A Building Permit must be obtained from the county government before commencing any construction, renovation, or extension of a structure. It is governed by the Physical Planning Act (Cap. 286), the Local Government Act, and the National Construction Authority (NCA) Act. The permit ensures that planned construction meets safety standards, zoning regulations, and approved architectural plans.
Issuing Authority: County Government Physical Planning Department / Urban Planning Department
| Project Category | Permit Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Small residential house (under 100 m²) | 5,000 – 20,000 |
| Medium residential house (100 – 300 m²) | 20,000 – 60,000 |
| Large residential house (300 m²+) | 60,000 – 150,000 |
| Commercial building (small) | 30,000 – 100,000 |
| Commercial building (large / multi-storey) | 100,000 – 500,000+ |
| Industrial / warehouse building | 50,000 – 200,000 |
| Renovation / extension | 5,000 – 40,000 |
| NCA project registration levy | 0.05% – 0.15% of project cost |
Fees are often calculated as a percentage of the estimated construction cost or on the basis of total floor area. Contractors must also be registered with the National Construction Authority and display their NCA certificate on site.
