Charlotte LDIRL Permit: Residential Site Plan Requirements

Planning a deck, garage, addition, swimming pool or another residential project in Charlotte may involve more than obtaining a standard building permit.

Certain projects must also go through the City of Charlotte’s Land Development Individual Residential Lot review, commonly known as an LDIRL review.

The LDIRL process allows City reviewers to evaluate zoning, setbacks, drainage, stormwater conditions, tree preservation and other requirements that affect how a project fits on an individual residential lot.

A clear and properly scaled site plan is often one of the most important documents included with the application. It helps reviewers understand the property layout, existing buildings and the exact location of the proposed work.

This guide explains when Charlotte LDIRL review may be required, what a residential site plan should show and how the City and Mecklenburg County permit processes work together.

What Is an LDIRL Permit in Charlotte?

LDIRL stands for Land Development Individual Residential Lot. It is a City of Charlotte review used to confirm that certain residential projects comply with the applicable requirements of the Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance.

The City refers to the process as both an LDIRL permit and an individual residential lot review. Applications are submitted electronically through the City’s Accela Citizen Access system.

Depending on the project and property, the application may be reviewed by several City departments, including:

• Zoning, including setbacks, lot coverage and structure placement
• Storm Water Services, including drainage features and public stormwater infrastructure
• Urban Forestry, including protected trees, street trees and tree-save areas
• Erosion Control, when applicable to the amount of land disturbance

The City explains that not every project requires every type of review. The work being proposed, the property location and the existing site conditions determine which departments become involved.

Review the official

City of Charlotte Individual Residential Lot Review guidance

for current application instructions and requirements.

LDIRL Review and the Mecklenburg County Building Permit

The City of Charlotte LDIRL permit and the Mecklenburg County building permit serve different purposes.

The City generally reviews how the project fits on the property and whether it complies with Charlotte land-development requirements. Mecklenburg County reviews building plans and supporting materials for compliance with applicable North Carolina building-code requirements.

For many residential projects, both processes are required. The City states that the LDIRL permit is required in addition to the Mecklenburg County building permit for applicable projects.

Mecklenburg County explains that permits may be required for new construction, alterations, repairs and work involving building, electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems.

Applicants should confirm both City and County requirements before beginning construction. Approval from one agency does not automatically replace approval from the other.

See the

Mecklenburg County permitting guidance

for current County information.

Which Charlotte Projects May Require LDIRL Review?

The City of Charlotte lists several residential project types that may require concurrent City LDIRL and Mecklenburg County review.

Common examples include:

• New single-family detached homes
• Duplexes, triplexes and quadraplexes
• Manufactured homes
• Accessory dwelling units
• Garages with accessory dwelling units
• Detached garages
• Detached accessory structures greater than 12 feet in any dimension
• Home additions
• Swimming pools
• Retaining walls
• Decks
• Detached solar-panel installations
• Docks and piers

A small structure is not automatically exempt from all City requirements. For example, detached accessory structures measuring less than 12 feet in every dimension may follow a different City zoning-review process instead of the standard LDIRL route.

Always verify the required application type before submitting your plans.

What Should a Charlotte LDIRL Site Plan Show?

The required level of detail depends on the property and the proposed work. However, a residential site plan should make it easy for reviewers to understand the complete lot layout.

A typical plan may need to show:

• Property lines and lot dimensions
• The street name and property address
• The existing house and other existing structures
• The footprint and dimensions of the proposed project
• Distances from the proposed work to property lines
• Distances between existing and proposed structures
• Front, side and rear setback lines
• Driveways, sidewalks, patios and other paved areas
• Utility, drainage or access easements when applicable
• Existing drainage features such as swales, ditches, pipes or catch basins
• Protected trees, street trees or tree-save areas when applicable
• Impervious-area information when requested
• A north arrow and drawing scale

The goal is not to crowd the drawing with unnecessary information. The goal is to clearly show the details that reviewers need to evaluate the specific project.

Why Drawing the Site Plan to Scale Matters

A scaled drawing allows reviewers to compare the project location with the property boundaries, setbacks and other site features.

The City’s LDIRL applicant guide describes a plot plan for a single-family detached project as a scaled plan based on an approved plat. The guide also states that site plans for duplex through quadraplex projects must be professionally prepared or based on a survey and cannot be hand drawn.

Even when a hand-drawn plot plan may technically be accepted for a particular single-family project, an unclear or poorly scaled drawing can create questions during review.

A professionally drafted plan can make dimensions, setback distances and proposed improvements easier to identify.

See the official

Charlotte LDIRL applicant guide

for detailed submission instructions.

Property Lines and Setback Distances

Setbacks establish how far a building or structure must be located from a property line, street or other regulated feature.

Required setbacks are not necessarily the same for every Charlotte property. They may depend on factors such as:

• The zoning district
• The type of proposed structure
• Whether the property is an interior or corner lot
• The relationship between the project and the principal building
• Recorded easements or subdivision restrictions
• Overlay, floodplain or historic-district requirements

Do not assume that a setback shown on a neighboring property applies to your lot.

The site plan should show the proposed project’s actual distance from the relevant property lines. Reviewers can then compare those measurements with the standards that apply to the property.

Stormwater and Drainage Review

Charlotte Storm Water Services may review whether the proposed work affects drainage infrastructure or changes existing drainage patterns.

Review issues may include:

• Construction over a public stormwater easement
• Changes to ditches, swales, pipes or catch basins
• Retaining walls near drainage features
• New impervious surfaces that change runoff
• Work located near a floodplain
• Connections to an existing storm-drainage system

A site plan should identify visible drainage features when they may be affected by the project. Additional grading, drainage or engineering information may be required for more complicated sites.

Urban Forestry and Tree Information

Urban Forestry review may apply when a project affects protected trees, right-of-way trees, heritage trees or designated tree-save areas.

Depending on the property, applicants may need to show existing trees, tree-protection areas or proposed replacement trees.

A detached garage, addition or new home may receive a different level of tree review based on the project scope and the trees located on or near the property.

Before removing trees or placing a structure close to an established tree, verify whether additional Urban Forestry approval is required.

Charlotte Deck Site Plans

Decks are specifically included among the projects that may require LDIRL review.

A deck site plan commonly shows:

• The existing house
• The proposed deck footprint
• Deck dimensions
• Stairs and landings
• Distances to property lines
• Nearby easements or drainage features
• The relationship between the deck and other structures

The site plan addresses the location of the deck on the lot. Separate construction drawings may still be required to show framing, footings, guards and other structural details.

Charlotte Garage and Shed Site Plans

Detached garages and larger accessory structures can affect setbacks, building separation, driveway access, lot coverage and drainage.

A garage or shed site plan may need to identify:

• The proposed building footprint
• Overall structure dimensions
• Distances from all nearby property lines
• Distance from the house and other buildings
• Driveway or vehicle access
• Easements crossing the proposed location
• Nearby trees and drainage features

If the garage includes an ADU, additional information and permit documents may be required.

Charlotte Pool Site Plans

Swimming pools are also included in Charlotte’s list of projects that may require concurrent City and County review.

A pool site plan may show:

• The swimming-pool shape and dimensions
• The pool apron or surrounding deck
• Distances from property lines and buildings
• The pool-equipment location
• Fences, gates and required barriers
• Easements and drainage features
• Impervious-area calculations when requested

Pool barrier, electrical and construction requirements are generally addressed through additional permit documents and inspections, not through the site plan alone.

Charlotte Addition and ADU Site Plans

Home additions and accessory dwelling units can affect several zoning and site-development standards at the same time.

The site plan may need to show:

• The existing house footprint
• The proposed addition or ADU footprint
• Setback distances
• Building separation
• Lot coverage and impervious area
• Parking and driveway access
• Utilities and drainage features
• Existing trees that may be affected

An LDIRL site plan is only one part of the application. Floor plans, elevations, structural drawings or other documents may also be necessary.

How the Charlotte LDIRL Process Works

The general process is:

1. Confirm whether the project requires LDIRL review, another City zoning review or only County review.
2. Gather the property information, project details and required supporting documents.
3. Prepare a clear plot plan or site plan at the required scale.
4. Submit the City application through Accela Citizen Access.
5. Pay applicable review fees after the application passes the initial gateway check.
6. Respond to review comments and upload revised documents when necessary.
7. Complete the related Mecklenburg County building-permit review.

The City currently describes an initial gateway review followed by detailed review. Actual processing time can vary when information is missing, corrections are required or several departments must review the project.

Common Reasons an LDIRL Site Plan May Need Corrections

Permit review can slow down when a drawing does not clearly show:

• The complete property boundaries
• The drawing scale
• The proposed structure dimensions
• Distances from the project to property lines
• Existing structures on the lot
• Drainage or utility easements
• Driveway access
• Tree information required for the property
• The difference between existing and proposed work

Using clear labels and consistent dimensions makes the plan easier for reviewers to understand. It also makes it easier to respond if the City requests revisions.

Information Needed to Prepare Your Charlotte Site Plan

Before ordering a residential site plan, gather:

• The property address
• A survey, recorded plat or property drawing when available
• A description of the proposed project
• The proposed structure dimensions
• The approximate location of the project
• Photos, sketches or contractor drawings
• Any comments or checklists received from the City or County

A recent boundary survey provides the strongest property-line information. An online drafting service does not replace a survey when the boundary location is uncertain or when the reviewing authority specifically requires a survey.

Order a Residential Site Plan for Charlotte

USA Site Plans prepares residential drawings for homeowners, builders and contractors working on projects throughout Charlotte and Mecklenburg County.

Plans can be prepared for decks, detached garages, sheds, pools, additions, ADUs, retaining walls and other common property improvements.

You can also read our

Charlotte site plan for permit guide
,
explore our

North Carolina site plan services

or review our complete

site plan for permit checklist
.

Charlotte LDIRL Permit FAQs

Is an LDIRL permit the same as a Mecklenburg County building permit?

No. The City of Charlotte LDIRL process reviews applicable land-development requirements, while Mecklenburg County administers the building-permit and building-code review. Some projects require both.

Does every Charlotte residential project require LDIRL review?

No. The required review depends on the project type, property location and proposed work. Confirm the correct permit path with the City and County before submitting.

Can I submit a hand-drawn plot plan?

The City’s applicant guide indicates that a single-family plot plan may be hand drawn when it is properly scaled and based on an approved plat. Other project types may require a professionally prepared site plan or survey. A reviewer can determine what is acceptable for a specific application.

Does a site plan replace construction drawings?

No. A site plan shows where the project sits on the property. Deck framing plans, pool details, foundation plans, floor plans, elevations and structural drawings may still be required.

Do I need a survey for my Charlotte permit?

Some projects can be reviewed using an approved plat and a properly prepared plot plan. A survey may be required when boundaries are uncertain, when the project is close to a property line or when the City or County specifically requests one.

Can USA Site Plans revise the drawing after City comments?

Yes. When the reviewer requests drafting changes that fall within the purchased service, the plan can be updated using the written review comments.

Official Charlotte Permit Resources

• 
  City of Charlotte: Individual Residential Lot Reviews
  
• 
  City of Charlotte: Residential Zoning and Permitting
  
• 
  City of Charlotte: LDIRL Applicant Guide
  
• 
  Mecklenburg County: Building Permit Information
  
• 
  Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance
  

Permit requirements can change and may differ by property. Confirm current requirements with the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County before submitting an application or beginning construction.