan meets the standards, it will be approved, and the applicant will be issued with a building plan approval certificate.

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 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 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, a 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.

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 6: Construction

With the permit in hand, you can now proceed with the construction or renovation of your building. During the construction process, it is important to comply with all local building codes and regulations and to keep accurate records of all materials, equipment, and labor used.

Once your building permit has been approved, you can begin construction work. However, it’s important to be aware that the Department of Physical Planning will carry out regular inspections during the construction process to ensure that the work is being carried out in accordance with the approved plans and regulations.

Once the construction work is complete, you will need to submit a final inspection report to the Department of Physical Planning.

If the department is satisfied with the work, you will receive a certificate of completion, which signifies that your building is in compliance with all regulations and safety standards.

Step 6: Certificate of Occupancy

The construction project must be carried out according to the approved building plan and the applicable building codes and regulations. After completion, the applicant must obtain a certificate of occupancy is issued by the Department of Physical Planning.

Kisii County Building Plan Approval Rates and Fees

During the approval process, it is important to understand the approval rates and fees for building plans in Kisii County. The county government has a detailed process for approving building plans, which requires payment of various fees.

The fees are used to facilitate the building process and ensure that all buildings comply with the required building standards.

How to Calculate Building Plan Approval Fees?

The approval fees for building plans in Kisii County are calculated based on the square footage of the building. It is important to note that the fees are subject to change, so it is always advisable to check with the county government for the latest rates.

Payment of Building Plan Approval Fees

When you submit your building plans for approval, an invoice showing the required fees is issued. The payment is made to the county government through the county revenue office.

The payment is made before the commencement of the building plan approval. Once the payment is made, the revenue office will issue a receipt, which should be presented together with the application documents.

Common Building Plan Approval Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The process of obtaining building plan approval can be complicated, and it is not uncommon for people to make mistakes. The following are some common mistakes that people make when applying for building plan approval in Kisii County:

Failing to follow the building codes and regulations
Incomplete or inaccurate information on the application form
Poor quality building plan design
Failure to pay the required fees on time
Failure to obtain the necessary approvals from other relevant government agencies

To avoid common building plan approval mistakes in Kisii County, it is important to follow the county’s building codes and regulations. Ensure that all the required information is accurately and completely filled in the application form, and that the building plan design is of high quality.

It is also important to pay the required fees on time and obtain the necessary approvals from other relevant government agencies.

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