A Change of User Permit is required when a property owner or tenant intends to use a premises for a purpose different from what it was originally approved for — for example, converting a residential house into a commercial office, or changing a retail shop into a restaurant. The permit is governed by the Physical Planning Act and local zoning regulations.
Issuing Authority: County Physical Planning Department
| Conversion Type | Permit Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Residential to commercial (small) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
| Residential to commercial (large) | 30,000 – 80,000 |
| Commercial to industrial | 20,000 – 60,000 |
| Agricultural to residential / commercial | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| Mixed-use conversion | 20,000 – 70,000 |
| Application processing fee | 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Environmental Impact Assessment (where required) | 50,000 – 200,000+ |
Applications are assessed by the county physical planning committee and may require public participation notices, particularly where the proposed change affects neighbours or the character of the area. Processing takes 30 to 90 days.
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