Common Site Plan Mistakes That Delay Permit

If your permit application has been delayed, the problem is often the site plan.

Building departments review hundreds of applications each week. If your drawing is incomplete or unclear, it will be returned for corrections.

Below are the most common site plan mistakes that cause delays — and how to avoid them.

1️⃣ Missing Property Line Dimensions

Every site plan must clearly show:

  • Full property boundaries
  • Length of each property line
  • Lot dimensions

If property lines are not labeled correctly, reviewers cannot verify setbacks.

This is one of the top reasons permits are delayed.

2️⃣ Incorrect or Missing Setbacks

Setbacks are minimum required distances between structures and property lines.

Common mistakes include:

  • Not labeling setback distances
  • Placing structures inside setback
  • Using outdated setback requirements
  • Miscalculating corner lot setbacks

Even small errors can trigger a revision notice.

3️⃣ No Scale Indicated

A site plan must be drawn to scale.

Rejected drawings often:

  • Do not show scale
  • Are not proportionate
  • Use inconsistent measurements

Without scale, the building department cannot confirm compliance.

4️⃣ Easements Not Shown

Many properties contain:

  • Utility easements
  • Drainage easements
  • Access easements

Failing to show easements — or building inside one — is a major mistake.

Cities immediately flag these issues.

5️⃣ Missing Distances Between Structures

If you’re adding:

  • A pool
  • A deck
  • A shed
  • A fence
  • A septic system
  • A driveway

Your site plan must show the distance from the proposed structure to:

  • Property lines
  • House
  • Other structures
  • Wells or septic systems (if applicable)

Missing measurements cause automatic delays.

6️⃣ Illegible or Poorly Formatted Drawings

Presentation matters.

Common formatting mistakes include:

  • Blurry scans
  • Cropped documents
  • Handwritten notes that are hard to read
  • Overlapping text
  • Missing labels

Building reviewers must be able to clearly read your site plan.

7️⃣ Incomplete Lot Layout

Your site plan must show the full property — not just the new structure.

Common omissions include:

  • Driveways
  • Existing sheds
  • Fences
  • Septic systems
  • Pools
  • Adjacent streets

Incomplete lot layout often results in a correction request.

8️⃣ Forgetting the North Arrow

Many cities require a north arrow on the site plan.

It may seem minor, but missing required elements can delay approval.

9️⃣ Not Verifying Local Requirements

Every city has different zoning rules.

Mistakes happen when applicants:

  • Assume setback distances
  • Use another city’s rules
  • Ignore special zoning overlays
  • Skip reviewing city checklists

Always verify local requirements before submission.

10️⃣ Submitting a Rough Sketch Instead of a Scaled Drawing

Some cities allow homeowner-drawn plans.

However, rough sketches often lack:

  • Accurate measurements
  • Proper scale
  • Clear labeling
  • Complete layout

This leads to revisions, delays, and frustration.

A professionally prepared site plan reduces this risk.

How to Avoid Permit Delays

To avoid common site plan mistakes:

  • ✔ Use accurate property dimensions
  • ✔ Label all setbacks clearly
  • ✔ Show easements
  • ✔ Include scale and north arrow
  • ✔ Show all existing and proposed structures
  • ✔ Double-check measurements
  • ✔ Follow your city’s checklist

A properly prepared site plan speeds up the review process.

🏗️ Avoid Costly Permit Delays