Change Of Use From Residential To Commercial; Step By Step Guide

Change Of Use From Residential To Commercial

What is Meant by Change in Land Use?

Change in land use refers to the conversion of land from one use to another by human activities. Some examples of land use change include:

• Conversion of forest land to agricultural land (e.g. deforestation to establish cropland or pasture)
• Conversion of agricultural land to urban land (e.g. building residential or commercial development on farmland)
• Conversion of natural grassland to cropland
• Abandonment of agricultural land and its return to forest (reforestation) or grassland
• Conversion of wetlands to agricultural land through drainage and development

Causes and Drivers of Land Use Change

There are several factors that drive land use change:

• Population growth and demand for food, housing, infrastructure – As population increases, more land is needed for agriculture, housing, transportation, etc. This drives conversion of natural ecosystems to human-dominated landscapes.
• Economic development and globalization – Development of trade networks and economic incentives can drive land use change, such as conversion of forests to large-scale agriculture for export markets.
• Technological advances – Improvements in agricultural productivity allow farming of previously marginal lands through use of new crops, fertilizers, irrigation, etc.
• Policy and institutional factors – Government policies, subsidies, property rights, etc. can incentivize certain land uses over others. Lack of enforcement on protected areas also drives land use change.
• Cultural factors – Traditions, social norms, and local needs influence land use patterns and how people interact with the land.

Environmental Impacts

Land use change can have significant environmental consequences:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation – Conversion of natural habitats destroys and isolates remaining habitat patches, threatening biodiversity.
• Soil degradation – Intensive agriculture can degrade soils through erosion, loss of fertility, salinization, etc.
• Carbon emissions – Deforestation and agricultural practices release carbon stored in vegetation and soils, contributing to climate change.
• Changes in biogeochemistry – Altering natural nutrient and water cycling processes affects ecosystem health and services.
• Loss of ecosystem services – Converted lands lose ability to provide services like water filtration, flood control, pollination, and recreation.
• Downstream impacts – Land use changes affect water availability, quality, and hydrological processes in connected ecosystems.

Sustainable Land Use

To reduce environmental impacts, sustainable land use practices are needed:

• Conservation of high value ecosystems
• Agricultural practices that conserve soils and maintain fertility
• Compact urban development that minimizes sprawl
• Restoration of degraded lands
• Integrated landscape planning and management
• Balancing needs of development and conservation
• Incentives for sustainable land use and disincentives for unsustainable practices

Careful land use planning and policies are crucial for meeting human needs while sustaining vital ecosystem functions and services. Ongoing monitoring of land use change is needed to assess environmental impacts and guide planning.

Change Of Use From Residential To Commercial

Changing the use of a property from residential to commercial involves a process known as rezoning. This process varies by location as all zoning laws are regulated at the local level.

To start the process, you need to research local zoning laws. Look for zoning maps online and compare zoning trends. Switching a property from residential to commercial requires requesting a change of zone.

This can only be done once it is proved that the switch would benefit the entire community.

The process of changing land use from residential to commercial in Kenya involves several steps:

1. Making an application to the relevant County government with the required documents such as title deed, survey map, change of user forms, and planning brief.
2. Publicizing the intention to change land use through newspaper advertisements and on site.
3. Payment of required fees such as change of user application fees, survey fees, and stamp duty.
4. Approval by the County government after considering factors like infrastructure capacity, traffic impact, zoning laws etc.
5. Making changes to the property to align with commercial building standards and getting the necessary permits.
6. Registration of the change of user with the Lands office.

The main costs involved are:

• Application fees to County government (2-4% property value)
• Professional fees for surveyors, planners, lawyers (1-2%)
• Advertising costs
• Renovation costs to meet commercial standards
• Stamp duty on property value

Some key considerations are zoning restrictions, impact on neighborhood, parking and traffic, and costs of renovations required. The process can take 2-8 months depending on location. Consultation with professionals is highly recommended.

Residential To Commercial Change Of Use Requirements

• Two duly filled PPA 1 forms in triplicate submitted and signed by a registered physical planner
• Planning brief prepared by a Registered Physical Planner (signed accordingly)
• Ownership documents (Title Deeds)
• Clearance certificates for land rates
• Comprehensive Location Plan
• Advertisement of the proposal on a) Two local dailies, b) On-site
• Application fee receipt
• Latest Rates payment receipts

Land Use Regulations In Kenya

Land use in Kenya is regulated through planning at national and county level, with zoning designations and development approvals required for change of use. Public participation is part of the process.

Here are some key points about land use regulations in Kenya:

• The Constitution of Kenya vests all land in the people of Kenya collectively as a nation, with the government as the custodian and manager of public land.
• Land use is guided by the National and County Governments through zoning and land use plans. The National Land Commission also oversees land use planning.
• The Physical Planning Act provides for the formulation of regional and local physical development plans to guide land use. It gives County Governments the power to control the use and development of land.
• Land use in Kenya is categorized into residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, public purpose, community, recreational etc. Land can be converted from one use to another with approval.
• The County Governments Act requires counties to develop 5-year county integrated development plans to guide planning and development.
• Counties develop zoning plans and regulations to implement the objectives of the physical development plans. Zoning specifies permitted uses for land parcels.
• Development permissions like change of user, extension of leases, subdivision of land etc require approvals from relevant government bodies.
• Unauthorized conversion of land use is an offence under the Physical Planning Act. Compliance is enforced through the National Construction Authority.
• Public participation is required in the preparation of key documents like county plans, zoning schemes and regulations.
• Environmental Impact Assessment may be required for major projects or change of land use depending on potential impact.

Changing Property From Residential To Commercial

In Kenya, a residential property can be converted to commercial use by following regulations and getting the right approvals.

Here are some key steps and considerations when changing a property from residential to commercial use:

• Check zoning regulations – The property may be zoned residential so you’ll need to apply for rezoning or a zoning variance from the local municipal council.
• Apply for change of use approval – Most councils require a formal development application for change of use from residential to commercial.
• Ensure compliance with building codes – Commercial properties may have different requirements like disability access, fire safety, parking etc. Upgrades may be needed.
• Evaluate costs – Changing use can require payment of fees, property taxes, construction costs for upgrades and professional fees for lawyers, architects etc.
• Assess environmental impact – A commercial use may need an environment assessment if high traffic, noise or emissions are expected.
• Notify neighbors – There may be requirements to inform neighboring property owners of the proposed change of use. Consider their concerns.
• Alter property layout – The floorplan may need modifications to support the intended commercial activity like an office, shop or restaurant.
• Check for restrictions – Property title deeds, homeowners association rules etc. may restrict or prevent commercial use. Get legal advice.
• Change utilities – Higher capacity electrical, water and waste services may be required for the new use. Consult the relevant providers.
• Consider accessibility – A commercial property must accommodate people with disabilities. Parking, ramps, doorways, restrooms etc may need changes.
• Get professional help – Surveyors, architects, lawyers and accountants can ensure the change of use is done properly and complies with all rules.