Nakuru County Building Plans Approvals Steps and Fees
Nakuru County is a thriving area located in the Rift Valley region of Kenya. The city of Nakuru is rapidly growing and developing, and it is an exciting time for both residents and investors.
If you are planning to construct or renovate a building in Nakuru, it is important to know the process for obtaining a construction or building permit.
It is home to many builders and residents who require building permits for their construction projects.
Building permits are essential for ensuring that construction projects are completed in accordance with the regulations and safety standards set by the government.
Obtaining a building permit can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but it is essential for ensuring that all structures are built to code and are safe for occupants.
Understanding the Basics of Building Permits in Nakuru
A building permit is a formal document that gives you the green light to begin construction work on a new building or to make alterations to an existing one. In Nakuru, building permits are issued by the Department of Physical Planning and are mandatory for all construction projects.
Without a valid building permit, you risk incurring fines, having your construction work stopped, or even being asked to demolish your building.
The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Architect or Engineer
One of the most important steps in obtaining a building permit in Nakuru is to hire a qualified architect or engineer to design your construction project.
This professional will be able to advise you on the regulations and safety standards that apply to your project and ensure that your plans are in compliance with the law.
It’s also a good idea to engage the services of a reputable contractor who has experience in building in Nakuru and is familiar with the permit process.
Necessary Documents for Nakuru County Building Plans Approvals
Before applying for a building permit in Nakuru, you need to gather a range of documents that are required by the Department of Physical Planning.
This includes:
- A completed building permit application form
- Site plans that show the location and size of the building
- 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
Steps In Obtaining Building Approvals In Nakuru County.
Steps and fees involved in obtaining building approvals in Nakuru County.
Step 1: Pre-application Process
The first step in obtaining a construction or building permit in Nakuru is to research and gather information about the project you have in mind. This will help you determine if your project requires a permit and what type of permit is needed.
It is important to also review local zoning regulations, building codes, and other requirements that may apply to your project.
Step 2: Application Submission
Once you have completed your research, the next step is to submit an application for a construction or building permit. The application should include detailed plans and specifications for your project, as well as any other required documentation.
The application should be submitted to the appropriate department, such as the Building Inspections Division or the Planning Department, depending on the type of project.
This application can be obtained from the county’s building department and must be completed in full and submitted along with all required supporting documents.
These documents may include land rates clearance, search, site map, certified architectural and structural drawings, and building specifications.
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
Once the application has been submitted, the next step is to pay the application fee. This fee varies depending on the size and complexity of the project, but it is generally most cases, building plan approval fee is about 1% of the estimated cost of construction.
For example, 3-bedroom bungalow with estimated cost of KES. 3.5M will cost about Ksh. 35,000 in county approval fees
It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable, so it is essential to ensure that all information on the application is accurate and complete before submitting it.
Step 4: Review by the Building Department
Once the application and fee have been received, the building department will review the information to ensure that it meets all necessary requirements. During this review, the building department may request additional information or clarification on specific points.
It is essential to respond promptly to any requests from the building department to avoid delays in the permitting process.
Step 5: Site Inspection
Once the building department is satisfied with the information submitted, they will schedule a site inspection. This inspection will ensure that the proposed construction project is in compliance with local zoning and building codes.
If any issues are identified during the inspection, they must be addressed before the permit can be approved.
Step 6: Approval or Denial of Permit
Based on the results of the site inspection and review of the application, the building department will either approve or deny the building permit. If the permit is approved, the applicant will be required to pay the permit fee.
If the permit is denied, the applicant will be notified of the reasons for the denial and may be able to appeal the decision.
For commercial projects, NCA registration is required.
Step 7: 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:
- 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 8: 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.
Step 9: Inspections and Final Approval
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.
Fees Involved in Obtaining Building Approvals
In addition to the application fee, there are several other fees involved in obtaining building approvals in Nakuru County. These fees may include:
- Permit fee: This fee is based on the size and complexity of the project
- Inspection fee: This fee covers the cost of the site inspection and is typically around KES 5,000.
- Other fees include; Construction sign board fee
- Application fee
- Occupation certificate
- Building plan approval fee
It is essential to budget for these additional fees when planning a construction project in Nakuru County to ensure that the project stays on track and on budget.
Conclusion
Obtaining building approvals in Nakuru County requires following several steps and paying various fees. By understanding the process and budgeting for the fees involved, you can ensure that your construction project is completed on time and to code.
Obtaining a building permit in Nakuru can seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and guidance, the process can be made much easier.
By understanding the basics of building permits, hiring a qualified architect or engineer, gathering the necessary documents, and following the right steps, you can ensure that your construction project is completed in accordance with all regulations and safety standards.
