Change of Land Use
Service Description
Change of land use is the formal process of converting land from one designated use to another—for example, from agricultural to residential, commercial, or industrial. This process is regulated under the Physical and Land Use Planning Act (PLUPA), 2019, specifically Section 58, and must be approved by the relevant County Government. Why it matters: Altering land use without official approval can result in legal penalties, halted developments, or denial of future permits. Undertaking the change of use process: -Ensures compliance with county spatial and zoning plans -Helps align your project with infrastructure and service provision -Facilitates community input through public participation -Provides clear documentation for financing, development permits, and resale -It is a critical legal and planning step before initiating any land-based development. Who should undertake land use change: -Property owners whose land use no longer aligns with their intended development -Developers or institutions seeking to repurpose land for residential, commercial, industrial, or public use -Investors or real estate agents preparing land for sale with a new intended use Client requirements (submit via LSS portal): 1. Ownership documents – title deed or lease certificate (Land Registration Act, 2012, Section 25) 2. Recent land search – conducted within the last 3 months (Land Registration Act, 2012, Section 34) 3. Survey plan or site location plan (PLUPA Section 58(2)) 4. Draft development proposal or sketch plan (if available) 5. Proof of land rent payment or clearance certificate – recommended but not mandatory (Land Act, 2012, Section 32) 6. Any existing zoning or planning approvals (if applicable) – (PLUPA Section 57) What LSS will do: -Prepare Form PLUPA/DC/2 (application for change of land use) – PLUPA Section 58(1) -Draft public notification notices: a. For two daily newspapers of national circulation – PLUPA Section 58(7) b. For on-site posting at the subject property – PLUPA Section 58(8) Develop a planning brief outlining: a. Proposed new land use b. Zoning compliance c. Expected development impacts – PLUPA Section 58(2) Advise on the public participation process and handling of objections – PLUPA Section 58(4)