Taita Taveta County Building Plan Approval Process and Rates.
A Step-By-Step Guide on Obtaining a Construction Permit In Taita Taveta County
We understand the importance of obtaining a construction permit in Taita Taveta County, and we are here to guide you through the process step-by-step.
Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the building plan approval process and rates and will help you navigate the system with ease.
Step 1: Site Survey
Before starting the building plan approval process, you need to conduct a site survey. This survey or analysis will help you determine the suitability of the proposed site for your construction project.
You should take into account factors such as plot measurements, soil stability, topography, and the proximity of utilities.
Step 2: Design of the Building
Once you have conducted a site analysis, you will need to design the building. The design should take into account factors such as the intended use of the building, structural requirements, and aesthetic considerations. It is important to ensure that your design complies with the relevant building codes and regulations.
Step 3: Preparation of Drawings
After the design is complete, you will need to prepare detailed structural and architectural drawings of the building. These drawings should include floor plans, elevations, and sections.
The drawings should be prepared by a registered architect or engineer and should comply with the relevant building codes and regulations.
Step 4: Submission of Drawings and Other Documents
Once the drawings are complete, you will need to submit them to the Taita Taveta County government for approval. You will also need to submit other documents such as:
- Title copy as proof of ownership or lease agreement for the site
- A survey map
- Certified structural and architectural drawings
- Structural calculations and drawings (where applicable)
- Proof of land rates clearance
- Land Search
- Indemnity form (signed by architect and structural engineer)
The county government will review the documents and may request additional information before granting approval.
Step 5: Payment of Fees
After the county government has approved the building plan, you will need to pay the relevant fees.
The fees will vary depending on the size and complexity of the building and may include charges for the building plan approval, inspection fees, and other levies. Generally, the fee is 1% of the estimated cost of construction
Step 4: Plan Review and Approval
Once the fees have been paid, the approval process can commence. The Taita Taveta County Planning Department will review your plans to ensure that they comply with all relevant regulations. If your plans meet all requirements, you will be issued a construction permit.
Step 5: Inspections and Final Approval
During the construction process, the Taita Taveta County Building Department will perform several inspections to ensure that your project is being built to code.
Once your project is complete, a final inspection will be performed, and if your project meets all requirements, you will be issued a Certificate of Occupancy.
Step 6: Project Registration with the National Construction Authority of Kenya (NCA)
Once the local authority approves the building plan, the next step is to register the project with the NCA.
The registration process involves meeting the NCA registration requirements, which includes online registration with the NCA and obtaining an NCA registration number.
It is essential to display the NCA registration number at the construction site as proof of registration with the 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 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 7: Building Construction
After completing the previous steps, the construction project can commence as planned, following the approved building plan.
Step 8: Inspections of Construction at Various Stages
During the construction process, the local authority may conduct inspections to ensure that the construction work aligns with the approved building plan and local building codes and regulations.
These inspections may occur at various stages of the project, including the foundation, walls, roofing, and finishing stages.
Step 9: Issuance of Completion and Occupancy Certificate
After completing the construction project, the local authority will inspect the building to ensure that it aligns with the approved building plan and local building codes and regulations. Once the inspection is satisfactory, the authority will issue the completion and occupancy certificate.
The completion and occupancy certificate indicate that the building is safe and suitable for occupation. It also shows that the project has met all the legal requirements for construction in Embu County Government.
FAQs
The comprehensive FAQs together with the possible solution for Taita Taveta County Building Plan Approval Process on Obtaining a Construction Permit.
Q: What Is The Taita Taveta County Building Plan Approval Process?
A: The Taita Taveta County Building Plan Approval Process is the process by which property owners can obtain a permit to construct a new building or make alterations to an existing structure. This process is overseen by the Taita Taveta County Planning Department.
Q: What Types Of Permits Are Available?
A: There are several different types of permits available, including county building permits, NCA and NEMA approval permits.
Q: What Are The Requirements For Obtaining A Permit?
A: The requirements for obtaining a permit can vary depending on the type of permit and the nature of the construction project.
The documents required at the County’s Physical Planning Department include the following;
- 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.
Generally, however, applicants will need to submit a set of detailed plans and specifications for the proposed construction, as well as pay any applicable fees.
Q: How Long Does The Approval Process Take?
A: The approval process can vary in length depending on the complexity of the project and the completeness of the application. In general, however, it can take several weeks to couple of months to obtain a permit.
Q: What Are Some Common Reasons For Permit Applications Being Rejected?
A: Permit applications may be rejected for a variety of reasons, including non-compliance with the Taita Taveta County Building Code or other relevant regulations, incomplete or inaccurate plans, or failure to pay the required fees.
Q: How Can I Ensure That My Permit Application Is Approved?
A: To ensure that your permit application is approved, it is important to do your research and consult with a qualified architect or builder to ensure that your plans are compliant with all relevant regulations.
It is also important to be thorough and accurate in your application, and to be prepared to respond promptly to any questions or concerns raised by the Taita Taveta County Planning Department.
In summary, obtaining a construction permit in Taita Taveta County can be a complex process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it is possible to navigate the process successfully.
By understanding the requirements for obtaining a permit, consulting with experts, and being prepared to respond promptly to any questions or concerns, property owners can increase their chances of obtaining a permit in a timely and efficient manner.
