Many homeowners search for a way to draw a site plan online before applying for a pool, deck, shed, garage, addition, fence or driveway permit.

Online drafting tools can help you create a clean property layout, but the software is only part of the process. Permit reviewers generally care more about accurate property boundaries, project dimensions, setback measurements, easements and readable labels than fancy graphics.

This guide explains how to create a site plan online, what information to include, which mistakes to avoid and when professional drafting or a licensed survey may be needed.

Example of a residential permit site plan showing property boundaries, dimensions, setbacks, access and proposed construction.

What Is a Site Plan?

A site plan is an overhead drawing showing the layout of a property. It normally identifies the property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction, driveways, setbacks and other site features relevant to the project.

For a residential permit, the drawing may help the reviewing authority assess:

• Property boundaries and lot dimensions
• Location of the existing house
• Placement of the proposed structure
• Front, side and rear setbacks
• Known easements and restricted areas
• Driveway, parking and property access
• Building separation
• Lot coverage or impervious area
• Drainage or utility information when required

The same type of residential drawing may be called a site plan, plot plan, permit site plan or property plan, depending on the jurisdiction.

For a full explanation, read our plot plan for permit guide .

Can You Draw Your Own Site Plan Online?

Yes. Some cities and counties accept homeowner-prepared site plans for straightforward residential projects.

A DIY site plan may be suitable when:

• The project is relatively simple
• Reliable property dimensions are available
• The proposed work is not extremely close to a boundary
• There are no complicated grading or drainage conditions
• The permit authority allows owner-prepared plans
• The drawing clearly includes every requested item

The fact that a plan was created online does not automatically make it acceptable or unacceptable. The reviewer will normally focus on whether the information is accurate, complete and understandable.

A DIY plan may be returned for corrections when:

• Property lines are missing or unreliable
• The drawing is not to scale
• Setback measurements are omitted
• The proposed structure is not dimensioned
• Existing buildings are missing
• Easements are ignored
• The plan does not match the other permit drawings
• The exported image or PDF is blurry

What You Need Before Drawing

Do not begin by tracing a satellite image and guessing where everything belongs. First collect the best available property and project information.

Property information

• Complete property address
• Parcel or assessor identification number
• Lot and block information
• Subdivision name
• Recorded plat
• Existing boundary survey
• Previous approved site plan
• Legal property dimensions

Existing-condition information

• Main house dimensions
• Garages, carports and sheds
• Decks, patios and covered areas
• Swimming pools and equipment
• Driveways and walkways
• Fences and gates
• Retaining walls
• Known utilities and easements

Proposed-project information

• Project type
• Overall length and width
• Height where relevant
• Proposed location
• Distances to nearby property lines
• Distance to the existing house
• Stairs, landings, posts or roof projections
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings

How to Draw a Site Plan Online Step by Step

Step 1: Check the Permit Requirements

Before choosing software or drawing the property, check the current instructions published by the city, county or other reviewing authority.

Look for a checklist covering:

• Required drawing scale
• Minimum paper size
• Required property information
• Setback dimensions
• Project-specific information
• Survey requirements
• File format and maximum upload size
• Whether professional signatures or seals are required

A technically attractive drawing can still be rejected when it does not follow the local submission checklist.

Use our site plan checklist for permit approval as a general starting point.

Step 2: Choose the Right Online Drawing Tool

You do not necessarily need expensive architectural software for a simple residential site plan.

Possible tool categories include:

• Browser-based diagramming tools
• Basic computer-aided drafting software
• Floor-plan and property-layout applications
• Geographic mapping tools
• Presentation or graphic-design software for simple layouts

The best program is one that allows you to:

• Enter accurate dimensions
• Draw straight and angled boundaries
• Use a consistent scale
• Create separate layers or line styles
• Add dimension lines and labels
• Show existing and proposed work differently
• Export a sharp PDF

Avoid relying on a tool that only creates attractive pictures but does not allow accurate measurements.

Step 3: Select a Drawing Scale

A scaled drawing shows the property at a consistent ratio.

Common residential scales in the United States include:

• 1 inch equals 10 feet
• 1 inch equals 20 feet
• 1 inch equals 30 feet
• 1 inch equals 40 feet

Choose a scale that allows the entire property to fit on the page while leaving enough room for dimensions and labels.

Include both:

• A written scale, such as 1 inch = 20 feet
• A graphic scale bar where possible

A graphic scale remains useful when someone prints the PDF at a reduced or enlarged paper size.

Step 4: Draw the Property Boundaries

Draw the complete legal lot rather than only the area around the proposed project.

Show:

• Front boundary
• Side boundaries
• Rear boundary
• Secondary street boundary on a corner lot
• Irregular or angled property-line sections
• Available boundary dimensions
• Street names
• Alleys when applicable

The property shape should come from reliable recorded information whenever possible.

Step 5: Add a North Arrow and Site Information

Add a north arrow so the reviewer can orient the property.

The drawing should also identify:

• Property address
• Project description
• Lot and block information when available
• Drawing title
• Preparation date
• Revision number when applicable

Step 6: Draw the Existing House

Add the complete footprint of the main dwelling.

Include:

• Overall building dimensions
• Major changes in the wall line
• Attached garage
• Covered porches or verandas
• Existing additions
• Roofed patios when relevant

Position the dwelling using available dimensions from the property lines.

Step 7: Add Existing Structures and Site Features

Show relevant improvements that may affect the permit review.

These may include:

• Detached garage
• Carport
• Shed or storage building
• Deck
• Patio or pergola
• Swimming pool or spa
• Pool equipment
• Driveway and parking area
• Walkways
• Retaining walls
• Fences and gates
• Septic tank and disposal area
• Water wells
• Large or protected trees

Use simple, clear labels. A plan that contains too many decorative details can become harder to review.

Step 8: Show Known Easements

An easement may restrict where construction can be placed.

Common examples include:

• Utility easements
• Drainage easements
• Sewer easements
• Access easements
• Shared driveway easements
• Rights of way

Show the width and location of each known easement using information from the recorded plat, survey or title documents.

Step 9: Add the Proposed Project

Draw the proposed pool, deck, addition, garage, shed or other improvement in its intended location.

The proposed work should be visually different from existing construction.

You can use:

• Different shading
• A heavier outline
• A dashed line
• A contrasting hatch pattern
• A clear “PROPOSED” label

Include the complete footprint, not just the main enclosed area.

Depending on the project, also show:

• Decks and landings
• Stairs
• Roof overhangs
• Supporting posts
• Pool equipment
• New concrete or paving
• Structures proposed for demolition

Step 10: Add Project Dimensions

Show the overall length and width of the proposed structure.

For irregular projects, provide enough dimensions to explain the complete shape.

The dimensions on the site plan should match:

• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Structural plans
• Manufacturer drawings
• Permit application description

Step 11: Add Setback Measurements

Setbacks are among the most important dimensions on a permit site plan.

Show the shortest distance between the proposed work and:

• Front property line
• Each side property line
• Rear property line
• Secondary street boundary
• Relevant easements
• Existing structures when building separation matters

Do not assume the required setback is the same for every project. A pool, shed, deck and home addition may each be regulated differently.

Read Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners for more information.

Step 12: Show Driveways, Parking and Access

Show the existing and proposed access arrangement when relevant.

This may include:

• Driveway width and location
• Garage or carport access
• Parking spaces
• Alley access
• Vehicle crossover or curb cut
• Sidewalk
• Pedestrian path
• Gates

This information is particularly important for garage, carport, driveway and parking projects.

Step 13: Add Drainage, Utilities or Levels When Required

A straightforward site plan may not require detailed civil information. More complex projects may need:

• Existing and proposed ground levels
• Contours
• Surface drainage direction
• Stormwater pipes and pits
• Utility connections
• Retaining walls
• Floodplain information
• Impervious-area calculations

These items may require information from a surveyor, engineer, plumber or another specialist.

Step 14: Review the Drawing

Check the entire plan before exporting it.

Confirm that:

• The correct property is shown
• The entire lot is included
• Boundary dimensions are legible
• Existing structures are complete
• Proposed work is clearly identified
• Project dimensions are correct
• Setback measurements are included
• Easements are shown when known
• The north arrow is present
• The scale is identified
• The plan matches the other permit drawings

Step 15: Export a Clear PDF

Export the drawing as a high-quality PDF unless the permit office requests another format.

Before uploading it:

• Open the exported file
• Zoom in and check all dimensions
• Confirm no labels were cut off
• Check the page orientation
• Confirm the file size is within the upload limit
• Verify the drawing prints clearly

Site Plan Online Tool Checklist

When comparing online site plan tools, look for practical drafting features rather than decorative templates.

A free tool can be enough for a simple project, but only when it allows accurate measurements and produces a readable plan.

Can You Use Satellite Imagery for a Site Plan?

Satellite or aerial imagery can help identify the general position of the house, driveway, pool and other visible improvements.

However, aerial imagery has important limitations:

• Property-line overlays may be approximate
• Roof overhangs can hide exterior walls
• Trees can obscure structures
• Images may be several years old
• Perspective can distort dimensions
• Underground utilities and easements are not visible
• Ground levels cannot be reliably determined

Use aerial imagery as one source of information, not as automatic proof of the legal boundary.

Site Plan vs Boundary Survey

A drafted site plan and licensed boundary survey are not the same document.

A licensed survey may be required when:

• No reliable boundary information is available
• The proposed project is very close to a property line
• The lot is irregular
• Existing records conflict
• Certified ground elevations are required
• There is a boundary disagreement
• The permit authority specifically requests a survey

Project-Specific Site Plan Requirements

Pool site plan

• Pool and spa outline
• Distance to boundaries and buildings
• Pool equipment location
• Decking
• Fence and gates
• Known easements
• Utilities when relevant

Deck or patio-cover site plan

• Proposed footprint
• Connection to the house
• Posts and footings
• Stairs and landings
• Roof projections
• Boundary setbacks

Shed or garage site plan

• Structure dimensions
• Rear and side setbacks
• Distance to the house
• Driveway or alley access
• Easements
• Additional paving

Home-addition site plan

• Complete existing house
• Proposed addition
• Boundary setbacks
• Existing accessory structures
• Structures proposed for removal
• Driveway and drainage changes

Fence site plan

• Proposed fence alignment
• Fence height where relevant
• Gates
• Street frontage
• Driveway visibility
• Pool-barrier relationship
• Easements

What Permit Reviewers Usually Check First

Reviewers commonly look for:

• Complete property boundaries
• Existing structures
• Clearly identified proposed work
• Project dimensions
• Setback measurements
• Known easements
• Driveway and access
• Scale and north arrow
• Consistency with the remaining permit documents

See our article explaining what reviewers check first on a site plan .

Common DIY Site Plan Mistakes

• Measuring from a fence instead of the legal boundary
• Using estimated property dimensions
• Drawing without a consistent scale
• Leaving the existing house off the plan
• Forgetting sheds, decks or pools
• Not showing setback dimensions
• Ignoring recorded easements
• Failing to label proposed work
• Using dimensions that conflict with the floor plans
• Exporting a blurry screenshot instead of a clear PDF
• Showing only part of the property
• Using outdated aerial imagery without verification

For more examples, read why site plans get rejected for permits .

Free Site Plan Online vs Professional Drafting

When DIY May Be Enough

Drawing your own site plan may be practical when:

• The permit office accepts homeowner drawings
• The project is straightforward
• You already have a reliable survey or plat
• The project is comfortably within the setbacks
• No engineering, grading or drainage design is required
• You are comfortable using drawing software

When Professional Help Makes More Sense

Professional drafting may be more practical when:

• You need the drawing quickly
• The site contains several structures
• The proposed project is close to a property line
• The lot is irregular
• Recorded easements affect the project
• The permit office has a detailed checklist
• Your first plan was returned for corrections
• You do not have suitable software
• You need the proposed structure added to an existing survey

How the USA Site Plans Process Works

1. Place your order. Select the site plan option that matches the required detail.
2. Provide the property address. Available property, mapping and aerial information is reviewed.
3. Describe the project. Explain what is being built and provide its dimensions.
4. Mark the proposed location. Send a sketch, photograph or marked aerial image.
5. Upload an existing survey or plat. Reliable source documents can improve the drawing.
6. Review the completed plan. Verify the property and project information before submitting it.
7. Request reasonable edits. Corrections can be made when the reviewer requests site-plan changes.

The accuracy of a remotely prepared site plan depends on the accuracy of the records, surveys, measurements, photographs and project information provided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I draw my own site plan for a permit?

Yes. Some permit authorities accept homeowner-prepared site plans for straightforward projects. The drawing must still satisfy the local requirements and clearly show the property and proposed construction.

Can I draw a site plan online for free?

Free drawing and design tools may be suitable for a basic site plan. Make sure the selected tool allows exact dimensions, drawing scale, labels and a clear PDF export.

What is the easiest way to create a site plan?

Start with a reliable survey, plat or previous site plan. Draw the legal lot boundaries first, then add the house, existing improvements, proposed project, dimensions, setbacks, easements and access areas.

Can I use Google Maps or satellite imagery?

Aerial imagery can help identify visible structures and general layout, but it should not automatically be treated as accurate legal boundary information.

Do I need exact measurements?

Accurate lot, structure, project and setback dimensions are important. Estimated dimensions can result in an incorrect plan or permit corrections.

What scale should a site plan use?

The required scale depends on the property and permit authority. Common residential scales include 1 inch equals 10 feet and 1 inch equals 20 feet.

Do I need a survey to draw a site plan?

Not always. Existing recorded information may be sufficient for some straightforward projects. A current licensed survey may be required where boundaries are uncertain, the project is close to a lot line or the permit authority requests certified information.

Why do DIY site plans get rejected?

Common reasons include missing setbacks, inaccurate dimensions, incomplete property boundaries, omitted structures, unshown easements, poor scale and unreadable labels.

Can a site plan be prepared completely online?

Many straightforward residential site plans can be prepared remotely using available records, aerial imagery, an existing survey, photographs and customer-provided measurements.

Will an online site plan guarantee permit approval?

No. The reviewing authority controls approval and may request revisions, a current survey, engineering, grading, drainage or other supporting documents.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to draw a site plan online can help you understand your property and the information needed for a residential permit.

The most important part is not the software. It is whether the final plan accurately shows the property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, dimensions, setbacks, easements and access.

A simple DIY plan may be enough for some projects. For more complicated properties, tight setbacks or detailed permit requirements, professional drafting or licensed surveying may save time and reduce avoidable corrections.

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Requirements vary by property, jurisdiction and project type. A remotely drafted site plan does not replace a licensed boundary survey or professional engineering when either is required. Confirm current requirements with the authority reviewing your permit application.