A Comprehensive Guide To Obtaining A Construction Permit In Nandi County

Understanding Nandi County Building Plan Approval Regulations

The County Government of Nandi is one of the county governments of the 47 counties of Kenya as established by the Constitution of Kenya enacted in 2010.

At Nandi County Government, the Building Plan Approval Process is an essential requirement that must be adhered to before any construction project can commence. The approval process helps to ensure that all building and construction projects within the county are safe, compliant, and adhere to the set building codes and standards.

To help you navigate the Building Plan Approval Process in Nandi County Government, we have created a comprehensive guide that outlines the necessary steps and requirements that you need to meet.

Step 1: Conduct a Site Survey and Drawing Preparation

Before submitting your building plan application to Nandi County Government, you need to conduct a site survey and prepare your building drawings.

The site survey will help you determine the location, size, and shape of your property, while the building drawings will provide detailed information about the structure and design of your building.

The drawings should include architectural,  structural drawings and structural calculations.

Step 2: Submission of Building Plan Application

Once you have conducted the necessary site survey and prepared the drawings, you can proceed to submit your building plan application to the County Government.

You will be required to fill out the application form, attach the necessary documents, and pay the approval  fees.

The application should include the following documents:

• 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

Upon submission of your building plan application, the County Government will review and assess your application to ensure that it is compliant with the set building codes and standards. The review and assessment process may take up to 21 days.

After the review and assessment process, the County Government will carry out a site inspection to verify the information provided in the building plan application. The site inspection is aimed at ensuring that the proposed construction site is suitable for the intended project.

Step 4: Approval

If your building plan application meets all the necessary requirements and standards, the County Government will issue an approval letter. The approval letter will contain all the necessary conditions and requirements that you need to meet before commencing the construction project.

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:

• 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 numberserves 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: NEMA Approval

After county approval of the construction project, you must obtain approval from the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA). The approval process involves submitting an environmental impact assessment report and paying the necessary fees.

Step 7: Building the Construction

Once you have received the necessary approvals and registered your construction project with the NCA, NEMA, you can proceed to start building the construction project.

During the construction process, the County Government and the NCA will carry out inspections at various stages to ensure that the construction project is compliant with the set building codes and standards.

Step 8: Issuance of Completion and Occupancy Certificate

Once you have obtained the necessary approvals and complied with all the set standards and requirements, you can proceed to apply for a completion and occupancy certificate. The certificate is proof that your construction project is safe, compliant, and meets all the necessary requirements.

FAQS About Obtaining Building Plan Approval In Nandi County

What Is Building Plan Approval?

Building plan approval is a process by which the local authority in Nandi County reviews and approves construction plans for new buildings or renovations to existing structures to ensure that they comply with building codes and regulations.

Who Is Responsible For Obtaining Building Plan Approval?

It is the responsibility of the property owner or their authorized representative to obtain building plan approval from the relevant authority in Nandi County.

What Are The Documents Required For Building Plan Approval In Nandi County?

The documents required for building plan approval in Nandi County may vary depending on the type and scope of the construction project. However, typically, you will need to provide the following documents: architectural drawings, structural drawings, survey map, land rates clearance certificate, and a building permit application.

How Long Does It Take To Obtain Building Plan Approval In Nandi County?

The time required to obtain building plan approval in Nandi County varies depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the relevant authority. However, the process usually takes between 30 to 90 days.

What Are The Fees For Building Plan Approval In Nandi County?

The fees for building plan approval in Nandi County vary depending on the size and scope of the construction project. You can contact the relevant authority for more information on the fees.

What Happens If I Start Construction Without Building Plan Approval In Nandi County?

It is illegal to start construction without building plan approval in Nandi County. If you do so, you may face fines, penalties, and legal action from the relevant authority.

Can I Make Changes To My Approved Building Plan During Construction?

Any changes to the approved building plan must be reviewed and approved by the relevant authority in Nandi County before construction can continue.

What Happens After Construction Is Completed?

After construction is completed, you will need to obtain a certificate of occupancy from the relevant authority in Nandi County before occupying the building.

How Can I Contact The Relevant Authority In Nandi County For Building Plan Approval?

You can contact the Nandi County Department of Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development for information on building plan approval. They can be reached through their website or physical address.