Small repair projects may qualify for an exemption, but an exemption from a building permit does not automatically mean the work is exempt from zoning, tree-protection, historic-district, right-of-way, or other requirements. Always confirm the rules for the specific property and project.

What an Atlanta Residential Site Plan Should Show

There is no single site-plan checklist that applies to every residential project. The safest approach is to show enough information for the reviewer to understand the complete existing and proposed layout without guessing.

1. Property boundaries and lot dimensions

Show the property lines and the known length of each boundary. The property address and parcel information should also be identified so the drawing can be matched to the permit application.

2. Existing buildings and improvements

Show the existing house, garage, sheds, decks, porches, driveways, walkways, patios, retaining walls, pools, and other major improvements that may affect the project.

3. Proposed construction

Clearly label the proposed work and distinguish it from existing construction. Include the proposed footprint dimensions so reviewers can understand its size and location.

4. Setback distances

Show the distance from the proposed structure to the front, rear, and side property lines. Atlanta’s setback requirements vary by zoning district, lot configuration, project type, and special district, so do not assume that one standard distance applies throughout the city.

5. Distance between structures

Include the distance between the proposed work and nearby buildings. This can help reviewers evaluate placement, access, separation, and other site conditions.

6. Streets, driveways, parking, and access

Identify adjoining streets, alleys, driveways, curb cuts, parking areas, sidewalks, and other access features. Projects that affect the public right-of-way may require separate approval from the Atlanta Department of Transportation.

7. Easements and restricted areas

Show known utility, drainage, access, sewer, or other easements when reliable information is available. Easement information may need to come from a recorded plat, title document, or property survey.

8. Trees and tree-protection areas

Atlanta has a dedicated Arborist Division that reviews building plans for tree-related impacts. If construction, grading, equipment access, or demolition could affect trees, the plan may need to show tree locations, removal requests, protection areas, or related information.

9. Drawing scale and north arrow

The City’s online permitting instructions state that drawings should be prepared to scale and that the scale should be clearly shown on each page. A north arrow should also be included so reviewers can understand the plan’s orientation.

10. Project and site calculations

Depending on the application, reviewers may request lot area, building area, lot coverage, impervious area, parking calculations, or other zoning information. Include these when they are relevant to the project or specifically requested.

Check the Property’s Atlanta Zoning Before Drawing the Plan

Before finalizing a site plan, check the property’s zoning classification. The City of Atlanta provides online GIS tools that can be used to research zoning, parcel data, land use information, neighborhood planning units, lot boundaries, and other property information.

Zoning matters because it can affect:

• Required front, side, and rear yards
• Maximum lot coverage
• Permitted building height
• Accessory-structure placement
• Parking and driveway requirements
• Whether an ADU or another proposed use is allowed
• Whether a variance or special approval may be needed

GIS maps are valuable research tools, but mapped parcel lines are not always a substitute for a boundary survey. When the exact legal boundary is uncertain, disputed, or critical to the project, a survey prepared by a licensed land surveyor may be required.

Historic and Special District Requirements

Atlanta contains historic districts, landmark districts, overlays, Special Public Interest districts, and other areas with additional development controls.

These controls can affect setbacks, building placement, height, materials, facade design, demolition, landscaping, and other features. Some projects may need zoning, design, preservation, or administrative approval before the building-permit review can proceed.

The City recommends researching whether a property is located in a special, historic, or overlay district before submitting a permit application. Finding this out early can prevent the project from being routed back for additional approvals.

How Atlanta’s Online Permit Submission Works

Atlanta accepts permit applications through its online permitting portal. The general process includes entering the property and applicant information, selecting the appropriate application type, uploading the required documents, and submitting the package for review.

The City’s online guidance states that:

• An application and plans are required to continue many building-permit submissions.
• Files should be uploaded in unlocked, password-free PDF format.
• Drawings should be prepared to scale.
• The scale should be clearly identified on each drawing page.
• Files should follow the City’s document naming standards.
• Staff performs a completeness check before the application moves into formal review.

If the submission is incomplete, staff may request additional drawings, corrections, forms, or supporting materials. A complete, clearly labeled site plan makes it easier for intake staff and technical reviewers to understand the proposed work.

Site Plan Versus Property Survey

A site plan and a boundary survey are related documents, but they are not the same.

A site plan is a scaled drawing that organizes the available property information and shows existing and proposed improvements. It is commonly used to support permit, planning, HOA, contractor, and property-improvement applications.

A boundary survey is prepared by a licensed land surveyor using field measurements, monument research, and legal property records. It is used when the precise legal location of property boundaries must be established or certified.

Some Atlanta residential projects may be accepted with a site plan prepared from an existing survey, recorded plat, parcel information, aerial imagery, and measurements provided by the property owner. Other projects may require a current survey or drawings prepared by a licensed architect, engineer, or surveyor.

The permit checklist for the specific application should always control.

Common Site Plan Mistakes That Can Delay Review

Missing dimensions

A drawing may show the proposed structure but fail to show its dimensions or its distance from the property lines.

No clear distinction between existing and proposed work

Use labels, line types, shading, or a legend to make it immediately clear which structures already exist and which are proposed.

Using an unscaled screenshot

A satellite image or GIS screenshot can be useful as reference material, but it may not provide the dimensions, scale, labels, and project details needed for permit review.

Ignoring zoning or special-district rules

A project that fits physically on the lot may still conflict with a required setback, lot-coverage limit, historic-district control, or other zoning standard.

Leaving out trees

Tree impacts can trigger additional review in Atlanta. Do not leave out trees when they are near the proposed construction, access route, grading area, or demolition work.

Guessing at property lines

Public parcel maps are useful for preliminary planning but may not establish an exact legal boundary. Use an existing survey when available and obtain professional surveying assistance when boundary accuracy is critical.

Information to Provide When Ordering Your Atlanta Site Plan

Providing complete information at the start helps the drafting process move faster. Helpful items include:

• The full Atlanta property address
• A description of the proposed project
• The proposed structure dimensions
• The preferred location of the project
• An existing survey, recorded plat, or site plan, if available
• Contractor sketches or architectural drawings
• Measurements taken at the property
• Photos showing the proposed construction area
• Permit-review comments or correction notices
• Known easement, driveway, utility, or tree information

Even a simple marked-up sketch can be helpful when it clearly shows where the proposed work should be placed.

Fast Residential Site Plans for Atlanta Properties

USA Site Plans prepares clear residential site plans for homeowners, builders, contractors, permit expediters, property managers, and design professionals.

Plans can be prepared for:

• Home additions
• Garages and carports
• Decks and screened porches
• Sheds and accessory structures
• Swimming pools and pool equipment
• Fences and gates
• Driveways and parking areas
• Pergolas and patio covers
• ADUs and backyard structures
• Other residential permit projects

The completed plan can show the property boundaries, lot dimensions, existing structures, proposed work, setbacks, driveways, streets, north arrow, scale, trees, and other requested features based on the information available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Atlanta residential project require a site plan?

No. The required documents depend on the type of work, construction value, zoning district, property conditions, and other approvals. Projects that change a building footprint or add a new outdoor structure are more likely to require a site plan.

Can I submit a hand-drawn site plan?

Acceptance depends on the application and the quality of the drawing. Atlanta’s online permitting guidance requires drawings to be prepared to scale with the scale clearly identified. A clean digital drawing is generally easier to read, revise, and upload.

How can I check my Atlanta zoning?

The City provides GIS mapping tools for zoning, parcel, land-use, planning, and property research. For an official confirmation, contact the Office of Zoning and Development or request formal zoning verification.

Do trees need to be shown?

They may need to be shown when construction, demolition, grading, access, or utility work could affect trees. The Arborist Division performs tree-related building-plan reviews and administers Atlanta’s tree-protection requirements.

Does a USA Site Plans drawing replace a boundary survey?

No. A drafting-based site plan does not establish or certify legal property boundaries. Obtain a licensed boundary survey when required by the City, when property corners cannot be confirmed, or when the project is close to a disputed or uncertain boundary.

Are the drawings signed or stamped?

Standard USA Site Plans drawings are not signed or stamped by a licensed Georgia architect, engineer, or surveyor. When the City requires sealed drawings or a certified survey, the appropriate Georgia-licensed professional must be used.

Does ordering a site plan guarantee permit approval?

No company can guarantee approval because the City of Atlanta makes the final permitting and zoning decisions. A complete, accurate, and easy-to-read site plan can help reviewers understand the project and can reduce avoidable correction requests.

Official Atlanta Sources

1. 
   City of Atlanta — Getting Started With Zoning, Development, and Permitting Services
   

“`

2. 
   City of Atlanta — Online Permitting Instructions
   
3. 
   City of Atlanta — Permitting Process Overview
   
4. 
   City of Atlanta — Zoning and Building Codes
   
5. 
   City of Atlanta — Office of Zoning and Development
   
6. 
   City of Atlanta — Maps and GIS
   
7. 
   City of Atlanta — Arborist Division
   
8. 
   Atlanta Department of Transportation — Right-of-Way Permits
   

“`

Permit procedures, zoning rules, fees, forms, and submission requirements can change. Confirm the current requirements with the City of Atlanta before submitting an application.