Site plans are used by homeowners, architects, builders, engineers, planners, surveyors, homeowners associations and government authorities to understand how a project fits within a parcel of land.

A residential site plan may be relatively simple, showing a house, property lines and a proposed shed. A more detailed site plan may also show grading, stormwater drainage, utilities, parking, landscaping, fire access, contours and construction notes.

The required detail depends on the purpose of the drawing. A site plan used for early project planning may be less detailed than one submitted for a building permit, zoning review or engineering approval.

Example of a residential site plan showing the lot, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks and access.

What Is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a drawing that represents a property from a bird’s-eye view.

Instead of showing the interior rooms of a building, it shows where the building sits on the land and how it relates to other property features.

A site plan may identify:

• The legal property boundaries
• The size and shape of the lot
• The existing house
• Garages, sheds and accessory buildings
• Driveways, parking and pedestrian access
• Decks, patios and pools
• Proposed construction
• Distances to property lines
• Easements and utility areas
• Streets, alleys and sidewalks
• Ground levels and drainage information
• Trees, landscaping and retaining walls

The purpose of the drawing is to explain the physical relationship between the land and the structures or improvements located on it.

For many residential projects, the terms site plan and plot plan are used in similar ways.

Read our complete plot plan guide for more information about residential plot plans.

What Does a Site Plan Show?

The information shown depends on why the site plan is being prepared.

A basic residential plan may show only the boundaries, house, driveway and proposed structure. A detailed development plan may contain several additional layers of technical information.

Property boundaries

The property boundaries define the legal extent of the land.

A site plan may show:

• Front boundary
• Side boundaries
• Rear boundary
• Secondary street boundary on a corner lot
• Angled or curved boundary sections
• Boundary lengths
• Lot and block information

Property lines are important because setback measurements and proposed structure locations are generally measured from the legal boundaries, not from fences, hedges or lawn edges.

Lot dimensions

Lot dimensions explain the size and shape of the property.

A rectangular lot may need only four primary boundary measurements. Irregular lots may require several dimensions, bearings, curves or angled boundary segments.

Existing buildings and structures

Existing structures provide context for the proposed project.

These may include:

• Main dwelling
• Attached or detached garage
• Carport
• Shed or storage building
• Deck or patio
• Pergola or patio cover
• Swimming pool or spa
• Pool equipment
• Retaining walls
• Fences and gates
• Rainwater tanks or other site equipment

Proposed construction

When the plan supports a new project, the proposed work should be clearly labelled and visually different from existing construction.

The drawing may show:

• The proposed footprint
• Overall length and width
• Distance to property lines
• Distance to existing structures
• Stairs, landings and decks
• Roof overhangs
• Supporting posts
• New paving or parking areas
• Existing structures proposed for demolition

Setbacks

A setback is the required or measured distance between a structure and a property line, street, easement or another regulated feature.

Site plans commonly show:

• Front setback
• Left-side setback
• Right-side setback
• Rear setback
• Corner-side setback
• Distance to an easement
• Distance between buildings

The required setback may vary according to the zoning district, project type, structure height, lot configuration and local ordinance.

Our guide to property setbacks explains how front, side and rear yards affect residential development.

Driveways and access

A site plan may show how vehicles and pedestrians enter and move through the property.

Relevant features can include:

• Driveway location and width
• Garage or carport access
• Parking spaces
• Curb cuts or vehicle crossovers
• Alleys
• Sidewalks
• Walkways
• Gates
• Emergency access

Easements

An easement gives another party certain rights to use or access part of a property.

Common easements include:

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

A proposed structure may satisfy the zoning setback but still be restricted because it overlaps a recorded easement.

Orientation and scale

A north arrow helps orient the property. A drawing scale explains how measurements on the plan relate to actual distances on the ground.

Common residential scales include:

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

A scale bar can also be included so the drawing remains measurable if it is printed at a different paper size.

Ground levels and contours

Where the property slopes or grading is proposed, the site plan may show:

• Existing ground levels
• Proposed finished levels
• Contour lines
• Building floor levels
• Driveway grades
• Cut-and-fill areas
• Retaining walls

Accurate levels normally require a topographic or feature survey.

Drainage and stormwater

More detailed site plans may identify:

• Roof downpipes
• Stormwater pipes
• Drainage pits
• Surface-flow direction
• Rainwater tanks
• Detention systems
• Lawful discharge points
• Overland flow paths

Utilities and services

Depending on the project, the plan may show:

• Water supply
• Sanitary sewer
• Septic systems
• Electricity
• Gas
• Telecommunications
• Utility meters
• Underground service routes

Trees and landscaping

Planning and development applications may need to identify:

• Existing trees
• Trees proposed for removal
• Protected tree areas
• Landscaping
• Planting strips
• Private open space
• Screening vegetation

What Is the Purpose of a Site Plan?

A site plan communicates how land is currently used and how it may change.

The same drawing can help different people understand different parts of the project.

For homeowners

A site plan helps a homeowner visualize whether a pool, shed, garage, deck or addition will fit comfortably on the property.

It can also help identify:

• Potential setback problems
• Conflicts with existing buildings
• Driveway or access limitations
• Easements
• Available yard space
• Possible drainage concerns

For builders and contractors

Builders use site plans to understand where construction should be located and how it relates to the property.

The plan may assist with:

• Project positioning
• Material access
• Temporary construction access
• Driveway connections
• Structure dimensions
• Coordination with other drawings

For permit reviewers

Building and zoning departments use site plans to review how the project fits within the lot.

Reviewers may assess:

• Setbacks
• Lot coverage
• Building separation
• Access and parking
• Easements
• Floodplain conditions
• Drainage
• Historic or zoning overlays

For homeowners associations

An HOA may use a site plan to review:

• Project placement
• Distance to neighbouring properties
• Street appearance
• Fence or accessory-building locations
• Compliance with subdivision restrictions

When Is a Site Plan Required?

A site plan is commonly required when a project changes the exterior layout or footprint of a property.

Examples include:

• New house construction
• Home additions
• Detached garages
• Storage sheds
• Carports
• Swimming pools and spas
• Decks and raised platforms
• Patio covers and pergolas
• Driveway widening
• New parking areas
• Fences and gates
• Accessory dwelling units
• Retaining walls
• Demolition and replacement projects

The local permit authority determines whether a site plan is required and what level of detail must be provided.

For permit-specific guidance, read our Site Plan for Permit guide .

Types of Site Plans

The phrase “site plan” can describe several different drawing types.

Residential site plan

A residential site plan shows a house lot and the structures or improvements located on it.

It may be prepared for:

• A pool
• Deck
• Shed
• Garage
• Addition
• Fence
• Driveway
• Patio cover

Permit site plan

A permit site plan is prepared specifically to support a building, zoning or development application.

It normally focuses on the information needed by the reviewing authority, including:

• Property boundaries
• Existing structures
• Proposed work
• Dimensions
• Setbacks
• Easements
• Access

Existing-conditions plan

An existing-conditions plan records what is currently located on the property before new work begins.

Proposed site plan

A proposed site plan shows how the property will look after the project is completed.

Concept site plan

A concept plan is used during early design to test possible building locations, access arrangements and property layouts.

It may not contain enough detail for final permit approval.

Grading or drainage site plan

A grading or drainage plan focuses on land levels, stormwater movement, cut and fill, retaining walls and drainage infrastructure.

Commercial site plan

A commercial site plan may include:

• Multiple buildings
• Parking calculations
• Loading areas
• Accessible routes
• Fire access
• Landscaping
• Utilities
• Stormwater management
• Lighting
• Waste-storage areas

Commercial development normally requires substantially more technical information than a basic residential plan.

Site Plan vs Plot Plan

The terms site plan and plot plan are often used interchangeably for residential permits, but the meaning can vary by jurisdiction.

In practice, many building departments use both terms to describe the same permit drawing.

Read Site Plan vs Plot Plan for a more detailed comparison.

Site Plan vs Survey

A site plan and boundary survey serve different purposes.

A current survey may be needed when:

• Property boundaries are uncertain
• The proposed work is close to a lot line
• The lot is irregular
• Existing records conflict
• Accurate ground levels are required
• There is a boundary dispute
• The reviewing authority requests certified measurements

Read Site Plan vs Survey for more information.

Site Plan vs Floor Plan

A site plan shows where the building is located on the property. A floor plan shows the internal layout of the building.

Many permit applications require both documents.

Site Plan vs Blueprint or Construction Plan

A blueprint or construction drawing explains how a structure will be built. A site plan explains where it will be located.

Construction drawings may include:

• Floor plans
• Exterior elevations
• Building sections
• Foundation plans
• Framing plans
• Structural details
• Electrical and plumbing plans

The site plan coordinates those drawings with the actual property.

Can You Draw a Site Plan Yourself?

Some permit authorities accept homeowner-prepared site plans for simple residential projects.

A DIY site plan should still be:

• Accurate
• Drawn to scale
• Clearly dimensioned
• Easy to read
• Consistent with the other plans
• Complete enough for the intended purpose

Homeowners commonly run into problems when:

• The property boundaries are estimated
• Measurements are missing
• Setbacks are not shown
• Easements are omitted
• The proposed project is not clearly labelled
• The exported drawing is blurry

Our Draw a Site Plan Online guide explains the DIY process.

How Is a Site Plan Prepared?

The preparation process depends on the available property information and the required level of accuracy.

1. Collect property information

Useful source documents may include:

• Boundary survey
• Recorded plat
• Deed or title plan
• Previous approved site plan
• Builder drawings
• County or city property records
• Aerial imagery

2. Draw the property boundaries

The lot is drawn using the best available recorded dimensions and shape information.

3. Add existing structures

The house, driveway, garage, shed, pool and other relevant improvements are added.

4. Add the proposed project

The new structure or improvement is shown using the dimensions and proposed location supplied.

5. Add dimensions and notes

The plan is completed with:

• Boundary dimensions
• Project dimensions
• Setback measurements
• Labels
• North arrow
• Drawing scale
• Legend and revision notes

6. Review the drawing

The property information, project dimensions and proposed placement should be checked before the drawing is used.

What Information Is Needed to Prepare a Site Plan?

• Complete property address
• Project description
• Project length and width
• Proposed location on the lot
• Distances to nearby boundaries
• An existing survey or recorded plat
• Photographs of the property
• A hand sketch or marked aerial image
• Contractor or manufacturer drawings
• Known easements
• Permit-office instructions
• HOA requirements
• Any correction comments already received

Common Site Plan Mistakes

• Showing only part of the property
• Missing property boundaries
• Using a fence as the legal boundary
• Omitting the existing house
• Leaving accessory buildings off the plan
• Not showing the proposed project dimensions
• Missing setback measurements
• Ignoring recorded easements
• No north arrow
• No drawing scale
• Inconsistent dimensions across the permit drawings
• Unclear existing and proposed labels
• Using outdated aerial imagery without verification
• Submitting a blurry screenshot instead of a clear PDF

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits for a more detailed explanation.

Site Plan Checklist

For a permit-focused checklist, visit Site Plan Checklist for Permit Approval .

Site Plan Requirements Vary by Location

There is no single site-plan format accepted by every jurisdiction in the United States.

Requirements may vary according to:

• State
• City or county
• Zoning district
• Subdivision
• Project type
• Lot configuration
• Structure height and size
• Floodplain conditions
• Historic or design overlays
• Local permit procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simple definition of a site plan?

A site plan is an overhead drawing showing the property boundaries, buildings, structures, access areas and proposed development on a parcel of land.

What is a site plan used for?

Site plans are used for property planning, building permits, zoning review, HOA approval, construction coordination and development applications.

What information is shown on a site plan?

A site plan commonly shows property lines, lot dimensions, buildings, proposed work, setbacks, easements, driveways, streets, a north arrow and a drawing scale.

Is a site plan the same as a floor plan?

No. A site plan shows where a building sits on the property. A floor plan shows the internal arrangement of rooms, walls, doors and windows.

Is a site plan the same as a survey?

No. A licensed survey establishes or documents measured property boundaries. A site plan shows the property layout and proposed development.

Is a site plan the same as a plot plan?

The terms are often used interchangeably for residential permits. In some contexts, a plot plan is a simpler residential property drawing, while a site plan may contain more technical information.

Do site plans have to be drawn to scale?

Most permit and development drawings should use a consistent scale or contain enough accurate dimensions for the reviewer to assess the proposal.

Can I draw my own site plan?

Some authorities accept homeowner-prepared plans for straightforward projects. The drawing must still be accurate, readable and complete enough for the intended review.

Can a site plan be prepared online?

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

Does a site plan guarantee permit approval?

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

Final Definition

A site plan is a visual map of a property and its development.

It explains where the boundaries are, what already exists, what is proposed and how the structures, setbacks, access areas and other site features relate to one another.

The drawing may be simple or highly detailed, depending on whether it is being used for preliminary planning, a residential permit, an HOA submission or a larger development application.

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, zoning or permitting advice. Site-plan requirements vary according to the property, jurisdiction and project type. A remotely drafted site plan does not replace a licensed boundary survey or professional engineering when either is required.